To make solventless THCA, the process primarily involves extracting pure THCA crystals from rosin, which is a concentrated form of cannabis oil made using heat and pressure. There are two main methods to achieve this: Mechanical Separation and Jar Tech (Heat Cure). Here's a breakdown of both techniques:

1. Mechanical Separation (Rosin Pressing)

This technique involves physically separating the THCA from the terpenes and other cannabinoids in rosin through multiple presses.

Equipment Needed:

• Rosin Press
• Rosin Bags (with a micron size of 5µ, 15µ, 25µ, or 37µ, but not larger than 37µ)
• Parchment Paper
• Rosin (with budder consistency)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Rosin Bag: Place your rosin inside the rosin bag, leaving about half an inch at the top to fold over and seal the bag.
2. Press the Rosin:
   • Start with a low temperature (around 100℉) and low pressure for a few minutes to begin separating the terpenes.
   • Gradually increase the temperature (e.g., from 100℉ to around 135℉) and apply higher pressure for several minutes at each temperature increment.
   • Aim to end at a temperature of 220℉ to 250℉.
   • Press for 3 to 45 minutes, depending on your equipment and the consistency of the rosin.
3. Repeat the Process: After each press, check the collected material. Some prefer to use a fresh rosin bag for each new press to ensure purity.
4. Collect the THCA: After the final press, remove the THCA from the bag and grind it to homogenize the product before packing it into a clean rosin bag for re-pressing.

Additional Notes:

• The terpene runoff can be collected during the process and reintroduced to the THCA for a custom flavor profile or kept for other uses like tinctures or vape liquid.
• Mechanical separation works best with a chunky cold cure batter or rosin with a budder-like consistency.

2. Jar Tech / Heat Cure

The Jar Tech method uses a sealed jar and a heat source to slowly separate THCA crystals from the terpenes, forming THCA diamonds.

Equipment Needed:

• Glass Jar
• Heat Source (e.g., heat plate or oven)
• Thermometer
• Rosin

Steps:

1. Place Rosin in the Jar: Put the rosin in a sealed glass jar.
2. Apply Heat: Set the jar on a heat source (e.g., heat plate or oven) at a temperature between 90℉ and 220℉. This range allows the THCA crystals to separate without decarboxylating into THC.
3. Observe and Wait: The curing process can take anywhere from half a day to two weeks, depending on the temperature. At the right temperature, you should see the rosin begin to bubble as terpenes separate.
4. Monitor for THCA Diamonds: Over time, the THCA will crystallize into diamond-like structures, leaving behind a terpene-rich sauce.
5. Decide When to Stop: Once you see the diamonds forming, your cure is likely complete. At this point, you can either keep the product as diamonds and sauce, or you can filter the sauce away using a rosin bag.

Tips for Success:

• Patience is key: The process can take time, and the final result will depend on maintaining the right temperature and pressure.
• Avoid overheating: If the temperature is too high, you risk decarbing the THCA, which will turn it into THC, negating the process.

Conclusion:

Making solventless THCA at home involves a combination of patience and the right techniques. Mechanical separation focuses on the gradual extraction of THCA by applying heat and pressure through multiple presses, while Jar Tech uses a sealed jar and heat to promote the formation of THCA diamonds. Both methods offer a way to create pure THCA, but they require careful monitoring and adjustment to achieve the best results.