Which is better rosin or BHO?
Welcome to one of the most hotly debated topics of the cannabis concentrates world. Rosin is pressing versus closed-loop extraction systems. Cannabis concentrates are exploding in popularity around the world, but the method of creating them is hotly debated.
Today we’re going to talk about two different methods of creating concentrates; rosin pressing and closed-loop extraction systems. We’ll check out the pros and cons of each method.
With the rise of cannabis concentrates, and health-conscious customers, many consumers are looking at the extraction methods which are used to produce cannabis concentrates. Do you know how your favorite cannabis concentrates are made or what some of the chemicals you could be consuming are? No? Let’s check it out, shall we?
Rosin Presses Pros and Cons
First, we’re going to talk about the benefits of rosin presses and what they have to offer.
When you use a rosin press, you don’t need to worry about harsh or dangerous chemicals. Rosin technology is a relatively new process. A rosin press allows you to create your own cannabis concentrates without having to use dangerous chemicals or worry about complicated chemical procedures. Rosin presses utilize pressure and heat.
Pictured:
NugSmasher XP Rosin Press
Rosin presses are a natural way to create your own cannabis oil. It’s really pretty damn easy. You take all your hash or flower and put it into a filter bag and in-between parchment paper. You then apply approximately 500 PSI of pressure and 215F heat, wait between 60 – 120 seconds and that’s it. You have your own healthy and solvent-free cannabis extract.
Rosin Pros:
- Your rosin concentrates are going to be completely chemical-free. Even with purging after closed-loop extraction systems, many people are still worried about residual chemicals.
- Your rosin extracts are going to be ready in under fifteen minutes. That’s ready to dab straight after you finish!
- You don’t need to purge your concentrates after utilizing rosin pressing — no chemicals like isopropyl alcohol or butane to worry about.
- With rosin, you’re getting the full entourage effect. This means you’re getting the full effect of cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Rosin pressing is much easier than closed-loop extraction systems to master.
- You’re going to end up with a much cleaner and healthier finished product when you use a rosin press.
- A rosin press can be had and setup for cheap and does not require a lot of space.
- Rosin pressing allows you to create shatter, oil, crumble or wax easily.
Rosin Cons:
- Rosin presses utilize pressure and heat which can be an operational hazard to the user if not used correctly.
- If you press for too long, you can burn your extract and ruin it.
- Rosin pressed don’t use all the plant material as closed-loop extraction systems do. This can make them more expensive and waste some of the plant material.
Closed-Loop Extraction System Pros and Cons
Just like rosin presses, closed-loop extraction systems have their own list of pros and cons. Everyone has their own preferences.
So, what is closed-loop extraction? Closed-loop extraction methods are a way to create cannabis concentrates using a closed-loop system. This reduces the number of chemicals such as butane you use and also keeps the chemicals contained.
Closed-Loop Extraction System Pros:
- If you know what you’re doing with a closed-loop extraction system, you can get some consistent results, but it’s definitely not for amateurs.
- Solvent extraction is one of the most common methods of extraction and producing cannabis concentrates.
- There is a lot of information available about solvent extraction methods.
- Closed-loop systems reuse solvents which saves a lot of money.
- Closed-loop systems lower the risk of explosions and fire.
Closed-Loop Extraction System Cons:
- Closed-loop extraction systems require a significant investment, ranging from mid-5 to 6-figures in cost.
- They also take up a lot of real estate, requiring a large amount of space for processing.
- There is a lot of misinformation about solvent extraction which makes it extremely dangerous for beginners.
- Solvent extraction can be extremely dangerous if you make a mistake or aren’t sure what you’re doing. Poison, fire, and Do we need to go on? Oh yeah, did we mention it’s super dangerous?
- Butane and other chemicals used in the extraction process can strip the good material straight out of your concentrates.
- Closed loop extraction processes take a lot longer than resin presses. It can be up to 48 hours before your concentrates are ready to dab.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you’re going to choose one of these two methods if you choose to make your own concentrates. If you’re looking for a healthy and safe method, then why not give rosin pressing a chance? You might just surprise yourself!
Additional Resources on Rosin
Ready to take the plunge and get the 101 on rosin, the types of rosin press in the market and the best ones to buy, and a step-by-step by on maximizing your yields? We've lined up some resources below for you to check out.
