How To Craft Your Own Solventless Vape Pen

Live rosin cartridges, also known as live rosin vape carts, provide a delightful way to enjoy cannabis while on the go. Unlike traditional CO2 or Ethanol-derived vape cartridges, producing live rosin carts doesn't require an expensive distillation and winterization setup. The reason for this is that crude CO2 extracts tend to have a waxy consistency, necessitating the use of solvents for removal. The process of eliminating these waxes involves winterization, where the oil is mixed with ethanol, chilled to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (-34.4 degrees Celsius), and then filtered through 1 to 5 micron filters. Setting up such a system can cost over $250,000, often reaching millions for licensed facilities. Additionally, terpenes, the essential aromatic compounds, are lost during CO2 extraction and are typically reintroduced as artificial botanical terpenes.

Live rosin carts democratize vape cartridge production, making it accessible to producers of all sizes. With equipment costing less than $1000, it's possible to create vape carts at home. The extraction of fresh frozen cannabis using the Bubble Hash method is a highly favored technique among connoisseurs of high-quality cannabis concentrates. It relies on ice-cold water to separate trichomes, which contain cannabinoids and terpenes, from unwanted plant material. This method is often performed with various-sized filtration bags to achieve different quality results and is considered a clean and natural alternative to chemical extractions.

Solventless vape pens have gained popularity among cannabis enthusiasts for their purity and natural flavors. To further enhance the quality and fluidity of these pens, some advanced techniques involve reintroducing terpenes into decarboxylated Live Rosin. In this article, we will delve into the detailed steps of this exciting process.

Here's a step-by-step guide to crafting your own live rosin pen:


Step 1: Fresh Frozen Extraction and Freeze Drying:

Fresh Frozen Bubble Hash extraction requires some essential elements: high-quality fresh cannabis flower heads, ice-cold water, ice, filtration bags of different microns, a diaphragm pump installed in the filtration vessel to create suction and recycle filtered water, a Bubble Hash extraction machine (such as the Bubble Magic), and a Harvest Right freeze dryer for drying the extracted trichomes.

Start by freezing the fresh cannabis flower heads to facilitate handling. It's crucial to work with fresh cannabis to achieve the best results in terms of flavors and aromas. Fill the Bubble Hash extraction machine, such as the Bubble Magic, Osprey, Hashtek ect... with the frozen cannabis flower heads, ice, and ice-cold water. The ice and ice-cold water will help loosen the trichomes from the plant material.

1.Machine Extraction Activate the Bubble Hash extraction machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. The machine will agitate the mixture of cannabis, ice-cold water, and ice to induce trichome separation. Perform a total of four 12-minute wash cycles. These cycles will ensure optimal trichome extraction.

2.Filtration Using Bags Place a series of filtration bags of varying microns in a vessel, from finest to coarsest. Use 45-micron bags to recover lower-quality trichomes, while the 72-micron bag is intended to collect the highest quality, specifically trichomes in the range of 72 to 159 microns. A 160-micron bag is also used to capture any potential contaminants that might have passed through the 220-micron bag. During each wash cycle, filter the water through the stacked bags, from smallest to largest micron size. This progressive filtration separates trichomes based on their size.

3.Diaphragm Pump Activation Utilize the diaphragm pump installed in the filtration vessel to create suction. This suction will draw filtered water back into the extraction machine, enhancing extraction efficiency by maintaining the appropriate temperature and pressure.

4.Filtration and Separation Due to the use of the diaphragm pump to create suction, the traditional up-and-down movement to lift the filtration bags is not necessary. The suction does the work for us by pulling water and trichomes through the bags.

5.Collection and Drying Gently remove the filtration bags, taking care not to damage them. Open each filtration bag and collect the trichomes inside. The trichomes will still be wet at this stage. Place the collected trichomes in the Harvest Right freeze dryer for the final drying process. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to obtain dry trichomes ready for use.

Bubble Hash Extraction

Bubble Hash extracted before freeze dryer

Step 2: Hash Rosin Pressing:

Pressing Bubble Hash into Live Rosin is a method of transforming trichomes into a cannabis concentrate highly valued for its purity and flavor. This technique allows you to create Live Rosin using Bubble Hash as the starting material, preserving terpenes and cannabinoids while removing unwanted plant material. In this article, we will explore in detail the steps and techniques used for pressing Bubble Hash into Live Rosin.

1. Preparing the Bubble Hash Begin by obtaining high-quality Bubble Hash. Bubble Hash is derived from the water extraction method, where trichomes are separated from plant material. Ensure that the Bubble Hash is properly dried. It should be in a dry, crumbly state for effective pressing into Live Rosin.

2. Equipment Preparation You will need a high-quality rosin press. Make sure the press is clean and in good working condition. Choose a rosin pressing bag suitable for the quantity of Bubble Hash you intend to press. Bags with either 25 or 36 microns are commonly used. The choice between 145°F and 160°F will influence the extraction process. Pressing at 145°F will take longer but result in more terpenes, a white color, and a thicker texture, whereas pressing at 160°F will be faster with a more fluid viscosity.

3. Filling the Pressing Bag Place the dried Bubble Hash inside the pressing bag. Ensure even distribution of the Bubble Hash within the bag to ensure even pressure during the process. Fold the pressing bag to prevent any Bubble Hash from escaping during pressing. It's important to use two bags to prevent blowouts during the pressing process.

4. Pressing Insert the filled pressing bag into the preheated rosin press. Apply gradual pressure using the press. Begin with light pressure and gradually increase it to the desired level. The pressing time will depend on the texture of the Bubble Hash and the chosen temperature, typically ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes. Once the maximum pressure has been reached, release the pressure and remove the pressing bag from the rosin press.

5. Collecting Live Rosin Gently open the pressing bag to reveal the Live Rosin that has been extracted during the pressing process. Use a rosin collection tool to gather the Live Rosin. Be sure to store it in a clean, airtight silicone or glass container to preserve its freshness and flavor.

Advanced Techniques for Pressing Bubble Hash into Live Rosin In addition to the basic steps, there are advanced techniques that experienced Live Rosin extractors use to optimize their final product:

• Temperature Variation: Experimenting with different pressing temperatures can affect the texture and flavor profile of Live Rosin. Some prefer lower temperatures to preserve terpenes, while others opt for higher temperatures to increase yield.

• Double Pressing: Some extractors perform an initial press to obtain high-quality Live Rosin and then reuse the same material for a second press at a slightly higher temperature to extract more cannabinoids.

• Multi-Bag Pressing: Using multiple pressing bags with different micron sizes can help further filter Live Rosin, eliminating unwanted particles.

• Cold Pressing: Cold pressing involves pressing Bubble Hash at very low temperatures to maximize terpene preservation. This often requires a specialized press designed for extremely low temperatures.

Bubble Hash being pressed into live Hash Rosin

Cured Live Hash Rosin

Step 3: Terpene and THCa separation:

The mechanical separation of THC and terpenes using Live Rosin and a press is an advanced technique employed in the cannabis industry to extract and isolate these valuable substances. This method allows for the separation of aromatic terpenes, responsible for the taste and smell of cannabis, from cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and others, for individual use in various products like concentrates, vaporizers, and tinctures. Below is a detailed guide to the process:

Live Rosin Curation:

After obtaining Live Rosin, let it sit in a cool, dark environment for at least 2 weeks. During this period, the Live Rosin will undergo a crystallization process, resulting in a change in texture from a viscous liquid to a solid consistency. Waiting for this crystallization is imperative for effective mechanical separation.

1. Equipment Preparation: Prepare a 15-micron filtration bag with the desired amount of crystallized Live Rosin. Ensure the bag is clean and free from contaminants.Prepare a directional sleeve to channel the terpenes out of the press. This sleeve should be placed beneath the filtration bag to collect the terpenes separated from the Live Rosin.

2. Press Preheating: Preheat the press to a temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 51 degrees Celsius). Apply gentle pressure of only 2 psi on the extraction bag. Let the press sit on the rosin bag for 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, closely monitor the output from the bag.

3. Commencement of Separation: As terpenes start flowing out of the filtration bag, the mechanical separation begins. Terpenes are more volatile than cannabinoids and will exit first.Gradually increase the pressure applied to the filtration bag until reaching the desired maximum pressure. This step may take several minutes depending on the amount of Live Rosin used.

4. Second Pull: Once the maximum pressure is reached, increase the press temperature to 145 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 63 degrees Celsius).Allow the Live Rosin to flow through the filtration bag for the second time. This step, known as the second pull, extracts more cannabinoids while maintaining some terpene purity.

5. Third Pull (Optional): For the third pull, raise the press temperature to 210 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 99 degrees Celsius).This third pull extracts the remaining cannabinoids from the filtration bag, but the quality may be slightly lower due to prior terpene and cannabinoid extraction.

Once these steps are completed, you will have mechanically separated terpenes from cannabinoids in your Live Rosin, while also isolating THCA crystals. Ensure that the finished products are stored in appropriate airtight containers to maintain their quality and stability. This technique requires patience and attention to detail but allows for the production of high-quality, customized products.

Live Hash Rosin setted for mecanical separation

Terpene separation from THCA

Step 4: Terpene Infusion and Viscosity Adjustment:

To further improve the quality and fluidity of these pens, some advanced techniques involve reintroducing terpenes into decarboxylated Live Rosin. In this article, we will explore the process of decarboxylating Live Rosin using the jar tech method and the subsequent reintroduction of preserved terpenes to enhance the vape pen experience.

1. Preparation: Begin by placing the Live Rosin into a clean, airtight mason jar. Ensure the jar is t tightly sealed to prevent any vapor or terpenes from escaping the live rosin during the decarboxylation process. Preservation of Terpenes: While the Live Rosin is undergoing decarboxylation, preserve the desired terpenes from step 3. Terpenes can be extracted from the same strain of cannabis or obtained from other source

2. Decarboxylation: Preheat your oven to 207 degrees Fahrenheit (97 degrees Celsius). Place the sealed mason jar with Live Rosin in the preheated oven. Allow the Live Rosin to undergo decarboxylation for a duration sufficient to remove all residual moisture and CO2. The process typically takes several hours. It's crucial to monitor the jar during this time and continue the process until no more bubbles or activity are observed. s.

Reintroducing Terpenes

3. Mixing Terpenes with Decarboxylated Live Rosin: Once the Live Rosin has completed the decarboxylation process, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Calculate the desired amount of terpenes to reintroduce into the Live Rosin. A common suggestion is around 25% of the total mixture, but this can be adjusted based on personal preferences and desired viscosity.
   
   Using an homogenizer, mix the terpenes thoroughly with the decarboxylated Live Rosin. This ensures a consistent distribution of terpenes throughout the concentrate. To aid in the mixing process, use a heated plate set to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). The gentle heat will help homogenize the mixture, ensuring a smooth and consistent blend.

4. Quality Assurance: Before proceeding to use the enhanced Live Rosin in your vape pen, perform quality tests to ensure the desired consistency and flavor profile have been achieved. Consider experimenting with different terpene ratios and strains to customize the vape pen experience according to your preferences.

Step 5: Syringe Filling:
If you're working with pre-decarboxylated rosin, carefully warm it in a double boiler to achieve the desired flowability for luer lock syringe filling. It's crucial to avoid excessive heat, as it can compromise the quality of the rosin and lead to the evaporation of valuable terpenes. Precision is essential in this step—only apply the necessary amount of heat and work efficiently when the container is open. Make sure to promptly seal the jar when it's not in use to preserve the rosin's integrity.

Optimal Filling Conditions:

The process of making rosin carts remains straightforward. Use a luer lock syringe to draw up the oil. It's advisable to fill 0.5g cartridges, as there's often little advantage to 1g carts. Be mindful that trace lipids may remain in the rosin, which could accumulate in the atomizer, potentially affecting the cart's performance. Maintain a warm environment during filling using a halogen lamp. If the syringe cools down, the oil won't flow.

The importance of a good vaping device for live hash rosin vape pen and cart

The use of high-quality ceramic cartridges and disposable devices such as the Fresh Flow and Hermes Series is paramount when consuming Live Hash Rosin, a concentrated form of cannabis renowned for its purity and terpene richness. Live Hash Rosin's solventless extraction process means it may contain small lipid quantities, which can damage coils of lower quality. This underscores the importance of using advanced devices like the Fresh Flow and Hermes Series, which feature ceramic cartridges.

Additionally, high-quality disposable devices such as the Fresh Flow and Hermes Series offer the convenience of being ready-to-use, eliminating refilling or maintenance needs. They are designed for uniform heat distribution and effective vaporization, ensuring each puff delivers the complete terpene and cannabinoid expression found in Live Hash Rosin.

for those seeking to enhance their Live Hash Rosin experience, investing in ceramic cartridges and high-quality disposable devices like the Fresh Flow and Hermes Series is crucial. This not only ensures a superior and safer vaping experience but also enables the enjoyment of the complex terpene profile in its entirety.

Step 7: Bubble Settlement:

Initially, the cart may contain bubbles, but this is normal. After resting for 24 hours, the bubbles will settle. You can expedite this process by applying gentle heat and flip them until they disapearThat's the essence of it. Should you encounter any challenges during this process or require assistance in sourcing vape carts for your production line, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Happy vaping!