Sweet Love, Sweet High: How Extraction Methods Shape Your Edible Experience

Find the perfect edible to match your Valentine’s Day vibe—whether you’re sparking romance, sharing laughs, or indulging in self-love.

Cannabis edibles have become a go-to choice for those seeking a smoke-free experience, but not all edibles are created equal. The method used to extract cannabinoids from the plant plays a crucial role in how an edible will affect you. Understanding extraction methods can help you choose products that align with your desired effects, whether you’re looking for a fast-acting high, long-lasting relief, or a more balanced entourage effect.

Why Extraction Matters in Edibles

Before cannabinoids like THC and CBD make their way into your favorite gummies, chocolates, or infused beverages, they must first be extracted from the cannabis plant. This process determines the purity, potency, and range of cannabinoids and terpenes present in the final product. The extraction method also affects how your body metabolizes cannabinoids, influencing onset time, intensity, and duration of effects.

Extraction Methods vs. Final Product

It’s important to distinguish between an extraction method and the final product. Extraction methods refer to the techniques used to pull cannabinoids from the plant, while the final product is the oil or concentrate used in edibles. For example, distillate can refer both to a specific type of refined extract and an end product used in edibles, which can sometimes lead to confusion. Below, we will first cover extraction methods and then explain how they influence the final cannabis oil used in edibles.

Extraction Methods and Their Impact on Edibles

1. Hydrocarbon Extraction (Butane/Propane Blend)

• Best for: High-terpene full-spectrum extracts (HTFSE), live resin
• Process: Uses butane or propane to extract cannabinoids and terpenes while leaving behind chlorophyll and plant waxes.

How It Affects the Final Oil Product:

• End Product: Live resin or high-terpene full-spectrum extract (HTFSE)
• Characteristics: Retains a rich cannabinoid and terpene profile, enhancing the entourage effect.
• Edible Impact: These edibles provide a layered, dynamic high with a more well-rounded experience.

2. CO₂ Supercritical Extraction

• Best for: Broad-spectrum cannabinoid retention, solvent-free extracts
• Process: Uses pressurized CO₂ to extract cannabinoids with minimal residual solvents.

How It Affects the Final Oil Product:

• End Product: Broad-spectrum oil or refined CO₂ distillate
• Characteristics: Preserves cannabinoids like CBG and CBC but may lose some terpenes.
• Edible Impact: CO₂-extracted edibles may feel less intense at their peak but provide a longer-lasting, balanced high.

3. Cryo Ethanol Extraction

• Best for: Full-spectrum cannabinoid extraction with minimal plant waxes
• Process: Uses extremely cold ethanol (-40°C or lower) to extract cannabinoids while avoiding excessive plant matter.

How It Affects the Final Oil Product:

• End Product: Full-spectrum oil with a mix of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and minor plant compounds
• Characteristics: Deep, full-bodied oil with a stronger sedative and relaxing effect.
• Edible Impact: These edibles tend to have a long-lasting, body-focused high, making them great for pain relief and sleep.

Distillate: A Special Case

What It Is:

Distillate is not an extraction method but a refined form of cannabis oil that has undergone distillation to isolate specific cannabinoids, usually THC or CBD.

How It’s Made:

Distillate is typically created after an initial extraction (such as CO₂ or ethanol), followed by a purification process that removes terpenes and minor cannabinoids.

How It Affects the Final Oil Product:

• End Product: Nearly pure THC or CBD oil with little to no terpenes or minor cannabinoids
• Characteristics: Extremely potent but lacks the entourage effect
• Edible Impact: Distillate-based edibles tend to have a potent but one-dimensional high, with a quick onset and steep comedown.

Distillate + High-Terpene Extract (HTE) and Its Impact on Edibles

A growing trend in cannabis edibles is the combination of distillate with High-Terpene Extract (HTE) to restore some of the flavors and effects lost during distillation.

How It Affects the Final Oil Product:

• End Product: Distillate enhanced with strain-specific terpenes and minor cannabinoids
• Characteristics: Brings back some of the strain’s original complexity and depth
• Edible Impact: These edibles feel more balanced and strain-specific, offering a longer-lasting and nuanced high compared to pure distillate.

Love, Laughs, and Edibles: A Valentine’s Day Guide to Elevated Romance

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, this is the perfect time to explore edibles that align with your romantic plans. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing night in with a loved one or a solo self-care session, choosing the right edible can enhance the experience.

💖 For relaxation and intimacy: Look for full-spectrum or HTE-infused edibles, as these offer a more balanced and immersive high that may enhance connection and relaxation.

💘 For a playful and euphoric evening: Distillate-based edibles provide a fast and uplifting high, perfect for social interactions or an energy boost.

🔥 For a long-lasting, sensual vibe: Ethanol-extracted or CO₂ broad-spectrum edibles can provide a deeper, body-focused effect, ideal for a cozy night.

No matter how you’re celebrating, understanding the extraction method behind your edibles can help you tailor the experience to your perfect Valentine’s Day vibe.

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Love with the Right Edibles

Extraction isn’t just a technical process—it shapes the entire edible experience. Whether you’re looking for something subtle or powerful, knowing how your edibles were made can help you find the right product for your needs.

This Valentine’s Day, let the right edible set the mood—whether it’s for relaxation, intimacy, or an unforgettable night of fun!