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Steam distillation

A plain-English cannabis definition for Canadian consumers. Use it for education, then confirm provincial rules and product details with licensed sources.

Steam distillation is a method used to extract essential oils from plants by passing steam through the plant material.

Also called / Category:

Steam extraction, Steam stripping / Extraction & Processing

Key takeaways:

  • Steam distillation is commonly used for extracting essential oils from plant materials.
  • This method helps preserve the integrity of sensitive compounds.
  • It is a preferred technique for producing high-quality extracts.

What it is / How it shows up:

Steam distillation is often mentioned in the context of cannabis extraction methods on company websites or product reviews. It's a process where steam is used to separate essential oils from cannabis plants. The steam passes through the plant material, causing the volatile compounds to evaporate. These vapours are then condensed back into liquid form, allowing for the collection of essential oils. This method is particularly valued for its ability to preserve the delicate nature of cannabinoids and offset-4 transition-colors hover:underline" title="Learn more about Terpenes">terpenes, ensuring that the final product maintains its aromatic and therapeutic qualities.

How it’s measured or identified:

  • Efficiency is often gauged by the yield of essential oils extracted.
  • The purity of the resulting oil is measured through chromatography.

Use in context:

  • "Our cannabis extracts are produced using steam distillation for optimal quality."
  • "Steam distillation ensures that the terpenes are preserved during extraction."
  • "The essential oils derived from steam distillation are highly potent."

Safety & compliance in Canada:

  • All extraction processes must adhere to Health Canada's regulations.
  • Ensure proper equipment and safety protocols are followed during extraction.

Related terms / See also:

FAQs:

  • What is steam distillation used for? Steam distillation is used to extract essential oils from plants, including cannabis, by utilizing steam to separate volatile compounds.
  • Why is steam distillation preferred? It is preferred because it preserves the aromatic and therapeutic qualities of the extracted oils.

Sources:

  • Health Canada
  • PubChem

Related Terms

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