Cannabis Alchemy by D. Gold

[JM]

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Contents
Preface
Introduction
Chapter One
Extraction & Purification of
Marijuana & Hashish Oils
Chapter Two
Isomerization
Chapter Three
THC Acetate
Chapter Four
Preparation of Hashish
Chapter Five
Increasing Potency of Intact
Marijuana Flowers
Chapter Six
Preparation of Oil Capsules
Chapter Seven
Smoking Oil by Direct Vaporization
Chapter Eight
Preparation of Translucent (Honey)
Oil
Chapter Nine
Preparation of “Reefers”
Chapter Ten
High-Volume Extraction Method
Chapter Eleven
Advanced Refinement Techniques
Appendix A
Letters
Appendix B
Solvent Notes
Glossary
References
D. Gold reveals the inner world of
marijuana and hashish in CANNABIS
ALCHEMY. Accompany the alchemist as
he uncovers the secrets of enhancing
potency in this informative text.
“Cannabis lovers awake and sing! For
this is surely no less than a masterwork, a
lucid, extraordinarily practical labor of
alchemical love and lore.”
David Solomon, author of “Marijuana
Papers”
“This modern classic adds a valid new
twist to the ancient art of getting high.”
George Andrews, author of “The Book of
Grass”
Preface
The cultivation of marijuana and the
refinement of its preparations has
concerned alchemists and hedonists on this
planet for centuries. Cannabis sativa and
Cannabis indica are both powerful allies.
The body of the plant itself serves as a link
between the physical plane and a host of
Spirits of exceptional wisdom and subtlety.
When the plant is ingested, these qualities
are manifested in the. mind of the
worshipper, unlocking the storehouse of
Wisdom within and revealing the hidden
springs of pleasure. Smoking or eating the
leaves or flowers is usually sufficient to
bring about the desired state, although it
seems inherent in the nature of Man to
search for more concentrated forms of the
drug that are stronger, more pleasant to
ingest, or more desirable in some other
way. Thus in, every culture the technology
of that period is applied to the work of the
transmutation. As technology has evolved,
so have the outward trappings of the
operation, even though the principles
underlying the operation remain constant
throughout time and cultural differences. In
primitive situations the refinement is carried
on manually, the flowers being separated
from the less psychoactive seeds, Stems
and leaves. Resins are extracted by simply
rubbing the plant with the hands and then
scraping the resin from the hands with the
fingers. Water extractions are
accomplished by boiling the plant parts in
water, letting the water evaporate in the
sun, and then collecting the residue. In
cultures advanced to the state of
mechanical technology, certain devices are
used to this end. This might involve sifting
the dried resin through mesh cloth, or
mechanically pressing the resin into slabs.
In cultures where the ingestion of the plant
is accepted and desirable, these
techniques become the formulae of power,
and hash makers are revered as Priests of
the Holy Sacrament. In other situations
their work is misunderstood, and they are
branded as criminals to be persecuted. Yet
their work continues.
—D. Gold
Introduction
The public attitude on the personal use
of marijuana has changed significantly
since the first edition of this book. It
appears to be only a matter of time before
the legal status of marijuana becomes like
that of tobacco (in the past, tobacco use
was widely prohibited and its use was
grounds for excommunication from the
Catholic Church). The use of THC has
been allowed in the treatment of glaucoma
and to alleviate the unpleasant side effects
of chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer.
The reports of undesirable effects of
marijuana do appear in the scientific
literature, but there is no consensus on the
damaging effects of the moderate use of
marijuana. In contrast, the scientific
consensus on damaging effects of smoking
tobacco or using alcohol in excess is
overwhelming. The logical explanation of
this situation is convoluted and is probably
understood fully only by those with a halfcentury
of experience in social engineering
and government. When the situation is
presented to an individual being initiated to
the ways of society, it only damages the
credibility of the whole system. The real
motivation for a change in governmental
attitudes no doubt comes from the simple
fact that the use of marijuana has become
a common practice for millions of
Americans, including the sons and
daughters of the governing officials—the
criminal stigma and revolutionary
symbolism of marijuana use has faded.
Given the widespread everyday
recreational use of cannabis, it becomes
obvious that the various methods of
consuming it are only starting to develop. If
one walks down the aisle of a wine shop
and considers the varied forms of ethanol
which have evolved, it is clear that
cannabis has a long way to go. The
research on the physiological and
psychological effects of THC and its
analogs is in its incipient state, and the
potential for developing compounds of
varied effects and duration is enormous.
The pharmaceutical companies are active
in this area of research, and it is in their
interest that the use be decriminalized but
subject to prescription. The problem (for the
regulators) is that cannabis is simple to
grow anywhere and the methods for
extracting and refining THC are an
elementary chemical technique. This
volume is one of the first reports of how
simple techniques are being used to create
some simple variants of the cannabis
experience. The compounds of the future
can only be guessed at, but if the past
enterprise and energy of alchemists is any
indication, it won’t be long before we see
for ourselves.
Nicolas Flamel
Berkeley, California
1979
Chapter One
Extraction and
Purification of
Marijuana and
Hashish Oils
Step 1: Preparing the marijuana or
hashish
If marijuana is to be used as a starting
material, the seeds are removed prior to
extraction. The remaining material is them
crumbled or broken and the stems cut short
with scissors. The marijuana is dried
thoroughly. An oven is preheated to 250°F
and turned off. The marijuana is placed on
a cookie sheet for fifteen minute intervals
until the loose leaf and flower parts may be
easily crumbled to powder between the
palms. This procedure prevents scorching
the plant.
Hashish may be heated for several
minutes in an oven or in a frying pan at low
heat until it begins to smoke slightly. It is
then easily crumbled in the hands, or, if a
mortar and pestle is available, it may be
ground to a fine powder. Powdered hashish
exposed to the air for long periods will
decrease in potency, so this grinding is
done just prior to extraction.
Step 2: Pulverizing the cannabis
material
There are several reasons for reducing
the material to the finest powder possible.
Ruptured cell walls allow the oil to be
extracted more readily and the volume of
the starting material is reduced, thus
lessening the size of the extraction
apparatus needed, as well as the amount of
solvent required.
Figure 1.1 Extraction of cannabis oil.
Marijuana is put into a heavy-duty
blender until it is one-third full. A slower
speed allows the ground material to fall into
the blades while constantly flowing up the
sides from the bottom. If necessary, the
material can be agitated with a wooden
stick while the blender is not running. It is
dangerous to stir while the blender is
operating, as the stick can be shot from the
blender with great force. It is easier to grind
the chopped stems separately and then mix
the powdered material before proceeding to
the next step.
Hashish may also be ground in a
blender, but small amounts should be run,
as larger amounts will put a strain on the
motor. Pressed forms of hashish may be
shredded with a cheese grater prior to
blending.
Step 3: Refluxing
The essential oil is extracted from the
cannabis material by refluxing (boiling) in a
solvent. This essential oil (containing THC
and related substances, chlorophyll, and
the substances which contribute the taste
and smell) dissolves in the solvent (usually
an alcohol), while the cellulose parts of the
herb do not dissolve. The leached
marijuana is removed by straining, and the
solvent containing the oil is evaporated,
leaving as residue the essential oil of the
herb.
As it is very dangerous to boil solvents
(the fumes and liquid are quite flammable),
it is necessary to use specialized methods
in order to perform the operation safely.
Refluxing apparatus is composed of the
following items:
1. A small pot, preferably of stainless
steel, to hold the powdered cannabis
material and solvent. The pot should
not be over two-thirds full when the
marijuana is covered with half again its
volume of solvent.
2. A large stew pot with lid at least fifty
per cent wider and twice as deep as
the smaller pot mentioned above. Both
pots should have flat bottoms.
3. A large, deep tub for boiling water, at
least twice as wide as the stew pot.
4. A heavy-duty electric hotplate with two
burners.
5. Several yards of one-inch hemp or
manila rope.
6. Large, thick polyethylene trash bags.
Three-mil-thick trash bags are best.
7. Innertube cut into one-inch-wide rubber
bands to fit tightly around the stew pot.
Figure 1.2
Assembly: The large tub is placed
securely on the hotplate. Lengths of oneinch
rope are then placed in the bottom of
the large tub to keep the stew pot (set in
the tub on top of the rope) from resting
directly on the bottom of the tub. The small
stainless-steel pot containing the powdered
cannabis and solvent is placed in the stew
pot, and the lid is placed on top of the stew
pot in an inverted position (upside down). A
piece of plastic trash bag is cut and placed
over the lid of the large stew pot so that it
extends halfway down the side. The unit is
sealed by securing the polyethylene sheet
to the stew pot with two large innertube
rubber bands. The innertube bands are
positioned several inches down the side of
the pot, allowing some slack in the plastic
sheeting. Any air that is trapped under the
plastic is forced out by loosening the rubber
bands and flattening the bag with the hand.
As much ice as possible is piled on the
plastic bag covering the inverted lid of the
stew pot. The tub is filled half full of water
which is then brought to a boil. This heats
the apparatus to about 212°F, but not
above.
As the stainless-steel pot containing the
cannabis and solvent is heated by boiling
water in the tub, the solvent boils. As the
fumes rise inside the apparatus, they make
contact with the inverted lid of the stew pot,
which is cooled by ice from above. These
fumes of solvent then condense to liquid,
relieving the pressure created by boiling,
and drop off the inverted lid back into the
stainless-steel pot containing the cannabis
and solvent. By refluxing in this manner,
there is no danger of explosion or of toxic
fumes escaping into the air.
The reason that the cannabis and
solvent are not put directly into the large
stew pot is that the condensing surface
area (the ice-cooled lid) must be larger than
the surface area of the boiling solution in
the stainless-steel pot.
The plastic sheeting is used for several
reasons. The reaction is completely sealed
from the atmosphere, preventing any fumes
from escaping or igniting. A rigid seal, such
as the locking top of a pressure cooker, is
not good, as it would prevent pressure
buildup in the stew pot from causing the
plastic bag to inflate. The inflation of the
plastic notifies the chemist of the pressure
increase and also causes the ice to fall into
the boiling water bath, cooling the rig to a
safe temperature and reducing pressure
within the system. Pressure will not build up
too high unless one neglects to keep
enough ice on top or allows the apparatus
to heat up too fast before the ice has
sufficiently cooled the inverted lid. Refluxing
is done for three or four hours. Most of the
essential oils of the cannabis material are
now dissolved in the solvent.
There are several solvents that work
well. Their properties, and the advantages
and disadvantages of each, are discussed
below:
1. Methyl alcohol, methanol, wood alcohol
(boiling point 64°C). This solvent is
commonly employed and, if used
correctly, does a fine job. Methanol is
available at many pharmacies and in
larger quantities at industrial chemical
supply companies. It is also available
as paint thinner, but it is seldom very
pure in this form. Methanol fumes are
toxic and explosive. Inhalation of these
fumes makes one sick, with
pronounced body ache. Continued
inhalation of even small amounts may
cause permanent damage. Any traces
of the solvent remaining in the oil
product will be hazardous to the
consumer. Methanol evaporates at a
uniform temperature (approximately
190°F) and does not extract a lot of the
water-soluble tars, which are not
psychoactive. A method for removing
traces of the solvent will be discussed
later.
2. Rubbing alcohol (most rubbing alcohol
is 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30%
water). There are several advantages
to using isopropyl rubbing alcohol. It is
available in many stores at a low price
and is much less toxic and explosive
than methanol. Unfortunately, because
it contains water, many of the watersoluble,
non-psychoactive substances
are also extracted. The oil yield using
rubbing alcohol is twice that of
methanol, and is proportionally less
potent. Water-soluble tars may also
give the oil undesirable taste and
burning qualities. If the oil is to be reextracted
later with a more selective
solvent, however, it matters little what it
is like at this point. The water in the
mixture also causes it to evaporate at a
much higher temperature than
methanol. Once the alcohol is
completely evaporated, the water that
was in the solvent remains with the oil.
This takes a long time to evaporate in a
boiling water bath. An oil bath may be
used. The temperature of the oil in the
bath is kept slightly higher than the
boiling point of water. Water that gets
into the oil bath may spatter; this is a
hazard.
3. Ethanol, ethyl alcohol, pure grain
alcohol (boiling point 78.5°C). This is a
very desirable solvent. It has extraction
properties very similar to methanol, but
is not as toxic. It is very difficult to
obtain, however, as it is a major active
ingredient in liquor and is heavily taxed.
Pure ethanol may be produced from
either liquor or fermented material.
Denatured ethanol, which is available
in hardware stores and pharmacies,
contains non-removable poisons which
evaporate at the same temperature as
pure ethanol. This makes the ethanol
unfit for drinking.
4. Petroleum ether (boiling point 30—60°
C). Petroleum ether is a light solvent
much more selective than any of the
alcohols. Extracting with petroleum
ether produces an oil that is twice as
potent by weight as oil extracted with
alcohol. The cannabis material may be
extracted directly with ether but, due to
petroleum ether’s highly explosive
nature, the oil is first removed from the
plant material with alcohol and then reextracted
with ether. This requires a
much smaller amount of the dangerous
solvent. Petroleum ether is usually
available only through chemical supply
companies.
Step 4: Soxhleting
After refluxing, it is necessary to
remove the oil bearing solvent that still
remains in the expended cannabis material.
This is done by draining the dark oil/solvent
liquid from the cannabis material and
washing the material repeatedly with clean
solvent. A vegetable-draining colander is
placed above the stainless-steel pot
mentioned before. The colander is fitted
with a large coffee filter paper (twelve-inch
David Douglas brand papers are quite
adequate) and the cannabis/solvent/oil
mixture is poured into the colander. The oil
bearing, dark-colored solvent/oil mixture
drains from the bottom of the colander, free
from particles of vegetable matter. The
colander is then set on top of the stainlesssteel
pot, now containing the
alcohol/cannabis-oil solution, and the
apparatus is reassembled in the same
manner as for refluxing.
Figure 1.3
As the solvent/cannabis-oil solution
boils, the alcohol fumes rise until they meet
the ice-cooled lid and recondense into
liquid. The oil does not evaporate and
remains in the stainless-steel pot. The
drops of pure, recondensed solvent fall
from the ice-cooled lid and drip through the
colander containing the cannabis material.
The oil remaining in the cannabis material
is washed out and drains into the stainlesssteel
pot. The oil is totally extracted when
several drops of the liquid draining from the
colander leave no colored residue when
evaporated on a piece of glass. Before
opening the apparatus after soxhleting, the
rig is cooled sufficiently to condense any
fumes. Setting the stew pot in a tub of ice
and water for several minutes is one
method of doing this. A thick blanket can be
kept soaking in the tub. This is an excellent
safety measure, since a water-soaked
blanket is an excellent fire extinguisher.
Step 5: Removal of the solvent from the
oil
To distill off the solvent, a small
collection pan replaces the expended
cannabis material in the colander (which
may be discarded). The apparatus is then
reassembled and returned to the water
bath. The solvent/ oil solution in the small
stainless-steel pot boils; the fumes rise and
are condensed on the ice-cooled lid as
before. The pure solvent drips into the
colander, where it is collected in the small
pan. The oil remains behind in the
stainless-steel pot. The collected solvent,
which is essentially pure, may be saved for
a future extraction.
Figure 1.4
After the solvent is removed and
collected, the stainless-steel pot containing
the oil is kept in boiling water to remove all
traces of the solvent. If a toxic solvent, or
one containing water is used, steps are
taken to remove the last traces of solvent
and water. Some water is added to the oil
and evaporated in an oil bath (cottonseed
oil works fine) at approximately 220°F.
When the water is gone, all traces of the
solvent have been removed, since all
solvents mentioned here evaporate at a
temperature below that of boiling water.
The oil may now be eaten or smoked.
Figure 1.5
Step 6: Purification
Oil produced using this method is quite
potent, but still contains substances which
give the oil its taste, smell, and color. These
are sometimes very pleasant to smoke, and
they are sometimes left in the oil. Removing
them, however, greatly increases the
potency, but decreases the yield
proportionally.
Figure 1.6
The oil from the extraction is dissolved
in five times its weight of alcohol and
poured into an equal volume of water in a
large glass jug with a screw-on cap. All
solvents used are cold or cool. A volume of
petroleum ether equal to half the volume of
the water used is added. The screw top is
tightened and the jug is inverted. The jug is
turned upright immediately, and a few
seconds later, when the mixture has run
down the sides of the jug, the screw cap is
opened slowly to relieve the pressure. The
inversion of the jug is repeated about
twenty-five times, which releases the
pressure each time, and then the jug is
allowed to sit for about half an hour. The
mixture of liquids will separate into three
distinct layers. The bottom layer will contain
water, alcohol, and the substances in the oil
(tars and resins) that are not soluble in
petroleum ether. The thin middle layer is an
emulsion of waxes, ether, and air bubbles.
The top layer is the purified oil dissolved in
petroleum ether.
Figure 1.7
The jug is fitted with a two-holed rubber
stopper, glass tubing, and rubber hose.
Two pieces of glass tubing are fitted into
the two-holed rubber stopper. (Injuries
when cutting and fitting glass tubing are
frequent—cut ends are always fire-polished
and hands must be protected when any
force is used in fitting the tubing.) One
piece of tubing need only protrude from the
stopper an inch on each side. The other
tube is positioned so that when the stopper
is tightly fitted to the jug, the tube extends
into the mixture to a half-inch from the
bottom of the ether/oil layer. The other end
of the tube is attached to a length of rubber
tubing to transfer the ether/oil solution to a
collection jug. The end of the tubing must
be lower than the end of the tube in the
ether/oil solution in order to obtain a siphon
action. A short piece of rubber tubing is
fitted to the short glass tube, and air
pressure is applied to start the siphon.
The glass tube is spaced a bit above
the emulsion layer; any ether/oil solution
not removed will be recovered later. The
ether/oil solution in the collection jug is
saved. Another volume of fresh petroleum
ether is added to the extraction by inverting,
separating, and collecting the ether
solution, which is added to the first ether/oil
solution. This process is repeated until the
ether layer remains clear after inverting.
This indicates that the ether-soluble oil is
totally extracted from the alcohol-and-water
layer. No more than several ounces of the
combined ether/oil solution is put in the
stainless-steel pot, and the collection pan is
placed in the colander. The apparatus is
reassembled, as was done for the removal
of the solvent from the oil after soxhleting.
The rig is placed in the water bath and
slowly heated to 140°F. After evaporating
and collecting the ether (saved for future
use), the stainless-steel pot with the oil is
put into a boiling water bath for several
minutes and stirred occasionally to remove
any residual traces of solvent. The refined
oil thus obtained is much superior to the oil
obtained from the original alcohol
extraction.
Chapter Two
Isomerization
The oil produced by alcohol extraction
and purification with petroleum ether
contains tetrahydrocannabinol, two other
compounds closely related to THC but nonpsychoactive
(cannabidiol and cannabinol),
and several other compounds which
contribute the taste and smell of the oil. The
quality and quantity of the THC in the oil is
determined by the quality and potency of
the starting material. The oil from very
strong cannabis material contains a much
higher percentage of THC than the oil from
marijuana or hashish that is less potent.
The quality of the THC and the
characteristics of the effect (high) are
determined by the relative positions of the
double bonding in the THC molecule. The
higher-rotating forms are more potent than
the low-rotating and produce a higher, more
psychedelic and spiritual effect. Methods
for converting THC from low-to-highrotating
follow.
The quantity of cannabidiol in the oil is
important, as it may be converted to THC,
thereby increasing the potency of the oil
proportionally. Experience has indicated
that the quantity of cannabidiol is usually at
least equal to the quantity of THC. Because
of this, the strength of the oil can be at least
doubled through isomerization, and in some
cases potency may be increased five to six
times.
By using the correct chemicals and
methods to convert the cannabidiol to THC,
it is possible simultaneously to convert the
THC (that which occurs naturally in the oil
and also that which has been produced
from cannabidiol) to higher-rotating forms.
The highest benefit is obtained by starting
with material high in cannabidiol,
isomerizing the cannabidiol to THC, and
converting the THC to its higher-rotating
form. Both the potency of the oil and the
quality of the high are greatly increased.
The operation is carried out as follows:
The oil from the ether extraction is
dissolved in absolute ethanol or pure
methanol in the ratio of one gram of oil to
ten grams of solvent. The ethanol may be
denatured, but must not contain water. One
drop of 100 per cent sulfuric acid is added
to the alcohol/oil solution for each gram of
oil. The acid is added slowly with
continuous stirring. Pure sulfuric acid is
very strong and will cause severe burns.
Safety glasses, long rubber gloves, and
clothing that covers as much of the body
surface as possible are advised when
working with it. Sulfuric acid burns are
treated by immediate washing with water
and bicarbonate of soda. The sulfuric acid
is kept in a safety bottle made by
permanently fitting a glass bottle with a
screw top in a styrofoam-lined metal can.
A Pyrex pot containing the
oil/alcohol/sulfuric acid solution is placed in
the refluxing apparatus originally used for
refluxing the material in alcohol. Pyrex is
substituted for the stainless-steel pot
because of the reactive nature of the
sulfuric acid. The rig is placed in the boiling
water bath and refluxed for two hours. At
the end of this time, the stew pot is placed
in an ice-water bath and opened. The
solution is poured into an equal amount of
water and extracted with petroleum ether,
as was done in removing the ether soluble
oil from the alcohol extract solution. The
ether solution is then poured into four
volumes of water and gently inverted
twenty-five times, releasing the pressure
each time. The layers are allowed to
separate, the ether/oil layer is siphoned off
and the water is discarded. The ether/oil
solution is poured into four volumes of 5%
bicarbonate of soda solution in water. It is
mixed, then separated, and the ether/oil
layer is siphoned off. The bicarbonate of
soda solution is discarded and the previous
step (washing with pure water) is repeated
twice. The ether is evaporated from the
ether/oil solution, as was done previously in
the first purification, using the stew pot
apparatus. The pure ether is collected in
the pan held in the colander. The oil now
contains a much higher percentage of THC
(determined by the amount of cannabidiol
originally present). The THC is of the highrotating
isomeric form, and all of the toxins
have been removed from the oil.
Figure 2.1A Δ9 THC is formal
numbering and Δ1 is monoterpenoid
numbering.
Figure 2. 1B Many readers
especially those with some exposure
to chemistry, may be curious about
what happens to the molecules
during the isomerization. The
structural formulas for the reaction
are given above (Fig. 2 .1B). For the
non-organic chemist, this is an
opportunity to overcome your fear of
formulas. The first credits for finding
this reaction go to Roger Adams,
who first described it in 1940; a
detailed account appeared in 1941
(Adams et al., 1941), but the correct
formulas were not discovered until
the 1960s. The changes that go on
are minor; the first reaction forms a
third ring by attaching the oxygen at
1’ to the carbon at 8. The second
reaction is just a shifting of one
double bond from the 1,2 position to
the 6,1 position. Two conventions
for numbering the ring system are
used in the literature; sometimes Δ1
is called Δ9 and Δ6 is called Δ8
(Mechoulam, 1970). See Figure 2.1A.
Since two different THCs are
products of the reaction, the
question becomes: how much of
each is produced? This depends on
the reaction conditions. If more
concentrated or stronger acid is
used and the time of reaction is
increased, more Δ6 THC is produced;
there is a 90% conversion of Δ1→Δ6
THC if p-toluenesulfonic acid in
toluene is used for 10 hours at 100°C
(Hively et al., 1966). With mild
conditions (absolute ethanol, 0.05%
hydrochloric acid boiled for 2 hours)
the product is mainly Δ1 THC (Gaoni
and Mechoulam, 1964). So, mild
conditions give Δ1 THC; more
vigorous conditions give Δ6 THC.
This sounds simple enough; in
reality, however, other factors can
play a significant role. Starks (1977)
mentions some side reactions,
which have been reported; these
vary with the solvent and conditions
used for the isomerization. There is
recent evidence (Bonuccelli, 1979)
that solvents such as chloroform
which promote free-radical reactions
can result in large decreases in THC
content. A chloroform solution of
marijuana exposed to sunlight for 30
minutes lost 25—35% of its THC; the
reaction was slower in the dark but
still significant. The authors
recommend ethanol over
chloroform, and cool, dark storage.
Slight decomposition even occurs
with ethanol.
Given that Δ1 and Δ6 THC are
both possible products, another
important question is whether there
is any difference in the
pharmacological effects between the
two. Mechoulam (1970) says workers
have found them to be about equal
in activity, but some differences
have been reported. Most studies
are carried out on laboratory
animals, so the effects measured are
not mainly psychological.
Psychological effects can be subtle,
and the possibility of a difference
between the effects of Δ1 and Δ6 THC
are yet to be researched. The
methodology for measuring such
subtle changes remains a challenge
to research psychologists.
Figure 2.2 Isomerization.
Chapter Three
THC Acetate
THC acetate has twice the potency of
THC. On the Adams scale THC 7.3, while
its acetate = 14.6. Furthermore, there is a
25% increase in weight after adding the
acetate structure. The effect of the acetate
is more spiritual and psychedelic than that
of the ordinary product. The most unique
property of this material is that there is a
delay of about thirty minutes before its
effects are felt.
Building a safety box in which to
convert high-rotating THC to its acetate
Because this conversion utilizes a very
dangerous chemical, acetic anhydride, a
safety box is constructed in which to
perform this operation. This places a shield
between the chemist and the apparatus,
and the operation takes place in a separate
atmosphere. The fumes from heated acetic
anhydride are very flammable and
poisonous. Inhalation of the fumes is a
most unpleasant and dangerous
experience, so a glove box protects the
operator from any contact with the fumes.
Acetic anhydride is so difficult to handle
safely that it is a necessity to use standard
laboratory equipment and procedure. The
reaction is monitored and controlled from
outside the box by observing the equipment
through a safety-glass window and
manipulating the apparatus with long
gloves sealed to the shield. The box is
equipped with an adequate exhaust fan
with a sparkless electric motor to quickly
evacuate any fumes that arise while
transferring solutions or from a spill or other
mishap. A fire extinguisher is mounted
inside the box. In case of fire or explosion,
the chemist is protected by the thick front
piece of the box and by its structural
design. The box can also be used for any
other chemical operation requiring an
artificial atmosphere to avert fire or
explosion.
An artificial atmosphere is created by
replacing the air in the sealed box with
anhydrous nitrogen gas. This makes flame
or combustion (oxidation in general)
impossible. The nitrogen is introduced into
the chamber through an opening in one
side, near the top of the box. The displaced
air is removed through a valve near the
bottom of the opposite end. Success here
is determined by attempting to strike a
match inside the box. When oxygen has
been removed, this becomes impossible.
The exhaust fan is then used only when it
becomes necessary to evacuate the
atmosphere in the box.
The three stations are utilized as
follows: The equipment and bottled
chemicals are put into the right-hand side of
the box by lifting the hinged side piece. The
apparatus is prepared at this station and
operated in the middle at station two. The
bottles are opened at station one, using the
gloves, from the outside of the box after the
side flap is closed and the atmosphere has
been replaced with anhydrous nitrogen gas.
The operator need never be exposed to the
dangerous chemicals except within the
controlled atmosphere of the box.
Diagrams showing details of
construction are shown below:
Figure 3.1
Figure 3.2
Figure 3.3
The side walls of the box are made of
thin plywood and hinged at the top. This
serves two purposes: access to the box is
available from both ends, and in case of
explosion, the force would be expended
through the side panels, while the thick,
reinforced front boards protect the chemist.
Conversion of THC to its acetate
THC is converted to THC acetate by
refluxing for two hours with acetic
anhydride. The following apparatus is
assembled as illustrated in the diagram:
1. 500 ml Pyrex round-bottom boiling
flask with a ground glass fitting.
2. Tubular type condenser with ground
glass male fitting that matches the
fitting on the boiling flask.
3. Metal pot of at least 2000 ml as hot oil
bath for heating boiling flask.
4. Thermometer for monitoring the oil
bath temperature.
5. Sparkless electric hotplate.
6. Rheostat to control temperature of
hotplate from outside the box.
7. Ring stand and proper clamps for
securing flask and condenser.
8. Cottonseed oil.
9. Acetic anhydride.
10. Immersible water pump, bucket, and
hoses for filling condenser.
Figure 3.4
The principle of the refluxing operation
is approximately the same as was used for
isomerizing the cannabidiol to THC with the
kitchen apparatus. The explosive and
noxious nature of the acetic anhydride
necessitates the use of the safety box.
Although a glove box is unnecessary for the
operations of extraction and isomerization
using the kitchen method previously
described, these steps may also be done in
the box as an added measure of safety.
The solution of acetic anhydride and
cannabis oil is boiled in the round-bottom
flask. The fumes rise into the icewatercooled
condenser, where they are
condensed back into liquid, thus relieving
the pressure created by boiling. The drops
then fall back into the solution.
Before assembling the apparatus, these
factors are taken into account: the
temperature of the hotplate must be
controlled from the outside of the box. This
necessitates a variac-type rheostat in the
power line to the hotplate. The pail
containing the immersion pump which
circulates the icewater coolant through the
condenser should also be outside the box.
There are two small holes in the safety box
for the icewater input and return hoses.
Although the sink at the left station of the
box seems handy for the coolant pump, this
would necessitate opening the side panel
while the refluxing is in progress to add ice
and remove water.
The equipment is assembled and
operated in this manner: the right side
panel is opened, and at station one the
boiling flask, condenser, oil bath, and
hotplate are assembled as illustrated in
Figures 3.1 and 3.2. Each item is secured
to the ring stand with adequate clamps. The
flask is positioned at least one-half inch
above the bottom of the oil bath. Electrical
connections are not made nor the coolant
hoses attached to the condenser yet, as the
entire apparatus will be moved over to the
center station before beginning.
The boiling flask, prior to being put in
the safety box, contains a measured
amount of cannabis extract. In the safety
box are also placed the following: an
unopened bottle of acetic anhydride, an
empty graduated beaker, a beaker
containing sufficient cottonseed oil to fill the
oil bath to a level slightly above that of the
cannabis oil/acetic anhydride solution that
will be in the flask, and an empty, open-top
container of the same height as the boiling
flask and of a slightly larger diameter. This
container holds the boiling flask safely
when the apparatus is dismantled. The
clamps holding the condenser are loosened
and slid up the ring stand so that the mouth
of the boiling flask is accessible for addition
of the acetic anhydride. The right side panel
is closed and the chamber is filled with
nitrogen; then, using the gloves through the
front board at station one, the bottle of
acetic anhydride is opened. An amount is
poured into the graduated beaker equal to
three times the volume of the cannabis oil
in the boiling flask. The cap on the acetic
anhydride bottle is replaced and the acetic
anhydride is poured carefully from the
graduated beaker into the boiling flask. The
condenser is securely replaced on the
boiling flask and a solid rubber stopper is
loosely fit to the top of the condenser.
The side panel is opened and the
apparatus is moved to the center station.
The input icewater hose is connected to the
lower fitting of the condenser. The return
hose runs from the uppermost fitting
(assuring that the condenser is always filled
with circulating water) through a hole in the
safety box to a pail containing the icewater
and immersion pump. The fittings are
secured onto the condenser with twisted
wire or automobile-type hose clamps. The
power wire for the hotplate is also run
through a hole in the safety box and
connected to the rheostat. The oil bath
temperature is monitored with a
thermometer, which is adjusted for
observation through the safety glass
window. The cottonseed oil is added to the
bath. The empty beaker and the closed
bottle of acetic anhydride are removed. The
side panel is closed and secured. More
nitrogen is now bled into the box until the
air has been completely replaced by
nitrogen. Striking a match is not a good
idea for a test at this time, but if the test is
tried a few times prior to beginning the
operation, the time it takes to drive out the
air completely can be estimated.
The pail containing the immersion pump
is filled with water and ice, the pump is
turned on, and the condenser is filled with
circulating icewater. The oil in the oil bath is
heated by turning on the electric hotplate.
The temperature is raised slowly (indicated
on the thermometer), giving the solution in
the flask time to heat the temperature of the
bath. The temperature is noted at which the
solution of cannabis oil and acetic
anhydride begins to fume and droplets of
pure acetic anhydride form in the
condenser and fall back into the solution.
The temperature is slightly raised until the
solution in the flask begins to boil. The bath
temperature is stabilized at this point. This
is continued for three hours. Ice is supplied
as needed to the container with the
immersion pump.
Figure 3.5 THC acetate synthesis.
After three hours of refluxing, the
electricity to the hotplate is turned off and
the solution is allowed to cool to room
temperature. Ice water is kept circulating
through the condenser. After the solution
has remained at room temperature for at
least two hours, the rubber stopper at the
top of the condenser is checked. It should
form a perfect seal, but not be too tightly
jammed into the condenser. The immersion
pump is then turned off and the apparatus
is allowed to sit at room temperature for
another hour. At the end of this time the
clamps holding the condenser are loosened
and slid at the ring stand as before, giving
access to the aperture of the boiling flask.
The rubber stopper is removed from the top
of the condenser and fitted tightly in the top
of the boiling flask. The clamp holding the
boiling flask is loosened and the flask is
removed from the oil bath. The flask is
wiped clean of oil and set into the empty
open-top container set in the box earlier.
The side panels are opened and the
equipment is dismantled.
Removing the acetic anhydride by
distillation is the next step (see Figure 3.6).
The distillation requires the following
equipment not used for refluxing:
1. A Pyrex distillation flask of the same
capacity as the boiling flask, and two
Erlenmeyer flasks, also of the same
capacity.
2. An assortment of glass tubing, flexible
tubing, and rubber stoppers.
3. A large pan to be used as an icewater
bath for the Erlenmeyer flasks.
4. Several more ring stands and
equipment clamps.
As the solution in the distillation flask is
heated, the acetic anhydride vaporizes; the
fumes rise and travel down the side arm of
the distillation flask into the condenser,
where they are cooled to liquid. The
recondensed acetic anhydride is collected
in the receiving flask at the end of the
condenser. This flask and a back-up flask
used for safety are immersed in an icewater
bath.
Figure 3.6
The equipment is assembled at stations
one and two as illustrated in Figure 3.6.
The condenser is at a great enough angle
that no acetic anhydride can lie between
the condenser bottom and the exit tube.
The glass tube for the introduction of the
recondensed acetic anhydride extends
deeper into the flask than the exit tube. The
same is true of the back-up flask, even
though it is unlikely that any fumes or liquid
will go beyond the first flask. The tube
leading from the backup flask is open at the
end.
The side panel is closed, the
atmosphere is replaced with nitrogen gas
as before, and the following process is
used: using the gloves, the cannabis
oil/acetic anhydride solution is poured from
the boiling flask into the distillation flask. A
funnel with a tube long enough to extend
past the side arm of the distillation flask is
used. This eliminates the chance of any
solution running into the condenser. The
rubber stopper is secured to seal the top of
the distillation flask. The cottonseed oil is
added to the oil bath, and the ice and water
to the ice bath. The immersion pump and
the hotplate are turned on. The temperature
indicated by the thermometer in the oil bath
is raised slowly to that used for the
refluxing. This temperature is maintained
until no more acetic anhydride is
evaporated and collected. The volume of
cannabis oil acetate now in the distillation
flask will be up to twenty-five per cent more
than the volume of the oil prior to
acetylation. The oil temperature is
maintained for one hour after the last traces
of acetic anhydride have been removed.
The hotplate is turned off, and, with the
water still circulating through the
condenser, the oil is allowed to cool to
room temperature. The water from the ice
bath is drained and the basin is wiped
completely dry. Using the gloves at station
one, the two-holed stopper is removed from
the Erlenmeyer flask and replaced with a
solid rubber stopper. The clamp is loosened
and the flask is removed from the ice bath.
The outside of the flask is thoroughly dried,
and any traces of water are removed. The
acetic anhydride is poured carefully from
the flask into a safety container like that
used for the sulfuric acid, a glass bottle
fitted into a metal can.
The flask containing the cannabis oil
acetate is removed from the safety box.
Slowly, one drop at a time, several volumes
of pure alcohol are added to dissolve the
oil. This solution is poured into five volumes
of water and extracted with petroleum
ether, as was done in the purification
techniques following the isomerization. The
ether is evaporated in the stew pot
apparatus as before and collected. The
resultant oil is redissolved in alcohol and
poured once again into water. It is again
extracted with petroleum ether, which is
evaporated and collected as before. The
resultant oil contains THC acetate and may
be consumed in any of the customary
manners.
Chapter Four
Preparation of
Hashish
Hashish may be prepared from the
extracted cannabis oil by mixing it with
finely-powdered marijuana. The oil may be
at any stage of refinement. Extremely
strong hashish is obtained by using oil
which has been isomerized, acetylated, and
refined through removal of nonpsychoactive
compounds. Along with the
potency of the oil itself, the ratio of oil to
powdered marijuana determines the
strength. In order for the hashish to be the
proper consistency, a minimum of fifteen
per cent oil must be used. This gives a
product with the same consistency as
powdery Moroccan or Lebanese hash. Fifty
to sixty per cent oil (about equal parts of oil
and powder) is the maximum amount of oil
that can be used to give a product with
hashish consistency. This product will be
very strong and resemble in appearance
and consistency the sticky, pliable charas
of Nepal and India.
Powdered marijuana of the finest
consistency is obtained by the following
method: clean, very dry marijuana is
pulverized in a high-speed blender. The
material may be dried in a preheated oven
(25O°F) for fifteen-minute intervals. A very
fine dust will collect on the blender top. This
is sifted through a piece of nylon stocking
or a very fine mesh screen.
Many times the taste of the hashish is
improved if the oils giving the marijuana its
taste and smell are removed from the dust.
This is accomplished by extracting it with
alcohol in the stew-pot apparatus as
described earlier. Further extraction of the
compounds contributing to the taste and
smell is accomplished by boiling in water.
All solvent is removed from the dust first, as
the fumes might present a fire hazard. The
water is filtered from the dust and the
process is repeated with fresh water until
the water remains clear, indicating that all
soluble substances have been leached
from the cellulose material. The cannabis
dust is thoroughly dried, and is then ready
to be mixed with the oil.
The mixing is facilitated by first heating
the dust and oil and then working them
together in a large mortar, or by kneading
the mass with the hands. Thin, fiat, handpressed
patties like those from Afghanistan
may be fashioned, or one may mold clumps
of “fingers” or round “temple balls” such as
those found in Nepal. Flat sheets and
blocks may be formed by pressing the
mixture between two heated steel plates in
a vise.
Chapter Five
Increasing Potency
of Intact Marijuana
Flowers
The cannabis material is refluxed in the
same manner as was done with the finelypowdered
cannabis material previously,
except that when processing intact flowers
the material is first placed in a cheesecloth
bag. The oil is then extracted from the
marijuana in the usual manner. The oil is
purified by re-extraction with petroleum
ether and then isomerized and acetylated.
The tars and resins left behind from the
ether extraction remain dissolved in the
alcohol/water layer in the extraction jug.
The alcohol is evaporated and collected in
the usual manner, and the water is
evaporated in an oil bath at 220°F. The tars
and resins thus obtained are mixed with the
intensified, purified oil and dissolved in the
exact amount of alcohol that the completely
dry flowers will absorb. This amount is
determined by adding clean alcohol to the
dried flowers until they will absorb no more
alcohol, but there is none lying in the
bottom of the pan. The saturated flowers
are then put into a distillation apparatus and
all the solvent is removed and collected.
This amount of alcohol is then mixed with
the purified, intensified oil and the tars and
resins. Using an oven-baster-type syringe,
the flowers are equally saturated with the
oil-bearing solvent. The saturated flowers
are then put into the appropriate apparatus
and the solvent removed. A small amount
of water is then sprayed on the flowers. A
steam iron or Sears wrinkle remover works
fine. They are then placed in an oven which
has been preheated to 250° and then
turned off. Since the solvent evaporates at
a much lower temperature than the water,
when the flowers begin to dry out no traces
of solvent will remain. The flowers are now
coated with the intensified oil and may be
over twelve times their original potency.
Chapter Six
Preparation of Oil
Capsules
Capsules of oil for oral ingestion
(sometimes called pot pills) are prepared by
first mixing the purified oil with an equal
amount of butter. The butterfat carries the
oil through the membranes of the stomach
and intestine. The oil and butter mixture is
buffed into two volumes of marijuana,
parsley, lactose, or any edible inert powder,
and then stuffed into large gelatin capsules.
Chapter Seven
Smoking Oil by
Direct Vaporization
There are several customary methods
for smoking of oil by direct vaporization with
heat. The most common is the glass oil
pipe, or vapor pipe. The oil is placed in the
glass bowl of the pipe and the pipe is
heated from below with a flame, similar to
the method for smoking opium. This is a
very efficient method, as very small
amounts of oil may be vaporized at one
time.
Another method for smoking oil straight
is to place a tiny dab of it on a piece of
aluminum foil. The foil is then heated from
below with a match and the smoke is
inhaled from above the boiling oil through a
tube or funnel. This is essentially the same
as smoking in a glass pipe, except that a
new spot may be used each time and there
is no build-up of residue at the point of
vaporization. Before using, the foil is heated
in a gas flame to burn off any part of the foil
which might also vaporize.
Chapter Eight
Preparation of
Translucent (Honey)
Oil
One of the most potent and popular of
the cannabis oil preparations is a thick,
translucent, amber oil which has been
extracted from Afghanistan hashish. This
consistency is obtained by removing the
colored impurities from cannabis oil that
has been purified by re-extraction with
petroleum ether.
The purified cannabis oil (which may or
may not be isomerized or acetylated) is
dissolved in ten times its volume of pure
alcohol. An amount of granulated activated
charcoal (Norit) equal to half the weight of
the oil is added to the solution. The solution
is filtered through fine filter paper and the
alcohol is removed by evaporation. The
residue is a translucent amber oil With the
appearance and consistency of dark honey.
Chapter Nine
Preparation of
“Reefers”
The term “reefer” has sometimes been
used to describe a marijuana cigarette
which has been impregnated with cannabis
extract. This may be accomplished by
working the cannabis oil in with the
marijuana or tobacco to be rolled, painting
the paper with oil before rolling, dipping the
rolled joint in tincture of cannabis and
letting it dry, or injecting the rolled joint with
cannabis tincture and letting it dry.
Chapter Ten
High-Volume
Extraction Method
The high potency and small volume of
cannabis oil, in conjunction with antimarijuana
laws in many states, has added
up to high potential profits for smugglers of
the oil and new problems for law
enforcement agencies. In the United
States, the Drug Enforcement
Administration (Drug Enforcement, 1973)
has commented on the new problem (see
Michael Starks’ Marijuana Potency for an
excerpt) and describes various devices
they have seized. The plight of the DEA is
reminiscent of the traditional moonshinerrevenuer
chase, and no discussion of
cannabis alchemy would be complete
without a look at the hardware and methods
of the large-scale operation.
The apparatus is constructed using two
55-gallon oil drums and equipment
purchased from a hardware or surplus
store, with which very large amounts of
marijuana or hashish may be extracted and
processed.
Figure 10.1
The apparatus is appropriately
designed to meet the unique problems
inherent in high-volume extraction and
contains the necessary safety features to
prevent mishaps with flammable solvents.
The apparatus may be used to perform all
the operations: refluxing, soxhleting,
distilling, and collecting of solvents.
Even though the apparatus has many
safety features (pressure relief valves and
construction design which would prevent a
minor mishap from being disastrous), the
large volumes of inflammable solvents used
pose a serious fire hazard. Even if the
possibility of an accident is remote, the
large scale and violence of a major
accident warrant all possible caution. Such
a device is always tended during operation,
and measures to shut it down are ready at
all times.
The solvent and cannabis solutions and
mixtures are heated, via the tub of boiling
water, in the lower oil drum. The upper
drum acts as a giant condenser; it is filled
with circulating ice water so that when the
solvent fumes contact its surfaces, they
recondense into liquid and fall back into the
lower drum. The tops of the tubes, except
for one which acts as a safety pressure
relief valve, are closed with rubber
stoppers. The solvent fumes condense
inside these tubes, as they do on contact
with the bottom surface of the condenser
drum. The bottom surface of the condenser
drum acts as the top surface of the lower
boiling drum.
Construction of the condenser drum
begins by marking corresponding four-inch
grids on the top and bottom surfaces of the
oil drum. A hole is drilled at each point
where the lines intersect and pieces of oneinch
copper tubing are run through the
drum lengthwise. Each tube protrudes
about one inch from the surface on both top
and bottom. A watertight seal is soldered or
welded around the outside of each tube
where it passes through the surface.
Figure 10.2
Inlet and outlet fittings for the circulating
ice water coolant are fitted to the top of the
barrel. Two metal straps are attached to the
top of the drum on opposing sides. The
straps have large holes through which a
chain is run. This allows the apparatus to
be lifted with a small overhead crane.
The removal of the top is the first step
in the preparation of the lower oil drum.
Sturdy legs are attached to the bottom of
the drum for maintaining a space between
the bottom of the drum and the bottom of
the boiling water bath into which the drum
is set. A copper drain tube with an on/off
valve is attached to the bottom of the drum,
enabling the solvent/cannabis solution to be
drained by siphon. Four metal straps are
attached to the top of the drum. These
protrude above the top of the drum and are
used to secure the upper drum to the lower.
A fitting with an on/off valve is run through
the side of the drum approximately halfway
between the top and bottom.
Figure 10.3
During extraction, a chamber containing
marijuana or hashish is placed between the
drops of recondensed solvent falling from
the condenser and the boiling solvent
solution. The distilled, recondensed solvent
runs through the cannabis material,
washing out the oil. The soxhlet chamber is
removed and many holes are punctured in
the bottom with a nail. A hole is cut in the
side of the drum at a point slightly higher
than the on/off valve in the side of the lower
drum. A plate is fashioned to close the hole
when necessary.
Solvent may be removed from a
solution and collected by catching the
recondensed drops of solvent in a funnel as
they fall from the copper tubes. A tube
leading from the funnel through the hole in
the soxhlet chamber to the on/off valve in
the side of the lower oil drum transfers the
pure distilled solvent to the outside of the
apparatus, where it is collected in a metal
can.
Figure 10.4
The following additional equipment is
used during operation:
1. A large, deep tub, at least twice the
diameter of the oil drums, for a boiling
water bath.
2. An immersion pump and a large pail for
ice and water.
3. A long piece of hose which runs from
the top of one of the copper tubes to an
empty jug.
4. Rubber stoppers for closing the tops of
the remaining copper tubes.
5. Large, thick polyethylene trash bags
and several giant rubber bands,
fashioned out of inner tubes, to fit
around the drums.
6. A large funnel of nearly the same
diameter as the large drum and a piece
of tubing to connect the spout of the
funnel to the on/off valve on the side of
the lower drum.
7. An overhead chain winch or locking
block and tackle for lifting the
components.
8. Three heavy-duty sparkless electric
hotplates.
The principles of each operation parallel
those in the basic extraction method using
kitchen and hardware equipment.
The marijuana or hashish is prepared
for refluxing by grinding it to a fine powder.
The lower drum is filled to approximately
one-third full with the powdered cannabis
material and solvent is added to half fill the
lower drum. The valve on the side of the
drum is closed. The funnel and soxhlet
chamber are not yet used. The upper drum
is secured to the lower and the crack
between the two oil drums is sealed in the
following manner: a large trash bag, with
the bottom cut out, is slipped over the
apparatus and positioned at the joining of
the drums. Inner-tube rubber bands secure
the plastic to the drums both above and
below the joining. This arrangement acts as
a safety valve. Should any pressure build
inside the apparatus, the plastic will puff
out.
The entire apparatus is placed in the
tub, which is resting on the three electric
hotplates. An immersion pump in a tub of
ice and water supplies coolant, which is
pumped through the condenser drum.
Rubber stoppers are used to seal the tops
of all the copper tubes except one. A long
piece of garden hose is attached to the
tube; the hose runs into a large jug which is
set in a place which is safe from flame or
electrical spark. As long as ice water is
being circulated through the condenser
drum, no fumes or liquid will appear in the
jug. If any fumes or liquid are given off from
the hose, the boiling water is removed from
the bath, and ice and water are immediately
added. The condenser and coolant system
are then checked.
The electric hotplates are turned on and
allowed to heat the water bath to boiling
temperature. This, in turn, heats the mixture
of solvent and powdered cannabis material.
The solvent fumes rise to where they
contact the copper tubes and bottom
surface of the condenser barrel, then
recondense into liquid and fall back into the
boiling mixture.
The mixture is refluxed for three hours,
then the hotplates are turned off and
disconnected. The boiling water is removed
from the tub. The tub is refilled with ice and
water, and allowed to stand for at least onehalf
hour. After the apparatus has cooled
sufficiently, the oil-saturated solvent is
removed using a siphon pump to draw the
mixture through the drain tube. After
removing all the solvent and draining the
condenser, the drums are opened, and all
the cannabis material is scooped out and
stored in a closed drum.
The cannabis oil/solvent mixture is
replaced in the lower drum and assembled
for distillation and collection of the solvent.
The funnel, which is held by the empty
soxhlet chamber, collects the recondensed
drops of pure solvent as they fall from the
tubes. The liquid runs through a hose to the
fitting on the side of the drum. Another hose
on the outside takes the solvent to a
receiving barrel, where it is collected. When
all the solvent is evaporated, a heavy film of
oil coats the bottom of the lower drum. This
is redissolved in a small amount of solvent
and the mixture is removed from the drum.
The mixture is stored in an unbreakable
container.
The damp, powdered cannabis is
replaced in the drum and the solvent just
removed and collected is added. The
apparatus is assembled and operated as
before, then refluxing for three hours,
draining and collecting the oil.
The bottom of the soxhiet chamber is
fitted with a filter paper and set in the lower
drum. The chamber is filled with the
powdered cannabis, and clean solvent is
added to the cannabis until it is saturated
and several inches of solvent, which have
run through the cannabis material, are in
the bottom of the drum. The apparatus is
reassembled and the water in the bath is
brought to a boil. The fumes of the solvent
in the lower drum will rise, recondense to
liquid in the copper tubes, and fall into and
run through the cannabis, washing out the
remaining cannabis oil. After several hours
of soxhieting, all the oil will be dissolved in
the solvent. The cannabis oil/solvent
solution is distilled and collected as before.
The oil remaining in the drum is dissolved
in alcohol and removed. This solution is
added to those collected after each
refluxing and combined in a large metal pot,
the weight of which has been noted. The
pot is placed in the dry bottom of the lower
drum and the apparatus is assembled for
distillation and collection of the solvent. The
solvent is removed and the product remains
in the pan. If further purification and
chemical alteration is desired, the methods
given earlier are applied.
Chapter Eleven
Advanced
Refinement
Techniques
The translucent amber oil produced by
charcoal filtering the ether phase of the
extraction and isomerizing the cannabidiol
present to THC contains, in most cases,
between thirty and sixty per cent THC.
Utilizing rather complex and exacting
techniques of modern chemistry, it is
possible to further refine this oil. Fractional
distillation of the oil will yield a product
which is up to twice as strong as the ether
phase, and can be converted into nearly
pure THC. Totally pure THC, a thin
transparent oil, can be produced by
chemically isolating the pure cannabidiol
and then isomerizing it to THC. This is a
very complex chemical operation and
requires much sophisticated equipment and
chemicals. These advanced laboratory
techniques are probably beyond the reach
of the starting alchemist but are important
in the sense that they lead to the production
of the THC of highest purity.
Fractional Distillation
Fractional distillation of the oil requires
that the oil be heated to a high temperature
under a reduced pressure created by a
vacuum pump. This causes the THC and
related cannabinoid substances to
vaporize. The vapors are condensed back
into an oil on contact with a cooled surface.
The desired fraction is collected by
selecting the appropriate temperature and
pressure for the distillation. Many of the
impurities do not vaporize and are left
behind in the flask used for heating the oil.
The following is a description of a
laboratory method for refinement of crude
red oil and purified red oil from the basic
extract. The work was done by Roger
Adams in 1940 and appears on page 198
of volume 62 of the Journal of the American
Chemistry Society.
Wild hemp, grown in Minnesota during
the season of 1938, was used in the
following experiments. The hemp plants
were cut after flowering had begun but
before seed had set in the female tops;
they were stored in a room for six weeks to
dry out. A fan was used for circulation and
no molding was evident. One-third of the
dry hemp plants amounted to stems. These
were held and shaken to remove the leafy
part of the plant. This clean marijuana was
extracted with 95% pure ethyl alcohol. The
methods of extraction are described below.
Four twenty-gallon crocks, each with a
capacity of 23 pounds of material, were
arranged for countercurrent extraction.
Each crock held 61 liters of solvent, of
which 40 were withdrawn at each transfer,
with 20 liters being retained by the
cannabis. After the process had become
uniform, the extract of crock #4 at each
transfer held approximately 2 gm of solids
per 100 cc. Transfers were made once or
twice a day as necessary. The most
concentrated extract obtained in this
manner was passed to a concentrator,
where most of the solvent was flashed off
under vacuum. Never was the temperature
raised above 50°C. The evaporation was
carried out at 30°C. The concentrated
solution contained 23.1 gm of solids per
100 cc 95% ethanol, and each 1 cc
represented 4.13 gm of hemp.
The red oil from these extracts was
obtained by the following methods:
ethanolic extract was poured into a 1-liter
Claisen flask with a short, wide neck and
filled with glass wool until the flask was twothirds
full. The temperature of the bath was
raised gradually from 90° to 140°C as the
pressure was diminished slightly. The
distilled ethanol was discarded, and the
flask was again filled to two-thirds capacity.
This process was repeated until 1600 cc of
extract had been added and the alcohol
removed. The temperature was then raised
to 200°C, and when the last traces of
ethanol ceased, the bath was lowered to
180°C and the pressure reduced to 30 mm.
Care was necessary to prevent the liquid
from foaming over. The temperature was
raised gradually to 200°C until distillation
ceased.
The bath was then cooled to 170°C and
the pressure reduced to 2-5 mm. The
residual product was then distilled. Much
care was necessary to keep the bath at the
lowest temperature at which the oil distilled
evenly, since there was a marked tendency
to foam. The material distilled at between
100° and 220°C (3 mm) with the bath
temperature at 170—310°C. Yield 180—
200 gm crude red oil.
This product was dissolved in 500 cc
30—60°C b.p. petroleum ether and
extracted several times with water. The
ether layer was distilled and the residue
fractionated through a good column having
an outside heating unit. The first fraction
boiled at 115—120°C and gave a yield of
70—80 gm. The second fraction distilled at
150—175°C, yielding 25—30 gm. The
material remaining in the flask was
removed by dissolving in ethanol and
filtering from the glass wool. The ethanol
was evaporated and the product distilled
from a 250 cc flask, b.p. 175—195°C (2
mm). Bath temperature was 220—270°C.
Yield 90—110 gm purified red oil.
chromatography
An advanced separation method known
as chromatography may be used to remove
non-active elements from the product. This
involves filling a tube with a material which
retains unwanted constituents of the oil.
The oil is dissolved in a solvent and passed
through the material. Chromatography of
the hexane extract of hashish in the
following formula (hexane is a solvent with
properties similar to petroleum ether)
removed unwanted constituents of the oil
amounting to 49% of its weight. The
chromatographed extract obtained was
almost totally composed of cannabinoid
elements. Alter conversion of the nonactive
elements of the oil, the resultant
extract will be nearly all THC. The process
following is derived from the Lloydia Journal
of Natural Products, page 456, vol. 33,
no.4.
Isolating the cannabinoids from hashish
The National Institute of Mental Health
supplied 13 kg of confiscated hashish,
origin unknown. The hashish was extracted
in a stainless-steel pot, using 95% ethyl
alcohol at 50°C, and was stirred for five
hours. A second and third extraction were
then completed using 32 liters for 24 hours
and 20 liters for 72 hours, respectively. The
combined hexane extracts were washed
with 5 liters of 50% aqueous ethanol. The
solvent was then removed in vacuum at 40°
C to provide a 22.9% recovery, or 3056 gm.
This is shown by gas-liquid
chromatography to contain 29.5%
cannabidiol, 8.2% cannabinol, and 5.8% Δ9
THC. Florisil (30.5 kg) and methanol (2%)
in hexane were used to chromatograph this
oil. The resulting dark oil contained 50%
cannabidiol, 20% cannabinol, 15% Δ9-THC,
and 15% unidentified components.
Although using Florisil (40:1) provided
essentially pure cannabidiol by gas-liquid
chromatography, the product could not be
induced to crystallize. Crystallized
cannabidiol is obtained by using the
following modified procedure of Roger
Adams.
Isolation of pure cannabidiol
If completely clear THC (a clear, thin,
colorless oil) is desired, it is necessary first
to isolate pure cannabidiol from the
chromatographed oil by converting it to
cannabidiol-bis-3,5-dinitrobenzoate. This is
then converted back into pure cannabidiol,
which is now in the form of white crystalline
prisms. The process for this operation is
found on pages 456 and 457 of the Lloydia
volume previously mentioned, and a
description of it follows.
Cannabidiol-bis-3,5-dinitrobenzoate is
made by rapidly adding 300 gm fresh 3,5-
dinitrobenzoyl chloride (m.p. 68—69°C) to a
mechanically stirred solution of a
chromatographed hashish extract in dry
pyridine at 0° under nitrogen. The mixture
was stirred for 15 minutes, then warmed in
a 60°C hot water bath for 30 minutes. This
mixture was then poured into a mixture of
200 gm of ice and 300 ml concentrated
hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl
acetate (750 ml). The precipitate was
filtered and washed with another 750 ml
ethyl acetate. The aqueous phase was
separated and washed with 500 ml ethyl
acetate. The combined organic phases
were washed with aqueous sodium
bicarbonate (2 x 200 ml) followed by 300 ml
distilled water and dried over CaSO4. The
solvent was removed in vacuum to yield
340 gm of a dark oil. This was purified by
crystallization from 1800 ml ethyl ether,
yielding 194 gm of off-white powdered
cannabidiol-bis-3,5-dinitrobenzoate melting
at 97—101°C.
Pure cannabidiol is made by adding
220 ml of liquid ammonia to a solution of
288 gm cannabidiol-bis-3,5dinitrobenzoate
in anhydrous toluene (400 ml) at -70°C in a
Parr bomb. The sealed apparatus was
mechanically stirred. During five hours the
pressure built to 110 psi and the
temperature rose to 20°C. The ammonia
fumes were released overnight. The
product was dissolved in heptane (400 ml)
and insoluble 3,5-dinitrobenzamide was
removed by filtration. The precipate was
washed twice with 150 ml heptane. The
heptane solutions were combined and
washed with boiling water (5 x 200 ml) and
the solvent removed in vacuum to yield 120
gm of a dark oil. Chromatography on 180
gm of this product on 3400 gm of Florisil
and elution with 30% chloroform in hexane
yielded oily cannabidiol (140 gm).
Crystallization from 30—60° petroleum
ether yielded 99.2 gm white prisms, and
recrystallization gave 94.8 gm pure
cannabidiol.
Conversion of Pure
Cannabidiol to Pure THC
The crystalline prisms of cannabidiol
are converted to pure THC utilizing a
formula of Roger Adams found on page
2211 of volume 63 of the Journal of the
American Chemistry Society. The following
is a description of a method for producing
pure THC.
Isomerizing the cannabidiol with sulfuric
acid
One drop of 100% sulfuric acid was
added to a mixture of 1.94 gm crystalline
cannabidiol in 35 cc cyclohexane. After
refluxing for one hour, the alkaline beam
test was negative. The solution was
decanted from the sulfuric acid, then was
washed twice with aqueous 5% bicarbonate
solution and twice with water. It was then
evaporated. This residue was distilled
under reduced pressure to yield pure THC
with a rotation range of 259° to 269°.
Appendix A
Letters
D. Gold invented a machine called the
Isomerizer, followed by the Iso II. The
following letters were received by Thai
Power, the manufacturer of the machine.
CYCLING EXTRACTION
TECHNIQUE
The following is a letter written to us from
an alchemist who has researched several
methods of speeding up the preisomerization
extraction process. (Editor’s
Note: Thai Power encourages
experimentation but in no way can be
responsible for accidents resulting from any
deviation from the instructions.)
Dear Thai Power:
As all users of the Isomerizer® know,
before the cannabis is isomerized, the oil
must first be extracted from the grass or
hash. The Isomerizer® instructions tell how
to do this by a soaking and soxhleting
method. This is very efficient and no doubt
the best general method of extraction.
There are, however, several variations I
have tried which have proven useful under
certain situations.
As you folks are keeping in contact with
your public, I thought you would want to
relay my findings. I have found that
soxhleting time and actual machine
operation time can be cut considerably if
you increase the soaking time by following
this procedure:
1. Soak for 24 hours as indicated in the
instructions.
2. Pour the cannabis/solvent mixture
through a coffee filter. Save the green
solvent and replace the wet herb in the
soaking vessel.
3. Add the fresh solvent to the herb in the
soaking vessel and soak for another 24
hours.
4. Pour off the solvent through the filter
paper, add the green solvent to that
obtained before, and re soak again in
fresh solvent. Repeating this process
several more times has cut my
soxhleting time to often less than two
hours for complete extraction. I work
during the week and I like to have as
much time as possible on the
weekends, so I have used this process
to cut my actual machine operation
time to just a few hours. I begin my
soaking on Sunday and change the
solvent every night until the next
Saturday. This takes about five minutes
each night. I begin soxhleting Saturday
morning, and after a very short time the
cannabis is almost completely brown,
indicating a good extraction. I then
Isomerize® and am smokin’ by noon. It
seems to me that if you have cannabis
and solvent you should always have
some soaking.
Sincerely,
Steve
Waukegan, Illinois
Dear Steve,
Several extra cycles of soaking in fresh
alcohol will cut the extraction time
considerably. It should be mentioned that
each time you pour off and save the green
solvent, the total amount of solvent which
contains the oil increases. These combined
extracts, when poured into the reaction
vessel, should not fill it to a level above one
one-half inch below the soxhlet basket. If
there is too much solvent/oil solution, simply
simply operate the machine in the normal
manner for removal of solvent and
concentrate the solution down to the
prescribed several inch level.
The following letter was received from
an experimenter who has been successfully
using petroleum ether.
Dear Thai Power:
I have been using petroleum ether (30
to 60° boiling point) to refine my isomerized
oil and would like to know if you think my
method is safe and efficient. Here’s what I
do:
After soxhleting and neutralizing, I
remove the solvent until there is about 6
ounces of green solvent/cannabis oil
solution remaining. I pour this into a quartsized
Pepsi bottle, half filled with water.
After the solution has cooled to room
temperature, I add enough pet ether to
raise the level in the bottle by one inch. I
put the screw top back on, invert the bottle
slowly, return it to its upright position and
release the pressure by loosening the
screw cap. I do this 15 times and then let
the bottle stand until the liquid separates
into layers.
The top layer contains purified oil
dissolved in the pet ether. I siphon this off
using a large rubber squeeze bulb attached
to a ¼” flexible tube. The pet ether is now
gold in color. All the green stuff seems to
stay in the alcohol-water solution. I add
more pet ether and repeat the process until
the pet ether remains clear after the 15
inversions.
I combine the gold-colored petroleum
ether extracts and pour them into a large,
flat-bottomed Pyrex pie plate, which I put
out on the roof on a hot, sunny day. After
several hours all that remains is a
translucent gold oil of unbelievable potency.
What do you think?
Name Withheld
Dear Extractor:
You are using an efficient method for
removing some of the non-psychoactive
organic impurities from your oils. As to
safety, your method is certainly much safer
than attempting to remove petroleum ether
in any manner on a stove or hot plate. In an
operation such as this, a general rule would
be—the less the volume of petroleum ether
used, the safer the operation! Other than
that the safety depends on the amount of
care you take with cigarettes, sparks, pilot
lights, etc.
Thai Power is in the process of bringing
out an automatic filtration accessory to the
Isomerizer® which offers a much finer
degree of purification with greater ease and
safety than your petroleum ether method.
TEXAS SUPER HASH
Dear Sirs:
I have recently discovered several
excellent hash making methods using the
Isomerizer®.
“2-on-1 Hash” is made from regular
Mexican, costs me about $15 per ounce,
and is as good as any imported hash I have
ever smoked. I call it “2-on-1” because two
ounces of weed are extracted, isomerized,
then the oil is put on one ounce of
isomerized weed which has been ground to
a fine powder. I have found a very simple,
fast way of making this using the
Isomerizer®. Here’s how I make one ounce:
1. Take three ounces of commercial
Mexican weed, clean it through a
strainer, spread it ¼” thick on a cookie
sheet and put it into an oven which has
been preheated to 250 degrees then
turned off. After 15 minutes take it out
and crumble it between your thumb
and forefinger. If all the water is
removed the weed will crumble easily
into powder. Take 3/4 ounce (21 gm) of
the dried weed, put it into a blender
and add four ounces of alcohol. Run
the blender for five minutes at the
highest speed, reducing the cannabis
to very fine particles suspended in the
alcohol. Pour this mixture directly into
the reaction vessel.
2. Take the remaining 2¼ ounces of weed
and put it into the blender with eight
ounces of alcohol. Run the blender at
high speed for ten minutes.
3. Fit a large, chemist-type coffee filter
into the soxhlet basket and place it into
the reaction vessel. (Ed. Note: The
reaction vessel already contains the
original ¾ ounce of weed in alcohol.)
4. Pour the alcohol and 2¼ ounces of
weed in the blender into the soxhlet
basket. After all the alcohol runs
through the filter paper you have 3/4
ounce of weed and the alcohol in the
bottom of the reaction vessel, and 2¼
ounces of weed in the filter paper held
by the soxhlet basket.
5. Put the reaction vessel in the machine
and run it as per directions for two
hours. The weed is ground so fine that
this seems to be plenty of time to
extract all the oils. (Ed. Note: The finer
the cannabis is ground, the shorter the
extraction time. We estimate this
method would remove about 80% of the
the oil from the cannabis contained in
the soxhlet basket.)
6. After the two hours, add 15 drops of
concentrated activator solution to the
weed and alcohol in the bottom of the
reaction vessel. Replace the soxhlet
basket containing the 2¼ ounces in the
reaction vessel and leave it in during
the Isomerization® to wash out any
residual traces of oil left in the 2¼
ounces.
7. After 45 minutes open the solvent
removal valve and start removing the
solvent. After about 15 minutes, all the
solvent is gone.
8. Open the machine, neutralize, remove
the soxhlet basket and discard the 2¼
ounces of leached weed.
9. Put the reaction vessel back in the
machine, turn on the pump and dry the
weed as per instructions. It dries very
fast since it is so finely powdered.
10. After the weed is dry, scrape the
reaction vessel with a plastic spatula
and put the oily powder into a large
mortar, then stir with a pestle. After it
is.mixed completely, add two or three
grams of water and work it evenly into
the cannabis. The water is very
important because it contributes to the
taste, smell and appearance of the
hash. Voila! One ounce of really great
hash!
P.S. I tried this with some Colombian
red and it was just plain too damn strong!
Nobody could smoke it and stay
Conscious. I did find that if Colombian is
prepared in the blender and isomerized in
the normal manner, a fine, deep-brown,
earthy Kif-like smoke results which is great
to smoke in a pipe. Adding a little water is
very important here also.
I mainly smoke a bong. I believe that
because of its deep-breathing and totalburning
aspects, a bong is maybe twice as
efficient a method of smoking as joints or a
regular pipe. (Ed. Note: We heartily agree.
Isomerizing your cannabis and smoking it in
a bong will yield many times the enjoyment
per ounce.) The water makes the Iso-Kif
bind together when lighting the bong and
also cools the smoke. I tried using “lettuce
opium” as a binder in my various hash
making experiments. It smoked nicely and
may have even helped the high. That is
hard to tell though, considering the intensity
of the Iso-Buzz.
Sincerely,
Tex
Austin
Editor’s Note:
Tex has come up with a good method
for making hash. Especially considering
those $60 pounds available in Texas. There
are several aspects of his process we would
would like to comment on, however: The
two-hour extraction time probably won’t get
all the oil from the cannabis in the extraction
extraction basket. Overnight soaking should
always be the general policy, and if the
cannabis is blended with alcohol, the
soaking vessel should be shaken lightly
every few hours. Also, Tex removes some
of his alcohol during the isomerization
process before neutralizing. This is OK to
do, but all the alcohol should never be
removed before neutralization. If this should
happen, be sure to add alcohol to the
reaction vessel before adding neutralizer.
LIFETIME STASH
Dear Sirs:
I am now growing a modest-sized plot
of high quality sinsemilla for my own
consumption. My small plot (only 40 X 40
feet) yields one heck of a lot of grass. I was
pleased with the potency increase due to
Isomerization and even happier with the
fact that the high is different and more
pleasurable than any non-Iso® cannabis. I
was kind of pissed, or rather frustrated, that
I could only process 4—5 Ounces at a time
and that the operation took 7—8 hours to
run, and I had so much weed that I could
never hope to process it all.
Then I received the first issue of
IsoNews®. Hooray for Tex and the blender!!
I purchased a used industrial commercial
food preparation blender from a restaurant
supply house. It cost just under $lOO—and
looked just like your standard Waring
except that it was 4 times as big and 10
times as strong. I bought this blender after
burning out two kitchen Waring blenders.
I found that after the weed was
thoroughly dried I could easily reduce
several pounds of flowers and leaves to
fine powder in just a few minutes. The
larger stems were removed, and since I
had carefully destroyed all the male plants,
there were no seeds— sinsemilla.
This blending process reduced the
volume about 90%. I basically used Tex’s
Isohash method except that I put 1½ lbs. of
pulverized leaf and flowers in the soxhlet
basket and 4 ozs. of powdered flowers in
the alcohol/oil solution. I had to use a big
filter paper and pack it to the top.
It seemed like a good idea to keep as
much alcohol in the RV as possible. I
always kept the RV full to within ¾” of the
basket. Was this necessary to facilitate
Isomerization or extraction? It took only 3½
hours to extract the 1½ lbs. in the basket.
After Isomerization, neutralization and
solvent removal I had 5—6 ozs. of
psychedelically overwhelming Iso®hash.
Even the smallest little piece (the size of a
match head) of this gooey black hash will,
when smoked in a glass oil pipe, keep me
psychedelically stoned all day.
For that special Sunday high, I made a
batch where I added 2 ozs. of dried and
powdered homegrown Psilocybe cubensis
mushrooms to the powdered grass in the
soxhlet basket. A little dab will really do ya!
I figure that by the end of harvest time
this year, I should have a block of 8-on-1
Isohash® stashed away in my deep freeze
big enough to last my wife and me the rest
of our lives. Not a bad deal for one
summer’s work and a $500 investment!
I am concerned that my block of hash
will retain its present potency for a long
time to come. I specifically made it into
gooey, resinous Iso®hash because I
remember reading somewhere in the
scientific literature that cannabis extracts
retain their potency much longer than the
raw cannabis. This seems logical, as the
oils on the outside of the lump hermetically
seal off all the cannabinoids.
When I’m done harvesting, I figure that I
should have a cube of this stuff about 1 foot
on each side. Is the best way to store it to
wrap it in several layers of lightproof plastic
and then ice it away in the bottom of my
deep freeze, only opening the package
when I need another ounce?
Thanks again for the Iso®News, with
special thanks to Tex.
K.O.
Dear K.O.:
Congratulations on your lifetime stash. A
A truly enviable position.
To answer your first question, you were
right to use the maximum amount of alcohol
when processing a relatively large amount
of grass, especially when the powdered
cannabis is left in the alcohol/oil/acid
solution. As a general rule, whenever
processing over several ounces of
cannabis, especially when not powdered, fill
fill the reaction vessel to a depth of at least
several inches.
You’re right again on the long-term
storage of cannabis. There is probably no
better form than 8-on-1 Isohash for longterm
storage. What happens when cannabis
cannabis gets old and loses its power is that
that the THC oxidates into a nonpsychoactive
substance. Exposure to air,
light and heat cause this to happen. Any
substance that has been processed should
be kept in an airtight, light proof container in
the freezer.
BUNK TO BEST
Dear Thai,
Hi. I just came up with a hash-making
method that produces a product far
superior to that of 0l’ Tex! I just happened
to find this out while checking out that
article on the Isomerizer® in Head
magazine. I was familiar with the
Isomerization® process as I had gone to a
college medical library and looked up the
formula reference given by David Hoye in
Cannabis Alchemy. Kicking the cannabidiol
element over to high-rotating THC is a
pretty clear-cut thing. Well, I decided to dig
into this decarboxalation trip and see what
it was all about. It was while checking this
out at the library that I came across the
hash making method that should cause me
to go down in the annals of Hash Making
History. I kid you not, Jack, I can make
hash out of good regular Mex that any
Colombian, Thai, high-altitude snob has to
admit is better than his shit at a minute
portion of the price. This stuff is far higher
quality and much more pleasurable to taste,
smell and smoke than that greasy, black,
tarry Texas Isohash.®
The way I make this stuff is with what I
call the Pittsburgh Doublewash® system.
This marvelous hash making system
was born when I found a scientific paper in
one of the chemical journals that discussed
the whole decarboxalation trip, but at the
same time said that if you make marijuana
tea, boiling the shit out of it in lots of water
for one hour, you can throw away the tea,
dry out the marijuana, and it will be
considerably better than before. This pisses
me off a bit because I have been drinking
grass tea for years and throwing away the
weed. Anyhow, I can see how the oils can
be insoluble in water, unlike some of the
tars and waxes, but I would sure think that
all that violent boiling would loosen up the
oils and mix them with the water. But they
had analysis graphs that showed this was
not the case. The boiling water extraction
just removed about 20% by weight of the
water-soluble tars and waxes. Simply
boiling in a pan of water for 1 hour also
decarboxalated all the THC acid to THC.
From what the literature states, the
Isomerizer® also accomplishes this during
the extraction process. I did several tests
with boiling water and decarbox and nondecarbox
(I didn’t Isomerize either). The
boiled batch smoked with almost the same
potency as the non-boiled. The boiled was
much stronger than the non-decarbox when
eaten. This indicates that the THC acids
decarbox fairly thoroughly on smoking, and
the only real application of straight
decarboxalation is when you are planning
to scarf the product.
But the big discovery was yet to come.
I took the stuff that had been boiled for
an hour, poured it through a T-shirt filter
and drank the tea. Not much happened
except for a heavy sensation in the head
and limbs. I added fresh distilled water to
the pulverized weed and boiled it for 3 more
hours. Again I poured it through a T-shirt
but this time let the brown sauce go down
the drain. I’m convinced that there was no
dope in it. I squeezed the weed, now much
lighter in color, nearly dry in a wine press
and did the final dry in a turned-off 300°
oven.
This constitutes Part 1 of the Pittsburgh
Doublewash® method. In Part 2, I take this
stuff and, as if it was any other starting
material, chuck it into the blender with
some isopropyl. I then extract and
Isomerize®. I always leave all the weed in
the soxhlet basket. Tex’s method of leaving
some ground-up pot floating around in the
bottom might somehow inhibit the full
Isomerization process. The same may be
true with some of those tars and waxes that
aren’t in there because I washed them
away in the first water wash. Anyhow, I
Isomerize, neutralize, and then dump all the
weed back into the reaction mixture. After I
pump off the alcohol I wash it again with
water to get rid of all that harsh, left-over
baking soda. After this wash, I dry the
pulverized pot again, put it back into the
soxhlet basket and re-extract the
Isomerized oil. After the weed is all
extracted I dump about 1/5 of the leached
powder back into the sauce and evaporate
the alcohol.
I’ll tell you what, that stuff tastes, smells
and smokes even more pleasurably than
most of the high cost imported hashish. As I
make about 2 ounces from each pound of
good regular, each ounce costs me $40—
50. This ain’t at all bad considering that this
stuff is superior by far to the Afghani
Mazari-Bizarri Primo $150-per-ounce hash
that is my alternative.
Up until I discovered my Pittsburgh
Doublewash® system, all your machine
could do was make bad grass better, good
grass great and great grass greater, etc.
Also real strong but yucko-tasting hash
from regular Mexican. I, for one, could not
make something more pleasurable than
Thai Sticks or high-altitude Mich or
Oaxacan out of some gross Tijuana bunk.
But I now realize that this was due to all
those rotten water soluble tars and waxes.
After Iso,® the THC is the same as the
good stuff. All the bad-tasting headache
shit is in those tars. This refinement is great
for the lungs, too. I’m a chronic cougher
when smoking regular hash or non-wash
Isohash. After getting all those nonpsychoactive
tars out of there, I was able to
nail three big hits in succession out of a
toker pipe with only a minor cough.
Anyhow, using my new method I can
finally say that it is possible to make
something that will satisfy even the $150-
per-ounce super smoke snob out of regular
old commercial for under $30 per ounce.
Name Withheld
Pittsburgh, PA
Editor’s Note:
Congratulations, what more can we say.
say.
DOUBLE WASH ISO OIL
THE BEST
Dear Thai Power,
For the past few months I have been
making and comparing all the different Iso
products that I knew of. What I felt to be the
most important and valuable aspect of
smoking is the overall pleasurable aspects
yielded by the actual smoking of the
cannabis. By this I don’t mean just strength,
but potency combined with taste, ease in
smoking, effect on the lungs, immediate
effects, aftereffects, whether or not it gives
you a roaring case of munchies, etc. And,
of course, all this must be weighed against
cost.
What I actually have been doing is
determining how to get the ultimate
pleasure for the least amount of bucks.
Here are some notes on my experiments.
Iso Hash
I made several different batches of Iso
hash from several different varieties of
weed. I employed the doublewash
technique on most of the regular weed I
processed. I found that the doublewash
technique greatly improved the taste and
smell of the Iso hash made from mustysmelling
and harsh-tasting regular. It
seemed that the amount of actual pleasure
derived from the Iso hash was determined
by the actual amount of oils used in ratio to
the amount of powdered material. I found
that the best hash I made had a 35—40%
oil content and was approximately the
same consistency as fresh powerful
Afghani patties. I made some 3-on-1 Iso
hash from some Columbian red buds. As I
love the spicy flavor of Columbian I omitted
the hot water pre-wash and only used the
second cold water wash to remove the
leftover baking soda. This was without
doubt the strongest hash I’ve ever made or
smoked. Pleasure wise it was ecstatic if
smoked just before going to sleep—
because that’s what you are going to do
soon after smoking it any time. The big
problem with this stuff is that it costs a
small fortune to make. After cleaning the
Columbian buds, I had less than half left, so
in order to get the three ounces that I
concentrated into one ounce, I had to clean
8 ounces of buds.
Concentrated Iso Weed
My partner in these experiments is what
you might call a paper addict. Even though
he realizes the wastefulness of smoking
joints (as opposed to a bong or a
“smokeless” pipe), he likes to smoke joints.
About the most pleasurable rolling
preparation we made was some 1-on-1
Columbian red. The Isomerization changed
the high to a very awakening and crystal
clear high. The cost was way up there still,
as the Columbian gave a 40% yield after
cleaning. What we found to be the best
deal in rollable preparations was 4-on-1
made from fairly good green Mexican
regular with the doublewash process. The
trick to keep it cool-burning and goodtasting
is to leave just a small amount of
water in the cannabis from the final
washing. We very successfully kept this in
an airtight bag in the freezer. Only the
amount we were about to smoke was
thawed. This was easily done by holding
the weed between the palms for several
seconds.
Doublewash Oil
Many of my friends don’t like oil because
they find it a royal pain in the ass to handle
and smoke. This is true if improper
techniques are used. Using a wooden
match to dip oil from a bottle and then
painting the oil on a paper prior to rolling
can get very messy (also very wasteful, as
the oil-impregnated paper is directly
exposed to the air and much of the oil
smoke is lost). Glass oil pipes always give
you a solid hit, but after they are used
several times they get that black carbon all
over them which in turn gets all over
everything — along with the oil. Also, the bit
from the glass pipe is very apt to give you a
ten-minute choking and coughing fit.
The best way to prepare oil for smoking
with weed is to work it into a pile of weed
with the fingers. This evenly distributes the
oil into the weed but stains the hand and
whatever it touches for days.
Well, I have come up with the very best
way to smoke oil efficiently with no hassle,
and I have found that doublewash oil from
good regular smoked with my method
absolutely gives the most pleasure for my
smoking dollar. I get about 2—3 grams
from each ounce of regular weed that I
wash and extract, which means that the
DW oil is costing me $4 or less per gram.
When this oil is smoked using my new
method, there is no throat or lung irritation
and absolutely no tendency to cough. The
taste is sweet and rich, and I find that I like
this taste as much as the taste of the superexpensive
brands of pot.
The key to my smoking method is
cigarette ashes. I have the large bowl of
either a bong or a toker pipe filled with
them. I use a 6-inch piece of coat hanger
as a dipstick. This is put into the oil vial and
a hit’s worth is picked up on the end. I hold
this directly over the ash-filled pipe bowl
and heat the coat hanger with a butane
lighter. This causes the drop of oil to fall
onto the ashes and spread out. Then I
smoke the pipe just like it was full of weed
or hash. The ashes are totally inert as they
have been completely burned once and all
that comes through is the water-cooled
taste of the DW oil. The process (of getting
the oil from the bottle to the bowl with no
hassle) is very easily repeated with little
mess or waste. This is what I found to be
the product that I like the best. Goodtasting,
high-potency oil with the crystalclear
Isomerized effect just can’t be beat at
under $4 per gram.
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
This is indeed a good way to smoke oil.
Spreading the oil on an inert medium is very
very efficient. The same effect as given from
from the ashes can be had by filling the pipe
pipe with steel wool or layers of cloth mesh
pipe screens. A well-used and resinous pipe
pipe screen also works well. There may be
a difference in the potency of the oil when
smoked in this manner (placing the flame
directly on the oil). When the oil is smoked
in an oil vaporization pipe or on aluminum
foil, the oil is not actually burned, but
distilled. The heat of the lighter causes the
oil to vaporize and your lungs act as a
condenser. The product actually entering
your lungs is slightly different than when the
oil is actually burned. Perhaps this accounts
accounts for the more predominant
tendency to cough when the oil is smoked in
in the oil pipe.
BINDING & PRESSING ISO
HASH
Thanks for the recipe for “Texas Super
Hash”, but can anyone suggest a good
binding agent or some type of press for the
hash? It seems that mine never hardens
fast enough before I smoke it; and I’d like to
add that people around here are amazed at
what my little toy can do. Many thanks for
introducing the Isomerizer to
Massachusetts.
For a freer and greener Earth,
Joe
This letter comes from Joe in
Massachusetts and inquires on a subject
that many others have also asked about.
When Iso hash is prepared with an oil-topowdered-
material ratio of less than 20%,
the material does not bind together and is
more the consistency of dark kif. As most
hash, especially that from the Middle and
Far East, has traditionally come as blocks
and lumps (due to the high resin ratio),
many people have sought for an additive to
cause Iso hash with a lower oil content to
bind together. The best binder yet
discovered seems to be an extract of lettuce
lettuce made by drying the lettuce and then
extracting it in the Isomerizer. After the
solvent is evaporated, the tarry extract is
scraped from the reaction vessel. A small
amount of the extract is added to the Iso
hash when it is worked with the thumb of
one hand in the palm of the other. Be
careful not to overdo the amount of lettuce
extract used. A small amount will cause the
cannabis to bind well when kneaded and
worked. An excellent way to work the hash
is to totally dry the Iso hash into powder and
and then put several teaspoons into the
corner of a heavy plastic bag and add
several drops of water and a small amount
of lettuce extract. Squeeze and press the
bag until the mass begins to adhere to itself.
itself. Soon it will form into a solid mass and
is removed from the plastic bag.
Hash presses are another subject which
which has been asked about in many
letters. There are several methods of
pressing the powder into solid slabs that
can easily be done at home. Always
remember that a small amount of water
added to the mass causes it to bind better.
Binding hash by compressing it tightly is
a very good preservative measure because
It hermetically seals all the hash within the
outer crust. Chemical experiments done
many years ago on a lump of Indian charras
charras of about 100 lbs. weight showed
that the crust deteriorated in a few years
time to the point that it was 1/20th the
potency of the protected hash in the center.
Wrapping the hash tightly in light and
airproof plastic and then freezing it is the
best preservative measure that can be
taken. A small piece is quickly thawed for
smoking by holding it in the closed hand.
A NEW ISO OIL DEVICE
Dear Sirs:
I have come up with a good method for
smoking hash oil in case your readers may
be interested. I take a glass mason jar and
drill a hole through the bottom. Then I take
a piece of aluminum foil and place some oil
on it. I then wrap the foil across the opening
of the jar with the hash oil on the inside.
Then I invert the jar and hold a flame under
the foil in the spot where the hash oil is at.
When the jar is filled with smoke, inhale
through the hole in the bottom of the jar.
Also I would like to say that I am well
satisfied with the results of the Isomerizer.
Sincerely,
A Loaded Floridian
LETTUCE OPIUM
Dear Thai Power,
Is the procedure for making lettuce
“opium” any different than a normal oil
extraction? Also, what is the best way to
smoke the stuff?
Sincerely,
Art Smith
Dear Art,
The dried, tarry extract of lettuce has
currently become very popular in the
various magazines. Perhaps this is due to
the fact that a single head of lettuce can
yield up to half an ounce of the preparations
preparations that are being retailed for up to
to $5.00 per gram. You don’t have to be
Albert Einstein to figure out this math.
A high-quality extract of lettuce can be
made for pennies per gram in the
Isomerizer or ISO-2 by following this
procedure:
First, chop the lettuce as if you were
making a salad. Dry the lettuce by
spreading it out in the sun for several days
or put it into a 250° oven until dry. Pulverize
the lettuce and extract it in the ISO-2 or
Isomerizer with the standard method using
isopropyl alcohol.
After removing and collecting the
solvent, the lettuce “opium” remains in the
bottom of the reaction vessel. It may be
smoked in the same manners as hash oil.
SUPER HASH
Mexican Pollen
Dear Thai Power,
I would like to begin by thanking you for
the prompt replacement of my ISO-2 which
was damaged in transit. It was a drag
waiting for another ten days before
introducing myself to Isomerization, but the
result was well worth the wait.
I believe that I have come up with a
superior hash making method that your
readers may appreciate learning.
The starting material I used was highquality
Mexican flowers from around the
Lake Chapala region. The colas were about
12 inches long, well dried but still fragrant,
with large, dark mature seeds. The seed
hulls were bright orange, and the entire
flower was so encrusted with dried resins
(“pollen”) that it looked as if someone had
sprinkled sand on them.
As this “pollen” is actually the hashish
of the plant, I decided to try to remove
some of it without disturbing the beautiful
and delicate flowers. I accomplished this
quite simply by building a 12” x 18” wooden
frame out of 2x2s and stretching a piece of
nylon mesh cloth over this. The cloth had a
consistency much like that of nylon
stockings.
Out of one pound of pot I got somewhat
over ½ ounce of pure fine “pollen.” Even
though this amount was removed from the
pot, I could find no ascertainable difference
in its potency before and after screening.
The hash, however, was considerably
stronger and tastier than the pot.
I held this over a large tray to catch the
fine granules of “pollen” as they came
through. I gently placed the intact flowers
on top of the cloth and shook the frame.
The loose pot (shake) and seeds gently
rubbed on the stocking material.
I threw the “pollen” directly into the
reaction vessel and added 12 ounces of
alcohol. I put this into my ISO-2, put on the
condensing unit, and just let it go for four
hours to leach the oils into the alcohol. I
then added the activator and let it run for
another two hours, then neutralized and
removed the solvent by collecting it in the
normal manner. When the solvent was all
gone I poured 12 ounces of distilled water
into the reaction vessel and stirred
thoroughly. (Editor’s note: This was to
dissolve and remove the baking soda
neutralizer.)
Then I dumped the water and “pollen”
mix through a bed sheet and squeezed out
all the water. I got a ball of hash out of that
bed sheet that was so good I couldn’t
believe it!
SCRAPING FOR ISO OIL
Dear TPI,
By far my favorite product from the ISO-
2 is oil. For sheer power, there is no
substitute for Iso oil from Columbian or
Oaxacan. One good hit of this from the foil
or a glass pipe, and I’m in great shape for
hours.
For general all-day smoking, I have
found that doublewash oil from Reg Mex
can’t be beat. Since it is so cheap to make I
always smoke it in a toker pipe on ashes.
No cough, great taste, good high. My big
problem is how do you get the last gram out
of the reaction vessel? I’ve tried scraping
with spoons, knives, etc., and when the oil
film gets thin, it just seems to move out of
the way of the knife.
Sincerely,
Ron
Dear Ron,
Almost all the oil can be gotten from the
reaction vessel by scraping with a piece of
flexible plastic about one inch wide and as
thick as a credit card. A rounded corner is
also helpful. This method is fast and
efficient and gets all but the last traces. The
last bits should be removed by heating the
reaction vessel slightly and then tossing in
several joints worth of grass and rubbing the
the grass against the side to wipe out any
remaining oil.
ISO HASH PRESS
Here are plans for an ISO-Hash press
sent in by a reader:
Here are some basic plans for a press
that! made out of some materials that you
can pick up at a metal supply house.
It is made of a square of one-inch
tubing about two feet long. Then there are
three pieces of hard steel about ¼ inch
thick. (The reason for hard steel is so that it
won’t lose its shape under pressure, and it
must be thick so it won’t jam in the tube.)
One rod is about ¼ inch in diameter
and 2½ feet long. There are two smaller
rods about 3/8 inch in diameter and 2
inches long. (Make sure rods are made of a
hard material so it won’t bend when
packing.)
Take tubing and drill two holes for the
¾-inch rods about ½ inch from bottom and
make sure the holes are straight across
from each other so the base plate will sit
flat on the rods. (Drill holes big enough so
the rod can be removed with no effort.)
Then drill a hole about 5/8 inch in diameter
and about 7 inches from bottom. (That is
where you load your press with ISO-Hash.)
The three pieces of ¼-inch steel are
for:
1st piece: A base that sits on top of the ¾-
inch rods.
2nd
piece:
This is the plate for the plunger.
Drill and tap hole for ¼-inch rod.
Then thread one end of rod and
cut off excess coming through
plate so it is flat.
3rd piece: A guide for the plunger rod to
keep it straight while you pack.
The guide is welded in the top
of the tube so it won’t move.
Note: The base and the piece for the
plunger should be as close to the size of
the inside of the tubing as possible so no
hash will press out from around the plates,
but not tight or it will get stuck.
The way it works is the plunger is raised
above the loading hole. Put amount of ISOHash
to be pressed in loading hole, which
falls to the base plate that is sitting on the
two rods. Pack with the plunger until you
feel it is packed enough. Then remove the
two rods and push the whole works out of
the bottom and presto—a nice cube of ISOHash.
Sincerely,
A Loaded Floridian
THE ALCOHOL QUESTION
Dear Thai People,
I have yet to be dissatisfied with your
machine (ISO-2). I have found both
instructions and operation easy to follow
and perform. Because I log all operations
performed with the ISO-2, I have, in my
opinion and that of privileged others, been
repeatedly successful in producing “certain
extracts.” However I am not very good in
conserving the Isopropyl alcohol supplied
with my machine.
To make the story short, I have been
having problems finding readily available
100% Isopropyl alcohol; a money order and
requisition for more is included in this letter.
The major reason for this letter is not to
brag or bullshit, but to inquire if the ISO-2
can be used to distill the all-popular
“rubbing alcohol,” (70% isopropyl, 30%
water) by your, the engineers and
warrantors of the ISO-2, advice and
recommendation? Please reply.
Robert
Houston, TX
Dear Robert,
Rubbing alcohol can be redistilled in the
ISO-2 to remove some of the water.
However, you probably will not be able to
facilitate an efficient isomerization. We must
must recommend that you use 100%
Isopropyl that is available from Thai Power,
Inc.
Appendix B
Solvent Notes
The solvents in the table following are
common in the research literature on THC.
Benzene and Toluene are mentioned with
respect to isomerization. Most others are
used in extraction and chromatography.
Petroleum ether seems to be the solvent of
choice for laboratory extraction, but the
consensus among amateur alchemists is
that the. fire hazard is too high. An
examination of the flash points and
N.F.P.A. health and fire hazard
identification signals shows that every
solvent has some serious drawback. The
low-boiling solvents are almost explosive;
the nonflammable solvents are more
poisonous. The researcher appears to have
the choice of risking death by fire or by liver
and kidney damage, preceded by narcosis
in both cases. One alchemist’s pamphlet on
cannabis oil recommends use of petroleum
ether and advises storing it in the
refrigerator to keep it cold. Unless the
refrigerator is designed for solvent storage,
this situation approximates a bomb. A
refrigerator is closed to air circulation — a
slight leak in the cap seal will allow the
refrigerator to saturate with petroleum ether
vapor (flash point -32°C / -24°F); a spark
from the motor or defroster could then
ignite the confined mixture.
The effect of the type of solvent on the
stability of marijuana solutions to
decomposition has also been recently
reported (Bonuccelli, 1979). Chloroform
(and probably other chlorine-containing
solvents) promotes significant
decomposition of THC on storage; this
decomposition is speeded up by light. In
sunlight, a chloroform solution lost 25—
35% of its THC in 30 minutes. The author
found ethanol better for storage, but slight
decomposition still occurred. Storage in
cold and darkness is recommended.
Keeping samples under inert atmosphere
(nitrogen) will also retard decomposition.
TABLE OF SOLVENT PROPERTIES
Boiling Density Water
Flash
Point
N.F.P.A. Hazard
Identification
Signals
Name Point °
C g/ml solubility °C °F health fire reactivity
Benzene 80.1 0.8787 δ -17 2 2 3 0
Chloroform 61.2 1.4916 δ — — non-flammable
Cyclohexane 81 0.7791 i -20 -4 1 3 0
Dichloromethane 40 1.335 δ — — 2 0 0
Ethanol
(grain alcohol) 78.5 0.7893 ∝ 13 55 0 3 0
Ethyl acetate 77.06 0.9005 s 4 24 1 3 0
Ethyl ether
(Diethyl ether) 34.6 0.714 s -45 -49 2 4 1
Hexane 68 0.6595 i -30 -22 1 3 0
Isopropyl alcohol 82.4 0.7851 ∝ 12 53 1 3 0
Methanol
(wood alcohol) 64.96 0.7914 ∝ 11 52 1 3 0
Petroleum ether 30—60 — i -57 -70 1 4 0
Petroleum ether
(commercial
hexane) 60—70 — i -32 -25 1 4 0
Toluene 110.6 0.8669 i 4 40 2 3 0
FLASH POINT The temperature at which
the material will give off enough vapor in air
to form an ignitible mixture that will
propagate flame. These are typical test
values by closed cup test, except when
designated “OC” open-cup.
WATER SOLUBILITY Symbols used to
indicate the relative water solubility of the
substances:
∝ miscible
v more than 50 grams dissolve in 100
milliliters of water
s 5 to 50 grams dissolve in 100 milliliters
of water
δ less than 5 grams dissolve in 100
milliliters of water
I insoluble
d decomposes on contact with water
NFPA HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
SIGNALS (From Identification System
for Fire Hazards of Materials (NFPA No.
704-M))
IDENTIFICATION OF HEALTH HAZARD—
Type of Possible Injury: (Color Code:
BLUE)
4. Materials which on very short exposure
could cause death or major residual
injury even though prompt medical
treatment were given.
3. Materials which on short exposure
could cause serious temporary or
residual injury even though prompt
medical treatment were given.
2. Materials which on intense or
continued exposure could cause
temporary incapacitation or possible
residual injury unless prompt medical
treatment is given.
1. Materials which on exposure would
cause irritation but only minor residual
injury even if no treatment is given.
0. Materials which on exposure under fire
conditions would offer no hazard
beyond that of ordinary combustible
materials.
IDENTIFICATION OF FLAMMABILITY—
Susceptibility of Materials to Burning: (Color
Code: RED)
4. Materials which will rapidly or
completely vaporize at atmospheric
pressure and normal ambient
temperature, or which are readily
dispersed in air and which will burn
readily.
3. Liquids and solids that can be ignited
under almost all ambient temperature
conditions.
2. Materials that must be moderately
heated or exposed to relatively high
ambient temperatures before ignition
can occur.
1. Materials that must be preheated
before ignition can occur.
0. Materials that will not bum.
IDENTIFICATION OF REACTIVITY
(STABILITY)—Susceptibility to Release of
Energy: (Color Code: YELLOW)
4. Materials which are readily capable of
detonation or of explosive
decomposition or reaction at normal
temperatures and pressures.
3. Materials which are capable of
detonation or explosive reaction but
require a strong initiating source or
which must be heated under
confinement before initiation or which
react explosively with water.
2. Materials which are normally unstable
and readily undergo violent chemical
change but do not detonate. Also
materials which may react violently with
water or which may form potentially
explosive mixtures with water.
1. Materials which are normally stable,
but which can become unstable at
elevated temperatures and pressures
or which may react with water with
some release of energy but not
violently.
0. Materials which are normally stable,
even under fire exposure conditions,
and which are not reactive with water.
Adapted from
Handbook of Laboratory Safety
2nd ed., Chemical Rubber Co.
(Cleveland, Ohio, 1971)
Glossary
Acetic anhydride (CH3CO)20 —
Compound produced from two molecules of
acetic acid by removal of one water
molecule. Used for acetylation.
Acetylation — The introduction into an
organic compound of an acetyl group
(CH3CO). Acetic anhydride can be used to
do this; it reacts with -OH and -NH2 groups
on the molecule.
Alchemy — An ancient practice of
chemistry, some goals of which were the
transformation of base metals into gold and
discovery of the elixir of life. The writings of
the alchemists have also been given
philosophic and religious interpretations, an
example being C. G. Jung’s interpretation
of dreams as alchemical symbolism.
Beam test — A chemical test which gives a
violet color if cannabidiol is present. The
test gives no such color with THC or
cannabinol.
Cannabidiol — A non-psychoactive
cannabinoid (compound related to THC) in
marijuana which by elimination of water and
formation of a third ring structure can be
converted to THC.
Cannabidiol-bis-3,5-dinitrobenzoate —
The derivative of cannabidiol formed by
reaction with 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride. It
crystallized more readily than cannabidiol,
and this is used to effect a purification. After
crystallization the derivative is converted
back to cannabidiol.
Cannabinol — A non-psychoactive
cannabinoid (compound related to THC)
which is a product of the oxidation of THC.
Cannabis — Genus name of the marijuana
plant; sometimes refers to the plant in
general or its products.
Cannabis indica — Oriental strain
(perhaps a separate species, though it
produces fertile seeds with Cannabis
sativa) of marijuana. Usually shorter with
broader leaf blades and higher THC
content than Cannabis sativa.
Cannabis oil — The viscous liquid
resulting from the extraction of cannabis
with an organic solvent and the subsequent
removal of that solvent.
Cannabis sativa — Strain of marijuana
originally cultivated for fiber rather than
resin. Usually has a higher cannabidiol to
THC ratio than indica, although some
varieties are quite potent.
Charas — Hindu word for hashish, the
pressed resin of marijuana, as
distinguished from manicured tops (ganja)
or loose marijuana debris (bhang).
Chloroform (CHCl3) — A non-flammable,
organic solvent. Often used in the past as a
general anesthetic, it has now been
replaced by less toxic chemicals.
Chromatography — An analytical
technique for the separation of different
compounds from each other. A number of
methods (paper, thin layer, solid-liquid, and
gas chromatography) operate on the same
basic principle. A mobile phase moves
through a stationary phase, and when a
mixture of compounds is introduced into the
flow, different compounds move at differing
rates depending on their affinity for one
phase or the other.
Claisen flask — A glass flask with a Ushaped
neck, used for distillation.
Condenser — An apparatus, cooled by
circulating cold water, used to condense
vapors of boiling liquids back to liquids.
Countercurrent extraction — A liquidliquid
extraction process in which two
immiscible liquids move past each other in
opposite directions. Similar in principle to
chromatography.
Crystallization — The formation of a solid
in crystal form from a saturated liquid
solution. Crystals include mainly the
molecules of the pure compound, so when
the liquid is removed from the crystals a
purification usually results.
3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride ((NO2)
2C6H3COCl) — The chemical used to form
3,5-dinitrobenzoate derivatives of organic
molecules. These derivatives usually
crystallize more easily than the original
compounds and are used to purify or
identify them.
Distillation — The conversion of a liquid to
a vapor and later condensation of the vapor
to liquid in a different container. Often used
to purify solvents.
Emulsion layer — A cloudy region at the
boundary of two immiscible liquids where
the two liquids are present together, one as
fine bubbles in the other.
Erlenmeyer flask — A conical flask with a
flat bottom and a short, narrow, straightsided
neck. Named after Emil Erlenmeyer,
a German chemist.
Essential oils — The volatile oils present
in fruits, flowers, leaves, etc., which give
them characteristic odors.
Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) — Organic solvent
(also known as ethyl alcohol or grain
alcohol) of low toxicity, usually denatured
(made unfit to drink) by the addition of small
amounts of toxic chemicals.
Extraction — A method which removes a
desired material from a mixture of others.
Here, the use of a solvent which dissolves
THC and other compounds but not the
insoluble compounds (cellulose, protein,
etc.).
Flashing off — The removal of a solvent
by reducing the pressure in the container
and causing the liquid to vaporize. The
vapor can then be condensed at a cooler
temperature in another vessel.
Florisil — A material used as a stationary
(nonmoving) phase of liquid-solid
chromatography.
Fractional distillation — A distillation
process which separates liquids of differing
boiling points.
Hashish — Pressed marijuana resin. The
word is derived from the Arabic name for
members of Hasan ibn as-Sabbãh’s cult,
which is also the root of the word assassin.
Isomer — In chemistry, a compound with
the same atomic composition as another
compound but with differing properties.
Isomerization — The formation of an
isomer. Here, the formation of THC from
cannabidiol.
Isopropyl alcohol (CH3)2CHOH — Organic
solvent that is the main constituent of
common rubbing alcohol.
Lettuce opium — Popular, openly sold
extract of lettuce; reportedly psychoactive,
though this has not been scientifically
substantiated.
Methanol (CH3OH) — A toxic organic
solvent also known as methyl alcohol or
wood alcohol. It is sometimes used to
denature ethyl alcohol.
Neutralizing — The addition of a base to
an acid solution (or vice versa) to the point
that the solution is neither acidic nor basic
(pH = 7.0). Sometimes when “neutralizing
an acid” is referred to, the final solution is
not really neutral but basic.
Oiler — see reefer.
Parr bomb — An apparatus designed to
determine the caloric value (the amount of
heat produced by burning) of fuels. Here
used as a vessel for carrying out a reaction
at high pressure. Named after Samuel
Wilson Parr, an American chemist.
Petroleum ether — A highly flammable
fraction of petroleum, distilling between 40°
and 70°F. It is composed mainly of
pentanes and hexanes (molecules with
chains of carbon atoms five and six atoms
long). It is frequently used in cannabis
research as a solvent for THC, but its high
fire hazard makes it dangerous to use.
Psychoactive and non-psychoactive —
Indicating the presence or absence of
specific mental effects. In cannabis,
psychoactive compounds (mainly THC) are
responsible for the characteristic euphoric
state.
Purification — Generally, a method which
increases the percentage of a desired
substance. Here, the use of two immiscible
liquids to remove impurities from THC.
Reefer — Early 20th-century slang for
marijuana cigarette. Repopularized in the
‘60s. Sometimes used in the ‘70s to
describe a marijuana cigarette which has
been impregnated with cannabis extract;
also called an “oiler.”
Refluxing — The continuous return of
condensed vapors to the boiling container
from which they came.
Resin — The oily secretion of plants. In
marijuana, the THC is located mostly in the
resin; however, high resin content is not
synonymous with high THC content.
Rheostat — A mechanism for adjusting the
resistance of an electric circuit. Often used
in labs to adjust the intensity of heaters or
lights, and to regulate the rates of electric
motors.
Rotating (higher, lower; also specific
rotation) — The number of angular degrees
through which a plane of polarized light is
rotated by passing through a solution with a
concentration of 1 gram per cubic
centimeter in a tube 1 decimeter (1/10
meter) long. Higher and lower rotating
forms are comparative terms for two
isomers with higher and lower values of
specific rotation.
Safety box — A container which shields
the worker from contact and possible harm
from explosion during certain chemical
procedures. The atmosphere in the box can
be replaced with inert gas to prevent
combustion.
Solvent — In general, a liquid which is
effective in dissolving a material; in
particular, an organic compound which is
liquid and dissolves THC readily.
Soxhleting — A process of continuous
solvent extraction of a solid. The Soxhlet
apparatus is a combination of a distillation
flask, a reflux condenser, and a vessel
(which holds the solid) connected to a
siphon. Named after the German chemist,
Franz von Soxhlet.
THC — Tetrahydrocannabinol, the main
psychoactive compound in marijuana.
THC acetate — The compound produced
by acetylation of THC. Its psychoactive
properties differ from THC, but the nature of
the difference is still controversial.
References
Adams, R. et al. “Structure of Cannabidiol,
a Product Isolated from the Marihuana
Extract of Minnesota Wild Hemp, I.” Journal
of the American Chemical Society 62
(1940): 196—200.
Adams, R. et al. “Structure of Cannabidiol.
XII: Isomerization to
Tetrahydrocannabinols.” Journal of the
American Chemical Society 63 (1941):
2209—13.
Bonuccelli, C. M. “Stable Solutions for
Marijuana Analysis.” Journal of
Pharmaceutical Sciences 68(1979): 262—
63.
Davis, K. H. et a!. “The Preparation and
Analysis of Enriched and Pure
Cannabinoids from Marihuana and
Hashish.” Lloydia Journal of Natural
Products 33 (1970): 453—60.
Drug Enforcement Administration, Drug
Enforcement, 1973.
Gaoni, Y., and Mechoulam, R. “Isolation,
Structure, and Partial Synthesis of an
Active Constituent of Hashish.” Journal of
the American Chemical Society 86(1964):
1646—47.
Hively, R. L. et a!. “Isolation of trans-Δ6-
Tetrahydrocannabinol from Marijuana.”
Journal of the American Chemical Society
88 (1966): 1832—33.
Mechoulam, R. “Marihuana Chemistry.”
Science 168 (1970): 1159—66.
Mechoulam, R. Marijuana. New York:
Academic Press, 1973.
Starks, M. Marijuana Potency. Berkeley:
And/Or Press, 1977.
Steere, N. V., ed. Handbook of Laboratory
Safety. 2nd ed. Cleveland: Chemical
Rubber Co., 1971.

 

[7eosoul]

fucking siiiiiiccckkkk, thanks bro ive been looking for this book everywhere and the first day i join this site i find it =D thanks again brotha

 

[pher2]

thanks JM! :thumbs:

 

[Dieselnoi]

Top Boy!!:smokebuds: