Fact Checked by Doctor NameA trim run refers to the process of extracting desirable compounds from leftover cannabis trim to produce marijuana extracts.
Trim contains lower cannabinoid levels than flower buds but can still provide quality oils, concentrates, and distillates when processed properly.
What is a Trim Run?
Popular methods for trim runs include:
- Solvent extractions using hydrocarbons like butane or propane. The solvent strips cannabinoids and terpenes from the trim to create products like shatter, wax, or budder.
- Ethanol or alcohol extractions to produce resinous oils for vape pens, tinctures, and edibles. The alcohol pulls out key components and gets purged off after extraction.
- Super-critical CO2 extraction is a non-toxic, high-pressure method ideal for making cannabis oils. It requires expensive equipment but retains great flavor and purity.
- Ice water hash extraction utilizes cold temperature, agitation, filters, and water to separate trichome resin heads. When dried, it forms a potent hashish or kief.
Trim runs work best with freshly frozen material to preserve terpenes and avoid degradation. But properly dried and cured trim can also produce quality extracts.
The method chosen depends on the desired end product, with some optimized for vaporization and others for infusions.
The main benefits of trim runs are increased yields and better value from leftover plant scraps.
However, the potency and flavors are typically inferior to using fully mature buds. The strain, grow methods, harvest time, and trim quality all impact results. Dialing in ideal processes takes experience and experimentation to maximize returns.
Overall, trim extractions provide a great way to use the entire harvested crop. The lower cannabinoid levels make trim better for extracts than smoking directly. With the right techniques, trim can generate flavorful oils rather than going to waste.
