From Seed to Salve: The Journey of Our Ethanol-Extracted Cannabis Products
At Main Street Health (MSH), we pride ourselves on crafting premium cannabis products that prioritize patient and consumer safety, efficacy, and convenience. One of the cornerstones of our approach is the use of ethanol-based extraction technology to produce high-quality cannabis-based products at a competitive price. From the moment we acquire biomass to the creation of our final salves, patches, vapes, and other offerings, we employ science-driven processes that ensure the best outcomes for Ohioians.
The Beginning: Acquisition of Biomass
As a standalone processor, MSH collaborates with trusted cultivation partners to source high-quality cannabis biomass. We vet this material to ensure that we’re getting the right material for your products. Unlike some in the industry, we uphold strict standards by avoiding the remediation and use of failed biomass. This commitment reflects our dedication to quality and safety for our patients and consumers.
Each batch of cannabis is carefully evaluated for its suitability for various applications. For instance, the cannabinoid profile, terpene content, and general quality of the material determine whether it’s destined for ethanol extraction or solventless processing. This attention to detail allows us to create products that are both consistent and tailored to your needs.
Hardware and Materials: Safety First
In addition to sourcing high-quality biomass, MSH prioritizes the acquisition of premium hardware and materials for product delivery and preservation. Packaging is designed to maintain product integrity and safety while minimizing environmental impact. Devices such as vape cartridges undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet our safety and quality standards. Our current 510-threaded vape cartridges are made of a high-quality ceramic known as zirconia. Commonly used in the dental industry, zirconia does not have the heavy metals often found in lesser metal cartridges. In addition, it is both strong and antibacterial and provides an excellent vaping experience. This commitment to user safety and experience doesn’t just apply to packaging and vape cartridges. Our people-focused philosophy underscores every decision we make in the production process.
The Extraction Process: Ethanol at the Core
Super-Chilled Ethanol
Our proprietary ethanol-based extraction process begins with super-chilled ethanol, which ensures that cannabinoids and terpenes are efficiently separated from the cannabis plant material. This method not only preserves the integrity of these valuable compounds but also minimizes the extraction of unwanted substances such as chlorophyll and waxes.
Centrifugal Extraction
Once the cannabis material is exposed to ethanol, it undergoes centrifugal extraction. This step efficiently separates the cannabinoid-rich solution from the remaining plant material. The resulting solution, sometimes referred to as miscella, is then subjected to further refinement.
Evaporation and Solvent Recovery
To ensure patient safety and environmental responsibility, ethanol is evaporated from the miscella, leaving behind a concentrated extract or “crude oil.” The evaporated ethanol is recollected and reused in future extractions, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.
Distillation and Beyond: Creating Versatile Extracts
At this stage, the crude oil can either follow the path to distillation or can be used to grow THCa crystals to be used in other products.
Distillation
Through distillation, the crude oil is refined into a pure, potent distillate. This process involves separating cannabinoids, terpenes, and impurities such as lipids and waxes from the THC distillate. Distillation ensures that the extract is suitable for products requiring high purity and consistency, such as vape cartridges and transdermal patches or gels.
Solventless Options
In addition to ethanol extraction, MSH employs solventless extraction techniques to create a range of products. These techniques preserve a broad spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, providing patients and consumers with robust, more “natural” options for edibles, inhalables, and beyond.
Formulation: Transforming Extracts into Patient-Focused Products
Once the extract is ready, our team formulates it into a variety of products. Distillate forms the foundation for transdermal gels, salves, patches, and vape oils, while solventless extracts are often used in edibles or as standalone concentrates. Each product undergoes thorough testing to ensure potency, purity, and safety.
A Commitment to Consistency and Variety
One of MSH’s defining characteristics is our commitment to offering Ohioans a broad range of product options. From potent vape cartridges to fast-acting and bioavailable capsules, our diverse product lineup reflects the varied needs of Ohio’s patients and consumers. We also prioritize innovative delivery methods using nanoemulsifcation and encapsulation to enhance bioavailability and onset time.
Supporting Ohio Communities
As a Dayton-based company, MSH is deeply invested in the well-being of our local community. We are proud to work closely with the City of Clayton to develop a facility we can be proud of while creating quality jobs and contributing to the local economy. Additionally, our Ohio-centric approach ensures that all decisions are tailored to the unique needs of Ohio’s patients and consumers.
Discover Our Products
From seed to salve, every step of our process is designed to deliver safe, effective, and innovative medical cannabis products. Ohio residents can explore our diverse product lineup by visiting our Where to Buy page. Discover the MSH difference and find a dispensary near you today.
