Cannabis concentrates range from solventless varieties like kief and hash to solvent-based extracts like shatter, wax, live resin and terp sauce. Each concentrate can be time and labor-intensive to make, especially solvent-based extraction.
Solvent-based extraction can be performed with solvents such as butane, propane, carbon dioxide (CO2), ethanol and even isopropyl alcohol. Quick wash isopropyl extraction (QWISO) is a niche extraction method that can make the most out of your cannabis flower or other plant matter in a matter of minutes or hours.
What is quick wash isopropyl extract (QWISO)?
Concentrates made using QWISO extraction method
During the quick wash isopropyl extraction (QWISO) process, an isopropyl wash separates the resinous trichome glands found on flower buds from the rest of the plant. Trichomes are responsible for producing compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.
The entire QWISO process can vary in length. Some users choose to do a speedy wash, while others prefer to do a bigger batch that takes longer to extract. The quality of QWISO extract depends on the quality of the flower and the extraction process.
Why use QWISO over an extended soak?
The QWISO method is preferred by many home amateurs and extraction professionals because alcohol is a highly polar solvent. Alcohol is soluble in water and easily removes compounds like trichomes. Other extraction techniques can extract chlorophyll, alkaloids and waxes and require extended post-processing techniques. QWISO is a fast way to produce potent extracts without impurities.
How to make QWISO
Making cannabis extract with isopropyl alcohol has never been easier. Below, you’ll find a list of equipment needed for a proper QWISO extract:
- Cannabis grinder
- Cannabis (between 10 and 20 grams)
- Isopropyl alcohol (food grade 99 percent; about 100 to 200ml per 10g of cannabis flower)
- Mason jar
- Sieve
- Plate
- Razorblade
- Fan
- Plate
- Microscope (optional)
QWISO extract can be made from cannabis flower buds, trim, leaves and stems, although high-quality flower buds provide a considerable amount more of cannabinoids and terpenes. Small batches of five grams of cannabis can also produce a decent amount of QWISO extract.
Additionally, experts recommend using properly dried and cured marijuana to minimize the amount of chlorophyll that ends up in the final extract. Some users also choose to dry their cannabis material even further in an oven for a few minutes at 200ºF.
Finally, do not use rubbing alcohol or ethyl alcohol, which can be harmful if consumed. Only use food-grade isopropyl alcohol during QWISO extraction.
To begin, you’ll need to grind up your flowers using a weed grinder and then place the material inside the mason jar. Some users choose to place cannabis and alcohol in separate containers in a freezer overnight to freeze the resin glands and improve the separation of trichomes.
Afterward, combine the alcohol and the flower in the mason jar and ensure there’s enough alcohol to cover the cannabis. Then, close the lid tightly and shake the jar for about 30 seconds. A single shake is technically referred to as a QWISO since the alcohol manages to separate a decent amount of trichomes from the cannabis.
Some users choose to use a microscope to get a better view of the mason jar. A microscope can help users tell if enough trichome heads have been removed from the plant material and stems.
Afterward, pour cannabis material and isopropyl alcohol solution into a sieve with a container below to catch the liquid. You can also add an unbleached coffee filter on top of the mason jar to filter the liquid back into the jar.
Once you’ve collected your filtered liquid, it’s time to remove the alcohol from the solution. Pour the liquid in the mason jar into a plate or container. Leaving the mixture alone and uncovered will evaporate the alcohol on its own.
Some users choose to blow cold air with a fan over the container to speed up the evaporation process, but this leaves the material exposed to dust. No matter what methods you choose to purge the solvent, always ensure you’re doing so in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of explosion due to the flammable fumes.
Alcohol can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours to evaporate, but a quick wash typically takes between a few minutes to a few hours. You’ll know you’re done removing the isopropyl alcohol when there is no liquid left in the plate or container. Use a sharp object or razor blade to scrape the QWISO extract from the bottom and sides.
Consuming QWISO
Now that you have QWISO extract ready, you can use it in a variety of ways. For instance, you can take a dab with your QWISO extract. Use a glass dab rig, e-Nail, or portable vape pen to vaporize your extract and inhale a potent and flavorful dab.
You can also add a bit of QWISO extract to your smokeable flower. Add a finishing layer of QWISO on top of your packed bowl or inside your joint or blunt. The lighter’s high temperatures can degrade some of the extract’s terpenes, but delivers an elevated level of potency compared to smoking flower alone.
For the experienced cannabis user, you can also make potent edibles using QWISO extract. Infusing QWISO extract into butter and oils can help make any meal a high experience.
QWISO extracts are easy and fun to make if you have at least five grams of cannabis matter on hand. Making a QWISO extract requires careful planning, a safe environment and plenty of experimentation to make sure the extract is both flavorful and free from impurities.
Make sure both the ISO and the weed is frozen for 24 hours. Then do your quick rinse. You can also let it both soak in the freezer before you rinse and cook. This will keep it from going green while also keeping it more of an oily texture rather than the hard shatter you get off the quick rinse.