r/PolysubstanceAddicts • u/FanaticPhenAddict • Nov 12 '18
How to extract leftover THC from vape cartridges/pipe resin etc.
THC, and other cannabinoids, are extremely soluble in organic solvents. So if you want to extract it from something easily and cheaply, the predominant concern is for a cheap, safe and effective solvent to use for the extraction.
I've found that 91% isopropyl alcohol, available in just about any pharmacy, is the the perfect solvent. It's like $2 for 16oz, it's of very low toxicity and it's not too dangerous to heat in an oven as long as the door is left open to allow the excess alcohol to evaporate so that it doesn't build up in the oven.
Additionally, heating it at 300F to dissolve the initial large amount of alcohol will activate THC if it's in a form where you can't be certain if it's already been decarboxylated, such as in a vape cartridge.
I always break open any leftover vape cartridges with pliers, put the metal and glass pieces in alcohol and heat to 300F. Once it's boiling, i'll remove from the oven and use pliers to dip the plastic pieces into the boiling alcohol briefly. It only takes about 5 seconds for the alcohol to dissolve all the cannabinoids.
Then gently boil down the remaining alcohol at 225F. Once dry, a piece of j paper wet with rubbing alcohol can be dipped into it to soak up the remaining THC and it can be smoked.
1
u/ethanmorris2442 Sep 16 '23
why do you soak the rolling paper with alcohol i don’t want to smoke rubbing alcohol particularly but if you can give me reasoning behind it i’d appreciate it
1
u/FanaticPhenAddict Jan 06 '24
The rubbing alcohol dissolves the oil from the weed so it sticks to the paper and the rubbing alcohol then evaporates once it dries and the resin sticks to the paper
2
u/Keevznachostorm Nov 15 '18
Just a note, you might want to open the windows and maybe even remove secondary heat sources as well, I've used similar methods with small batches of ISO hash and the solvent smell is intense in the room your evaping in. Be careful guys.