Fact Checked by Doctor NameWinterization refers to purifying and refining cannabis concentrates, especially oils, using cold temperatures.
It is a key processing step performed during concentrate extraction to remove unwanted components for a clean, high-potency product.
Winterization relies on temperature controls to filter waxes, fats, lipids, and other impurities from cannabis extracts.
What is Winterization?
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Winterization leverages the fact that cannabinoids like THC and terpenes remain liquid at subzero temperatures while impurities like waxes and lipids solidify.
By freezing concentrates, extractors can filter out these extra components, leaving behind a purified oil.
The winterization process involves:
- Chilling the extracted cannabis oil slowly to between -40 and -90 degrees Fahrenheit. This causes waxes and lipids to crystallize.
- Running the frozen extract through a filtration device to remove solidified impurities.
- Collecting the filtered, purified cannabis oil, which now contains mostly cannabinoids and terpenes.
Properly winterized oils have optimal potency and purity thanks to fewer excess plant compounds and compounds like chlorophyll.
The oil has improved taste, color, and viscosity as well.
Winterization vs. Dewaxing
Dewaxing also removes waxes and lipids from cannabis extract but uses different methods:
- Dewaxing introduces the extract to very cold solvents like dry ice or liquid butane to solidify waxes so they precipitate out.
- Winterization freezes and filters the extract itself rather than using cold solvents.
- Dewaxing is quicker and inexpensive but can alter terpene profiles.
- Winterization preserves more terpenes for better aroma and effects but takes more time.
Both produce purified, high-quality concentrates. Winterization creates exceptionally refined oils ideal for vape cartridges and concentrates.
