Fact Checked by Doctor NamePropene-based isopropyl alcohol, or rubbing alcohol, is a solvent and disinfectant. It has several industrial and medicinal uses, including limited cannabis industry usage.
Isopropyl alcohol is well known in cannabis culture as a cheap pipe and bong cleaner.
It should not be used to make cannabis extract or concentrate.
What is Isopropyl Alcohol?
A colorless, combustible chemical substance with a strong odor, isopropyl alcohol. This disinfectant and cleaner works effectively in 70% aqueous solution.
Isopropyl alcohol evaporates fast without oil.
These qualities make isopropyl alcohol beneficial in cannabis:
- Cleaning residue from smoking devices like pipes and bongs
- Disinfecting surfaces and tools
- Prepping materials for extraction (though not for actual extraction)
However, isopropyl alcohol also has some drawbacks. It can damage certain materials like rubber or plastic with prolonged exposure.
The fumes and liquid itself are also highly flammable. Handling isopropyl alcohol carefully is necessary since it is harmful.
Isopropyl alcohol cannot extract cannabis oil or make cannabis concentrates owing to contaminants and solvent residues.
Food-grade ethanol, supercritical CO2, and hydrocarbon solvents like butane are commonly used instead.
While fine for cleaning, cannabis consumers should avoid isopropyl alcohol in any products intended for consumption.
