Cannabis Alchemy

by D.Gold

Pulverizing the cannabis material

There are several reasons for reducing the material to the finest powder possible. Ruptured cell walls allow the oil to be extracted more readily and the volume of the starting material is reduced, thus lessening the size of the extraction apparatus needed, as well as the amount of solvent required.

Marijuana is put into a heavy-duty blender until it is one-third full. A slower speed allows the ground material to fall into the blades while constantly flowing up the sides from the bottom. If necessary, the material can be agitated with a wooden stick while the blender is not running. It is dangerous to stir while the blender is operating, as the stick can be shot from the blender with great force. It is easier to grind the chopped stems separately and then mix the powdered material before proceeding to the next step.

Hashish may also be ground in a blender, but small amounts should be run, as larger amounts will put a strain on the motor. Pressed forms of hashish may be shredded with a cheese grater prior to blending.