Performing a cannabis extraction properly can be a complicated and expensive task. Nowadays, there are different types of machines to achieve excellent results, but they are usually more expensive. On the other hand, homemade techniques are more affordable but also more dangerous. But what if it were possible to perform cannabis extractions with a Nespresso machine? Although the two worlds seem far apart, various research studies show that Nespresso machines can be used for more than just making coffee.
Research conducted
In 2018, a group of scientists from the University of Valencia wondered if they could use this machine to make cannabis extractions, so they decided to try it out. It may sound complicated, but The International Journal of Pure and Applied Analytical Chemistry at Atalanta published that the latest results indicate that it is possible to obtain cannabis concentrates with this type of machine.
However, they are not the only ones interested in this subject. The company Green Point had the same doubt; they wanted to create machines that worked like coffee machines, offering a safe and efficient process to produce extraction easily.
How to make cannabis extractions with a Nespresso machine?
This clinical trial used a Nespresso machine, namely the Essenza Manual XN2003 model, along with cannabis samples belonging to the Narcotics Department of the Valencia Police. The main idea was to develop a simple, fast and cheap process.
A simple method
The steps followed by researchers are simple:
- First, crush the cannabis (in this case they used 0.2 grams) and insert an empty coffee capsule.
- Fill the machine with isopropanol instead of water. Isopropyl alcohol is called 2-propanol too. This colourless, flammable chemical compound is one of two isomers of propanol, the other is 1-propanol. Remember that it is not suitable for consumption, only for analytical purposes.
- Then use the machine as usual; this way the extraction will be ready in less than one minute, more precisely in 40 seconds.
The result was compared with other methods such as ultrasonic extraction, gas chromatography spectroscopy, and ion mobility spectroscopy.
After analysis and comparison, the conclusion is that the liquid extraction had 90% of the cannabinoids measured in the sample. The results are very similar to those of the other methods, but the extraction time in this case is much shorter.
It should be stressed that it is important to purge cannabis concentrates via a bain-marie or using a vacuum oven for BHO extracts, to remove impurities from the extractions.
What does this great discovery involve?
Although there are several machines for the extraction of cannabis ; none of them have managed to simplify the process in this way so far. Furthermore, the capsule system avoids handling dangerous substances such as ethanol. Isopropanol also presents risks of an explosion but less than gases such as butane, because it is more versatile.
Also, the cost is lower, it is a new and cheap method of extracting cannabis. Indeed, this type of machine is worth moreless 300 euros.
Moreover, after the experiment, the researchers cleaned the machine thoroughly. In fact, they found no damage caused during the extraction of these substances. This proves that there is no risk of releasing unwanted polymers or substances that would alter concentrates’ purity.
This is why companies, such as Green Point, are already looking to create a similar tool, but designed exclusively for this type of concentrate. The idea is to make it accessible to a larger part of the population to create their oils.
Initial studies have shown how this type of tool can be very useful in making extractions more affordable, easier, and faster. However, more research is needed before this technique can be used safely, so it will take longer before it can be used at home. It is important to remember that it is not advisable to do this at home until more is known, as it could be dangerous.
