Specialty gases may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about cannabis, but they’re essential across every stage of the process—from cultivation to testing. Whether you’re growing, extracting, or analyzing cannabis, you should know how to use specialty gases in the cannabis industry.
Gases for Cultivation
Carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment is a game-changer for cannabis growers. Plants consume CO2 during photosynthesis, and increasing CO2 levels in grow rooms can boost yields and growth rates. Carbon dioxide enrichment helps plants develop larger buds with higher potency.
Nitrogen helps with purging oxygen from packaging or storage environments. Nitrogen flushing keeps cannabis fresh by preventing oxidative degradation. It’s especially helpful in maintaining quality for pre-packaged goods like flour and edibles.
Gases for Extraction
Extraction is where the magic of cannabis concentrates happens, and specialty gases are at the heart of it. Butane and propane are common solvents to create popular products, including shatter, wax, and live resin. These hydrocarbons dissolve the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes for separation and collection.
Carbon dioxide extraction is clean and efficient. It uses high-pressure CO2 to extract cannabinoids and terpenes without leaving behind any harmful residues, making it a popular choice for producers aiming for purity in their concentrates.
Gases for Lab Testing
Once the product is ready, lab technicians step in to ensure consistency, safety, and compliance. Calibration gases are essential for maintaining the accuracy of analytical instruments for potency testing, pesticide screening, and residual solvent analysis.
Lab workers also use carrier gases, such as helium or hydrogen, for gas chromatography. This is one of the industry’s most common methods for quality control testing. The results give manufacturers and consumers peace of mind about the product’s integrity.
Safety Measures and Best Practices
Knowing how specialty gases are used in the cannabis industry is only part of it. Handling specialty gases comes with risks, so you should never overlook safety when handling these gases. Gases like butane and propane are flammable, so store them in ventilated areas away from heat sources. Similarly, store compressed CO2 cylinders upright to prevent tipping.
Training workers is another critical piece of the equation. Workers who handle specialty gases must know about identifying leaks and responding to emergencies. Additionally, teach them how to use high-quality equipment, such as pressure regulators and gas flow meters. Knowing how to ensure a gas regulator is accurate can minimize risks while ensuring efficiency.
