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How does extraction time affect cannabis extraction with ethanol?
Time is everything when you’re working with 190-proof ethanol (like Everclear). Especially in QWET (Quick Wash Ethanol Technique), how long you soak determines what ends up in your oil.
Short soak = clean, golden extract. Long soak = darker, heavier, possibly more medicinal.
Let’s break it down:
What is QWET and why should I care?
QWET stands for Quick Wash Ethanol Technique. It’s a method for extracting cannabinoids using very cold, high-proof alcohol. The goal? Pull out THC, CBD, and terpenes—not fats, waxes, or chlorophyll.
Why use ethanol?
- Food-safe (when non-denatured)
- Efficient solvent for cannabinoids and terpenes
- Fast and scalable
Why freeze first? Freezing cannabis and ethanol reduces the extraction of unwanted plant matter like chlorophyll and waxes.
🧊 Pro tip: Freeze both plant and solvent for at least 24 hours before combining.
What happens at different soak times?
| Soak Time | What You Get | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 minutes (QWET) | Light cannabinoids, minimal chlorophyll | Golden, clean, fast | May lack full-spectrum depth |
| 4 hours | Full cannabinoids, some terpenes, low waxes | Balanced extract, low bitterness | Slight green tone possible |
| 8–12 hours (overnight) | Cannabinoids, waxes, chlorophyll | Richer, fuller profile | More plant taste, darker tone |
| 7 days | Everything—including fats, waxes, chlorophyll | Max potency, full-spectrum | Bitter, thick, hard to dose |
🧪 Tip: If you’re aiming for vape oil or tincture, stick to short soaks. For FECO used for medicinal use (e.g., cancer treatment), longer soaks may be desirable.
How does it look after different soak times?
Once you’ve soaked your plant material and ethanol, you’ll notice visible differences. The longer the soak, the darker the color of the infused ethanol becomes—even before evaporation.
After evaporation, all extracts get darker—but timing still shows:
- 1–4 min (QWET): Golden, honey-like texture, mild flavor
- 4 hrs: Amber-gold, slightly thicker, minimal bitterness
- Overnight: Brown-green, more plant flavor, thicker
- 7 days: Very dark, sticky or tar-like, earthy to bitter taste
🌿 Tip: Dark green or nearly black tones before evaporation = chlorophyll extraction. Still usable, but not ideal for taste or tinctures.
Recommended: Clean QWET (4–5 hour soak)
For balanced results (strong + clean), use this approach:
✅ Clean QWET Extraction (HowTo Schema Ready)
{
"@context": "<https://schema.org>",
"@type": "HowTo",
"name": "Clean QWET Cannabis Extraction Using Everclear",
"step": [
{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Freeze cannabis and 190-proof ethanol for 24 hours." },
{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Combine the frozen cannabis and ethanol in your NOIDS beaker." },
{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Gently stir for 1–4 minutes. Stir regularly to release cannabinoids, but not too hard—agitation increases chlorophyll pickup." },
{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Filter using the NOIDS glass filter setup or a fine mesh/coffee filter." },
{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Optional: Evaporate ethanol using the NOIDS condenser or a safe low-temp method." },
{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Collect the thick oil residue—this is your FECO." }
]
}
FAQ – People Also Ask:
What’s the best alcohol for cannabis extraction?
190-proof, non-denatured, food-grade ethanol (like Everclear).
How does QWET work?
By freezing cannabis and ethanol, then washing quickly to pull cannabinoids without the plant gunk.
Is chlorophyll harmful in my extract?
No, but it makes it taste grassy and look dark. It can also affect consistency.
How do I avoid chlorophyll?
Freeze both ingredients and stick to short soak times (under 5 hours). Avoid shaking during long soaks.
Can I reuse ethanol?
Yes—when captured with a condenser during evaporation, ethanol can be reclaimed and reused safely using the NOIDS system.
Final Thoughts: Time Isn’t Just a Variable
Soak times changes what you pull from the plant. Time adds power, nuance, or unwanted taste—depending on how you use it.
Use time intentionally, and your extracts will reflect that care.
