Cannabis Oil Extraction - Cold Alcohol
- GTA Seeds
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Step-by-Step Guide to Cold Alcohol Extraction for Cannabis Oil
Cannabis oil is a versatile concentrate used for tinctures, edibles, topicals, and vaping. One of the cleanest and most efficient DIY extraction methods is cold alcohol extraction, often referred to as cold ethanol extraction. By using frozen high-proof alcohol (typically Everclear) and cannabis, this process extracts cannabinoids and terpenes while minimizing unwanted compounds like chlorophyll and waxes.
Borosilicate glass kits are better to use compared to other distillers because you can see your extract while distilling, you don't want all of the alcohol to evaporate completely because you can end up burning your oil at high temperatures
You can pour the remaining oil extract into a Pyrex dish to let the rest of the alcohol evaporate overnight or speed it up by evaporating it in a double boiler with hot water.
Let’s walk through what cold alcohol extraction is, why it’s beneficial, and how you can do it safely and effectively at home.
🧪 What is Cold Alcohol (Ethanol) Extraction?
Cold alcohol extraction uses food-grade ethanol (95% or higher) to strip cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. The process is done at cold temperatures (sub-zero) to prevent the extraction of chlorophyll, plant waxes, and other unwanted compounds that can affect flavor, color, and potency.
✅ Benefits of Cold Alcohol Extraction
Clean, safe solvent (if using food-grade ethanol)
Preserves terpenes with minimal heat
Less chlorophyll than warm ethanol methods
Versatile: Produces a full-spectrum oil for tinctures, edibles, capsules, or vape carts
Accessible for home users
🧰 What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
High-proof ethanol (Everclear 190-proof or lab-grade ethanol)
Optional: activated charcoal for post-processing
Dried, decarboxylated cannabis - This process "Decarboxylation" is only necessary if you are not distilling your oil, by evaporating your alcohol oil extraction outdoors without using heat
Outdoor Cannabis Alcohol/Oil Extraction Evaporating
🔥 What Is Cannabis Decarboxylation?
Decarboxylation is the process of applying heat to raw cannabis to activate its key compounds—primarily THC and CBD. In its natural state, cannabis contains THCA and CBDA, which are non-psychoactive. When heated through baking, vaping, or smoking, these compounds lose a carbon atom (CO₂) and convert into THC and CBD, making them bioavailable and effective for therapeutic or recreational use.
For edibles, tinctures, or oils, decarbing your cannabis before infusion is essential to ensure you get the full potency and desired effects.
After your cold Cannabis extraction and filtration, the cannabis oil in the alcohol will decarboxylate, during the distillation process by boiling/distilling your extraction, there would be no need to decarboxylate your Cannabis flower in the oven before the cold extraction.
Equipment:
2 glass jars with lids
Metal strainer or cheesecloth
Coffee filters or micron filter bags
Funnel
Pyrex dish or mason jar for collection
Freezer
Heat-safe dish or double boiler (for evaporation)
Gloves and safety goggles
Well-ventilated area
🔥 Step-by-Step Guide: Cold Alcohol Cannabis Oil Extraction
Step 1: Freeze Everything
Place cannabis and ethanol in the freezer for at least 12–24 hours
This ensures less chlorophyll is pulled during the wash
Step 2: First Wash (Extraction)
In a freezer-safe jar, combine frozen ethanol and cannabis
Shake or stir gently for 3–5 minutes (shorter contact = cleaner extract)
Strain through a cheesecloth, or metal strainer into a second jar or dish
Optional: Do a second wash to capture more oil (quality may drop slightly)
Step 3: Fine Filtration
Filter the liquid again through a coffee filter or micron bag to remove any remaining plant material or sediment
You should have a clear to lightly golden tincture-like liquid
Borosilicate Buchner filtering is the best option to get rid of most of the plant matter, especially if you want to use the extract in a vape pen cartridge like Ccell
Once you extract oil from your Cannabis flower, you can leave the alcohol/oil solution to sit overnight so the plant matter/sediment settles to the bottom, this way you will have a clean liquid alcohol solution before filtering so you won't gunk up your Buchner filter funnel, use a coffee filter inside as well
You can let gravity do all the work when filtering, this will take longer but it works, or you can use a vacuum pump, you will also need a Vacuum trap, to prevent Alcohol and extract from entering the pump when filtering
Step 4: Evaporate the Alcohol
⚠️ Warning: Ethanol is highly flammable. Evaporate in a well-ventilated space, away from open flames or sparks.
Pour the filtered liquid into a Pyrex dish or evaporation vessel
Leave uncovered in a well-ventilated space (or use a fan, NOT a heat source with a flame)
For quicker results: use a double boiler (with hot water, not direct heat) or a vacuum chamber
As the ethanol evaporates, you’ll be left with thick cannabis oil
Step 5: Collect and Store
Scrape or pour your finished oil into a syringe, dropper bottle, or airtight jar
Store in a cool, dark place
Optional: Mix with MCT oil or another carrier for tinctures or capsules
🌿 Tips for Higher Quality Oil
Use high-quality, clean cannabis
Keep everything cold for a purer extract
Use activated charcoal post-extraction if you want to remove pigments and further purify
Always handle ethanol with extreme care
If your extract ends up with Chlorophyll, leave the alcohol Oil solution outside in the sun for a day or two in a clear glass container/jar until the Chlorophyll disappears
🧴 Uses for Cold Extracted Cannabis Oil
Tinctures
Capsules
Edibles (after mixing with carrier oils) MCT Oil
Topicals
Vape carts (with further refinement like winterization and distillation)
⚠️ Safety & Legal Reminder
Cold ethanol extraction is safe when done properly and with food-grade materials, but it's critical to:
Work in a well-ventilated area
Avoid open flames or smoking
Follow local laws related to cannabis processing and ethanol use
🌟 Final Thoughts
Cold alcohol extraction is one of the best ways to make potent, clean, full-spectrum cannabis oil at home. With a little patience and the right materials, you can produce a high-quality product that preserves the essence of your flower—from flavor to effects.
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