At Hashtek, we’re always experimenting with innovative ways to maximize efficiency and quality in solventless extraction. This time, we tested MCT oil infusion using spent rosin pucks, following Mad Chiller’s recipe. Here’s a detailed breakdown of our process, observations, and test results after ultrasonic infusion, 30-day steeping, and 200-day steeping.
Key Metrics and Results
- Rosin Pucks Used: 166.468g
- MCT Oil Used: 683.834g
Lab results show how cannabinoid content evolves through different stages of infusion:
| Sample | Total THC (mg/g) | Total CBD (mg/g) | Total Cannabinoids (mg/g) | Total Terpenes (wt%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasonic (Day 0) | 44.27 | 0.17 | 53.34 | 0.206 |
| 30-Day Steep | 65.27 | 0.24 | 78.50 | 0.292 |
| 200-Day Steep | 65.87 | 0.25 | 78.65 | 0.305 |
Step-by-Step Infusion Process
- Preparation
- Filled a jar with 166.468g of spent rosin pucks from multiple strains for a diverse cannabinoid and terpene profile.
- Added 683.834g of MCT oil, ensuring complete submersion.
- Ultrasonic Infusion
- Conducted two 30-minute ultrasonic cycles in a water bath. The sound waves promoted extraction, increasing interaction between the oil and pucks.
- Observed a temperature rise to 106°F due to sonication energy alone.
- Collected a Day 0 sample post-sonication for analysis.
- Long-Term Steeping
- Stored the infused oil at room temperature.
- Collected additional samples at 30 days and 200 days to monitor changes in cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
Decarboxylation Note
This method of extraction does not decarboxylate the cannabinoids, meaning the resulting infused oil is not suitable for traditional edibles unless additional heat is applied. For full activation of THC and CBD, the oil would need to be heated to facilitate decarboxylation.
However, this infusion is a key part of Mad Chiller’s “RSO” recipe, which he often uses for topical applications. In a personal anecdote, Mad Chiller shared how he used this oil to help treat his mother’s skin cancer, demonstrating the potential of solventless methods for therapeutic purposes.
In a future experiment, we plan to heat this sample in the presence of the pucks to observe how decarbing affects the cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Stay tuned for updates!
Certificate of Analysis (COAs)
1. Ultrasonic Infusion (Day 0):high_north_coa_00609662mct1
2. 30-Day Steep:high_north_coa_00609663-mct2
3. 200-Day Steep:high_north_coa_00609664-mct3
Create Your Own Infusion Strength
To use our results to estimate your own oil strength, use this simple formula:
Strength of Infused Oil (mg/g) = (Strength of Total Cannabinoids in Pucks Estimate (mg/g) × Weight of Pucks (g)) / Weight of Oil (g)
Example Calculation:
- Strength of Total Cannabinoids in Pucks Estimate: ~320 mg/g (average estimate)
- Weight of pucks: 166.468g
- Weight of oil: 683.834g
Strength = (320 × 166.468) / 683.834 = 77.91 mg/g (potential)
Adjust the puck-to-oil ratio to achieve desired potency levels.
Oil-to-Pucks Ratio
In this experiment, we used a ratio of 4.1:1 MCT oil to rosin pucks by weight. Specifically, 683.8 g of MCT oil was paired with 166.5 g of spent rosin pucks. This ratio ensures that the pucks are fully submerged in the oil, allowing for efficient cannabinoid and terpene extraction during both ultrasonic and long-term steeping processes. This balanced proportion also prevents overcrowding of the pucks, which could hinder the infusion process.
Conclusion
This experiment shows how ultrasonic extraction can provide a rapid initial infusion, while long-term steeping allows for incremental gains in potency and terpene content. Whether you’re making oil for personal use or experimenting with different infusion methods, our process provides a baseline for maximizing the value of spent rosin pucks.
