What Is a Cannabis Extract? Definition, Production, and Uses

Unlike traditional cannabis flowers, cannabis extract is defined as a concentrated plant product that contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds, and can only be fully understood in the context of manufacturing processes, quality, and application. Cannabis extracts have evolved from a niche product into an integral part of cannabis use—particularly for medical purposes.

The most important facts in brief

• Cannabis extracts are concentrated products derived from cannabis.
• They contain cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds.
• Production is carried out, for example, using CO₂, ethanol, or pressure (press).
• It can be administered orally, sublingually, or, less commonly, by inhalation.
• Unlike the medical use of cannabis flowers, extracts take a little longer to take effect, but the effects last significantly longer.
• In Germany, medical use requires a doctor's prescription.

Cannabis extract—what is it?

Definition and Distinction from Cannabis Flowers and Concentrates

Cannabis extracts are produced through the targeted isolation and concentration of plant compounds and thus differ significantly from unprocessed flowers. Medical-grade products are subject to clear quality standards and are reproducible, whereas recreational concentrates are often less consistent. Controllable dosing and consistent composition are crucial characteristics for medical use.

What ingredients are in a cannabis extract?

The main active ingredients in a cannabis extract are THC and CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system and can produce various purported effects.¹ Terpenes complement this profile by determining the aroma and influencing how the active ingredients interact.² 

How does cannabis extraction work?

The goal of extraction is to concentrate certain compounds while reducing the levels of other components. Various methods specifically utilize pressure, temperature, or solvents to isolate specific groups of compounds from the plant.

Basic Principles and Types of Cannabis Extraction

Extraction methods can generally be divided into solvent-based and solvent-free methods. Both approaches aim to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, but they differ significantly in terms of technique, yield, and purity.

Solvent-based processes

• CO₂: Supercritical carbon dioxide (at temperatures of approximately 31 °C and pressures of 74 bar or higher) is used as a solvent. In practice, the parameters are typically in the range of 250–320 bar, resulting in extraction yields of about 7–26%. The process is considered particularly precise and is frequently used in medical applications.
• Ethanol: Alcohol is very effective at extracting cannabinoids and terpenes. Under optimized conditions (e.g., a 1:15 ratio, ~10 min), extraction efficiencies of up to 97–102% are possible, although some terpenes may be lost depending on the temperature.
• BHO: Butane is particularly effective at extracting cannabinoid-rich resins, resulting in very potent extracts. At the same time, the process requires strict safety precautions, as butane is highly flammable.

Solvent-free processes

• Rosin: Mechanical extraction using heat and pressure (typically 80–120 °C). No solvents are used, resulting in a particularly pure product, albeit with a lower yield.
• Live Rosin: A variation of the rosin extraction method that uses fresh plant material, thereby preserving a higher concentration of terpenes.
• Ice Water Hash / Dry Sift: Mechanical separation of the resin glands using water or sieving—also solvent-free and gentle, but less efficient.
• Live Resin: Is extracted from fresh plant material, usually using a solvent. The goal is to preserve as many terpenes as possible.

Comparison of Extraction Methods³

Method	Type	Solvent	Typical Parameters	Yield	Terpene Preservation	Purity	Security	Special Features
CO₂	solvent-based	CO₂	>31 °C, 74–320 bar	7–26%	medium	high	high	highly accurate, medical-grade
Ethanol	solvent-based	Ethanol	e.g., 1:15, ~10 min	up to 97–102%	low–medium	medium	medium	very efficient, less selective
BHO	solvent-based	Butane	Low temperature, variable pressure	high	high	high	low	very potent, safety risk
Rosin	solvent-free	–	80–120 °C, pressure	low–medium	Very high	high	high	No solvents, clean product
Live Rosin	solvent-free	–	such as rosin and fresh material	low	Very high	high	high	especially effective at preserving terpenes
Ice Hash	solvent-free	Water	cold water + straining	low	high	medium	high	mechanical separation
Dry Sift	solvent-free	–	mechanical screening	low	medium	medium	high	simple procedure
Live Resin	solvent-based	mostly butane	fresh plant material	medium–high	Very high	high	medium	high in terpenes

What products are made from cannabis extracts? An overview of extract types

Cannabis extracts come in various forms:

• Oil extracts (commonly used in medicine)
• Distillates (highly purified)
• Isolates (e.g., pure CBD)
• Wax and Shatter
• Live Rosin and Live Resin

Important: Oil extracts such as the full-spectrum extract KHIRIOX 12/14 contain specific levels of THC and CBD and are used in a medical context. Medical extracts are standardized, laboratory-tested, and available only by prescription. Concentrates, on the other hand, are less regulated and vary more widely in composition and quality.

The Effect of Cannabis Strains on Extracts

Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid

The classification into Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid originally described botanical differences in the cannabis plant. In current research, however, this classification is now considered only of limited relevance to the actual properties of a cannabis extract. Today, the chemical profile (chemovar)—that is, the ratio of cannabinoids (e.g., THC, CBD) to terpenes—is the most important factor. Studies show that traditional categories such as Indica or Sativa can only predict the actual composition to a limited extent, whereas the chemical profile allows for a significantly more precise classification.⁴

Strains like Kush and Haze and Their Significance

Strains such as Kush or Haze serve primarily as a guide to genetic origin and typical terpene profiles.

• Kush-dominant strains are often associated with earthy, myrcene-rich profiles.
• Haze strains often have a profile that is more pronounced in limonene or terpinolene.

These differences affect the aroma and are linked to the purported effects, particularly through the interaction of terpenes and cannabinoids.

Example: KHIRIOX 12/14

The medical cannabis extract KHIRIOX 12/14 from KHIRON is based on hybrid genetics and combines the characteristics of various strains. It contains approximately 12 mg/ml of THC and 14 mg/ml of CBD, resulting in a balanced cannabinoid profile. Such balanced extracts are often used when both THC and CBD levels are important, as they can combine different effects.

Medical Use in the Context of Varieties

In the medical field, cannabis extracts are used to treat the following conditions, among others:

• Chronic Pain
• Sleep disorders
• Stress-Related Symptoms

Because their effects take longer to set in but last longer than those of the flowers, they are particularly well-suited for continuous symptom management and are therefore often prescribed for chronic conditions.

A systematic review (JAMA) shows moderate evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids for chronic pain, while the evidence for other applications is more limited.⁵

Cannabis extract is currently the subject of growing discussion in the context of endometriosis and is increasingly being considered as a potential complementary treatment option. In an interview with Janosch Kratz, conducted by KHIRON for Flowzz, particular emphasis is placed on a three-month prospective observational study in which patients with treatment-resistant symptoms were treated with the cannabis extract KHIRIOX 12/14 from KHIRON. Many participants reported improvements in pain intensity, sleep quality, and overall well-being.

Important: In practice, the selection of a cannabis extract is not primarily based on the strain name, but rather on the cannabinoid ratio, terpene profile, and individual medical indication. The purported effects depend on the THC and CBD content as well as the terpene profile and may vary from person to person.

Cannabis Extract: Uses and Forms of Administration

Cannabis patients use cannabis extracts either orally, sublingually, or—in rarer cases—by inhalation using appropriate equipment. For oral use, they rely on drops, oils, or capsules, which for many patients represent a familiar and accessible form of administration, as it resembles traditional medications and is perceived as easy to dose and predictable. For sublingual use, they place the extract under the tongue, allowing the body to absorb the active ingredients more quickly. For inhalation, they use vaporizers, wax pens, or vape systems, with the latter being more established in the consumer or recreational use segment.

Dosage of Cannabis Extract

Dosage—particularly for medical purposes—is determined on an individual basis according to the principle⁶:

"Start low, go slow."

This means:

• Low initial dose
• Gradual Increase
• Adjustment for Tolerance

Extracts are more concentrated and standardized, while flowers are left in their natural state.

Quality and Laboratory Testing of Cannabis Extracts

The quality of a cannabis extract depends on several clearly defined factors. Manufacturers such as KHIRON analyze and standardize these characteristics to ensure a consistent composition. These include, in particular, the specified THC and CBD content, the terpene profile, and the purity of the product. In addition, independent laboratories test the extracts to verify the absence of residues and contaminants and to confirm the actual composition.

Key factors:

• Specified THC/CBD Content
• Terpene profile
• Purity
• Laboratory analyses

Availability, Prescription, and Price of Cannabis Extracts

In Germany, cannabis extracts are primarily available for medical use and are dispensed by pharmacies based on a doctor’s prescription. A valid prescription, issued as part of an individualized treatment plan, is required. Costs vary significantly depending on the composition, active ingredient content, and manufacturing process. Online platforms and pharmacies provide an overview of current prices and available cannabis extracts for consumers.

In addition, the Cannabis Act (CanG) has been in effect in Germany since April 2024:

• Possession of certain quantities for personal use is permitted
• Cannabis is no longer classified as a controlled substance
• Medical cannabis is subject to the MedCanG

Medical cannabis extracts remain prescription-only, but are more easily accessible. This guide explains two ways to obtain a prescription for cannabis extracts —either through your primary care physician or specialist, or through telemedicine providers.

Conclusion

Cannabis extracts represent a different form of use than traditional flowers: they are more standardized, allow for more precise dosing, and are processed using technical methods. Both forms have their merits and differ primarily in their composition and application, as well as in the onset and duration of their effects.

Extracts generally take longer to take effect (about 1–3 hours) but have a longer-lasting effect (about 6–8 hours), whereas flowers take effect more quickly (about 5–10 minutes) but have a shorter-lasting effect (about 2–4 hours).

The key factor, therefore, is not which product is “better,” but which one is best suited for the specific purpose.

Those who understand the differences in ingredients, production, and use can classify cannabis extracts appropriately and use them more consciously.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis Extract

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   Chemical evaluation of cannabis oil ↩︎
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