A Basic Guide To HRVST Extracts
The extraction process begins with the cannabis plant HRVST sources.
Our process begins by sourcing the highest quality Cannabis trim and flower from several of Colorado’s best medical and recreational gardens. We then begin the hydrocarbon extraction process using solvents such as Butane, Propane, and Heptane to separate cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBN, CBG etc.), terpenes (smell and flavor compounds), and flavonoids from the plant material. We then “purge” the extract of the residual solvents, resulting in a clean, terpene-rich product. More information about hydrocarbon extracts can be found here: https://www.
Extracts consist of mostly terpenes and cannabinoids:
Terpenes– Terpenes are the smell and flavor compounds found in all plants, including cannabis. The smell in a forest of pine trees comes from the terpene Pinene. Research suggests that terpenes also produce unique physiological benefits. For example, Pinene has been shown to aid in anxiety and benefit asthmatics. (We are not medical professionals and one should consult a physician when researching medicinal benefits) There are hundreds of terpenes, and their unique ratios alongside cannabinoids, produce a strain’s specific effects. The way that the terpenes and cannabinoids work together to induce a unique feeling is known as the entourage effect.
Cannabinoids– Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis that each produce a unique effect. THC is the most widely known since it was the main cannabinoid recognized to produce psychoactive effects. Many times, when reading a testing label relating to concentrates, some will inquire about the differences between THC and THC-A. THC-A is the “non-activated” form of THC. When THC is heated, it goes through a process of decarboxylation, which converts THC to THC-A and makes the compound bioavailable. This allows users to ingest the cannabinoid without any need for combustion or vaporization. Other cannabinoids go through a similar process that you can read about from our friends at Leafly. https://www.leafly.com/news/
Extract Consistencies (from dry cannabis material)
SHATTER
Shatter is one of the most common forms of extract we produce. Shatter is transparent/translucent and will end up with either a sappy, softer consistency or a more stable, glassy consistency. It was named shatter as the more stable examples shatter into pieces upon contact.
WAX
Wax was named because it typically will look like, well, wax. This can range from a wet, buttery consistency to dry and honeycomb-like. Wax is processed in a similar fashion as shatter but is agitated, and heated so the extract will bind together in a different fashion, giving it an opaque look and waxy consistency.
SUGAR WAX
This goes through a similar extraction process as shatter, however, this extract is allowed to nucleate, or bond for a longer period of time. Sugar wax forms a crystalline cannabinoid structure that appears like sugar.
Live Or Fresh Frozen Extracts
What makes live products, “live,” is the fact that the cannabis is frozen fresh immediately after it is harvested. When we produce these concentrates, they retain the terpenes from the living plant. Another main difference in production is that live concentrates are extracted at sub-zero temperatures in order to retain more of the terpenes, resulting in a terpene-rich end product. We produce live badders, live sugars, and live diamonds.
LIVE DIAMONDS
The “diamonds” in live diamonds refers to the crystalline structures that form when cannabinoids bind (precipitate) and grow together to form what looks like diamonds/crystals. These cannabinoid crystals are separated from the liquid terpenes and can be dabbed or vaporized together according to the user’s preferred ratio. Terpenes will contain cannabinoids, but in a much lower concentration than the diamond’s themselves.
LIVE SUGAR
Live sugar is similar to live diamonds, however, we don’t allow the crystals to grow for the same period of time, resulting in smaller cannabinoid formations. Live sugar also includes concentrated terpenes, allowing the user to combine the “sugar” and terpenes according to their personal preference.
LIVE BADDER
Badders are produced from fresh frozen material and have a homogeneous, opaque consistency. Live badder provides a more consistent dab compared to sugars or diamonds but doesn’t give you the option of choosing your own ratio of terpenes to cannabinoids.
PURE/BLANC
We use chromatography to remove pigments and other impurities from the extracts. This is not just for color but as a supplementary type of purification, like de-waxing (where fats and lipids are removed). There is no bleach involved. Many report a smoother dab.
GOLD LABEL
Distillate
This is a refined cannabis extract that is produced using various methods of distillation (short-path, wiped-film etc.). The distillation process will produce a transparent, almost clear extract that contains very high levels of cannabinoids, but no terpenes. Distillate is typically used in cartridges and edibles, due to its nearly pure cannabinoid content.
HRVST CARTRIDGES
Our live-resin terpene cartridges are 500 milligrams(½ gram). They are about 60% distillate and 40% cannabis derived live-resin. These are very flavorful and provide a full-spectrum buzz that is more strain-specific than a traditional distillate cartridge. We use very high-quality hardware and will swap out any defective cartridge for a new one. These are not compatible with draw activated batteries, please use these with button-activated batteries only.
HRVST x Metta Hemp CBN Sleep Cartridge
Our high CBN Sleep Cartridges contain a proprietary blend of cannabinoids and terpenes to promote restful sleep. Our team went through many formulations to ensure that this will not only taste great (a majority of the cartridge is live sauce) but will assist in a deeper sleep.
Use as a nightcap (right before bed) to your regular consumption regimen. A little goes a long way so we advise to start small. This cartridge was NOT designed for draw-activated batteries. Please use a push-button battery.
Live sauce strains may vary.