// Science · Glossary

Rosin as Micro Steam Distillation

⚗️ Science First mentioned: Ep. 052

A scientific framework for understanding rosin pressing as a form of microscale steam distillation. When heat and pressure are applied to cannabis material, the water content in plant cells creates localized steam that helps carry terpenes and cannabinoids out of the trichome heads, similar in principle to traditional steam distillation of essential oils.

Mark Scialdone explained this concept in Ep 052 during a chemistry discussion about extraction mechanisms. He noted that the water present in plant material is not merely incidental but plays an active role in the rosin extraction process, which is why material moisture content affects rosin yield and quality.

Ep. 052 Hash Church LI 51