Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Solventless Cannabis Resin Extraction

Objective: To define and standardize the procedures for solventless cannabis resin extraction, encompassing cultivation, post-harvest handling, ice water extraction, freeze-drying, and final product SKU formulation. This SOP ensures optimal quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Section 1: Cultivation and Pre-Harvest Preparation

1. Harvesting Methodology:
   • Timing: Harvest cannabis plants at peak maturity to maximize cannabinoid and terpene content. Choose a time when trichomes are at their most mature, ideally just before plant senescence.
   • Trichome Preservation: Handle plants with care to preserve trichome structure. Minimize physical contact to avoid damaging the resin glands.
2. Initial Freezing:
   • Immediate Freezing: As soon as the plants are harvested, trim and prepare the material for freezing using the Water Plant Freeze Flow (WPFF) method. Rapid freezing prevents degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes.
   • Storage Conditions: Store frozen plant material in airtight, freezer-safe containers at temperatures below -20°C to maintain product integrity.

Section 2: Post-Harvest Handling

1. Material Preparation:
   • Sort the frozen material to remove fan leaves and large stems, which are less resin-rich. Focus on preserving trim and buds with high trichome content.
   • Quality Check: Inspect the frozen material for any contaminants or damaged trichomes that could compromise extraction quality.
2. Pre-Extraction Staging:
   • Prior to beginning the extraction process, ensure all equipment and workspaces are sanitized and prepared for safe handling of frozen cannabis material.

Section 3: Cold Water Extraction (Ice Water Hash / Bubble Hash)

1. Setup and Preparation:
   • Water Extraction System (WES): Fill the WES with purified, ice-cold water (ideally 0-4°C) to avoid introducing impurities or undesired elements into the resin.
   • Agitation Parameters: Adjust agitation settings to avoid excess turbulence, which could introduce plant matter into the extracted resin.
2. Extraction Process:
   • Wash Cycles: Begin with a gentle initial wash to loosen the resin glands, followed by more rigorous cycles as needed. Aim for multiple short cycles to optimize yield without compromising quality.
   • Cold Water as Medium: Cold water facilitates the separation of trichome heads from plant material without the use of chemical solvents. The water transports the resin glands to a sieve station.
3. Sieve and Collection:
   • Mesh Sieve Bags: Use mesh sieve bags in graduated micron sizes (e.g., 220, 160, 90, 45) to collect different trichome sizes, allowing for a graded final product.
   • Water Recirculation: Reuse water as necessary but monitor for contamination. Replace water frequently to prevent off-flavors or impurities in the final product.
4. Biomass Disposal:
   • Collect residual plant material in designated disposal carts. Dispose of or repurpose as per local regulations, considering options like composting.

Section 4: Freeze-Drying of Resin

1. Preparation for Freeze-Drying:
   • Placement on Trays: Evenly spread the wet resin on freeze-drying trays, ideally at a thickness of 1-3mm, to ensure even drying. Place mesh or perforated liners under the resin to improve airflow.
   • Freezer Storage (if staging): If not immediately freeze-drying, store resin trays in a freezer below -20°C until ready.
2. Freeze-Dry Cycle:
   • Initial Freezing: Set the Harvest Right freeze dryer to -40°C to fully freeze the resin for a minimum of 2 hours.
   • Primary Drying (Sublimation): Run the sublimation phase at -25°C to -10°C for 12-24 hours, depending on resin thickness.
   • Secondary Drying (Desorption): Gradually increase temperature to 5-10°C for an additional 6-12 hours to remove residual moisture.
3. Final Quality Check:
   • Check each tray to ensure uniform dryness. The resin should be crumbly and free from any moisture before moving to the next phase.

Section 5: Pressing Dried Resin into Rosin

1. Preparation for Pressing:
   • Bagging the Resin: Place freeze-dried hash into rosin bags with appropriate micron ratings (e.g., 25-37 microns) to control resin flow and reduce plant matter contamination.
   • Temperature and Pressure Calibration: Set the KWAD Rosin Press to the optimal temperature (typically 160-220°F) and adjust pressure gradually to prevent terpene loss.
2. Pressing Process:
   • Incremental Pressure Application: Apply pressure in gradual increments to avoid shocking the resin. Monitor yield and adjust as necessary to achieve a balance of yield and quality.
   • Rosin Collection: Once extraction is complete, carefully collect the rosin using a silicone scraper.
3. Quality Assessment:
   • Conduct a sensory and visual inspection to ensure the rosin is of the desired consistency, potency, and purity.

Section 6: Product SKU Formulation and Packaging

1. Product Formulation:
   • Batch Consistency: Verify consistency in color, texture, and potency across all batches to meet brand standards.
   • Lab Testing: Submit samples from each batch for potency, purity, and contaminant testing. Document results for regulatory compliance and quality control.
2. SKU Creation:
   • Assign unique SKU numbers based on product type, potency, and other relevant identifiers. Update inventory management systems to track each SKU.
3. Packaging and Labeling:
   • Package the rosin in airtight, UV-protected containers to maintain freshness. Label with batch number, testing results, and regulatory information.
   • Include usage and storage guidelines on packaging to educate consumers on maintaining product quality.

Section 7: Safety and Regulatory Compliance

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
   • All personnel involved in the extraction and pressing processes must wear gloves, lab coats, and eye protection to prevent contamination and ensure personal safety.
2. Workplace Hygiene and Equipment Maintenance:
   • Regularly clean all equipment and work areas to maintain a sterile environment. Implement scheduled maintenance for all equipment.
3. Regulatory Compliance:
   • Document all processes and results, ensuring traceability and compliance with state and federal regulations. Keep detailed records of all SOP steps, batch data, and testing results for inspections.