// Definition
An extraction method using carbon dioxide under high pressure and temperature to reach a supercritical state where it acts as a solvent for cannabinoids and terpenes. CO2 is fairly non-polar, so it pulls fewer waxes and lipids than hydrocarbon solvents like butane, resulting in cleaner but typically lower-yield extracts. By adjusting temperature and pressure, the operator can control whether the output is sugar wax, sap, or shatter. The final colour is determined primarily by terpene content rather than quality.
// From the Episode
Supercritical CO2 extraction received its first live demonstration on Hash Church in Episode 18, when Mike from Green Lion Farms (Washington) ran his CO2 machine in real time while processing a batch of Quazulu. He explained that CO2's non-polar nature means it naturally produces a cleaner extract with fewer lipids than BHO, often eliminating the need for winterization. Temperature and pressure are the primary controls: boosting temperature past the paraffin melting point can blow waxes off for an even cleaner product. The system requires significant equipment investment compared to solventless methods but offers consistency and scalability. Mike supplies dispensaries wholesale in Washington state using this method.
// Source
Ep. 018 Hash Church XVIII →