Mesh sizes & their usage

What does the mesh sizes mean, and what is their difference?
Why am I being told that 90um is the lowest quality?
Shouldn't there be a difference depending on the trichome sizes? 

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Let's dive into these questions by outlining the optimal usage of mesh screens.

Just to clarify, the "sativa" and "indica" mentioned are indications to which size the trichome heads are. Sativa, also known as "narrow-leaf" and indica, also known as "broad-leaf". 

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Sativa Strains

1. Primary Sift:

   • Mesh Size: 150 µm

   • Usage: Captures most trichomes, separates larger plant material.

2. Secondary Sift:

   • Mesh Size: 100-120 µm

   • Usage: Refines material, captures smaller trichomes.

3. Highest Quality Sift:

   • Mesh Size: 70-90 µm

   • Usage: Captures the smallest trichomes, resulting in the highest purity.

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Indica Strains

1. Primary Sift:

   • Mesh Size: 150-200 µm

   • Usage: Captures larger trichomes, separates bulk resin glands.

2. Secondary Sift:

   • Mesh Size: 120-150 µm

   • Usage: Refines material, captures medium-sized trichomes.

3. Highest Quality Sift:

   • Mesh Size: 90-120 µm

   • Usage: Captures the smallest trichomes, ensuring high purity.

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Hybrid Strains

• Primary Sift:

  • Mesh Size: 150-180 µm

  • Usage: Captures a range of trichomes due to genetic variability.

• Secondary Sift:

  • Mesh Size: 100-150 µm

  • Usage: Refines material, captures both large and small trichomes.

• Highest Quality Sift:

  • Mesh Size: 70-120 µm

  • Usage: Captures smallest trichomes, resulting in highest purity.

Reason for Variation: Hybrids vary widely in trichome size due to their mixed genetic heritage. The specific mesh size may need adjustment based on the dominant traits of the hybrid strain​

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Hemp (for CBD Extraction)

1. Primary Sift:

   • Mesh Size: 180-220 µm

   • Usage: Captures larger trichomes and bulk plant material, often higher in CBD content.

2. Secondary Sift:

   • Mesh Size: 150-180 µm

   • Usage: Refines material, captures medium trichomes.

3. Highest Quality Sift:

   • Mesh Size: 100-150 µm

   • Usage: Captures the finest trichomes, ensuring highest purity

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Types of Trichomes

Capitate-Stalked Trichomes
Structure: These trichomes are the most prominent and are easily visible to the naked eye. They consist of a stalk and a glandular head, resembling a mushroom-like shape. The head contains the highest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Size: Approximately 50-100 µm in height.

Location: Predominantly found on the flowers (buds) and sugar leaves of the cannabis plant.

Function: They are the primary source of resin, containing THC, CBD, and various other cannabinoids and terpenes. This makes them highly valuable for both recreational and medicinal purposes.

Cultivar Variations:
Sativa Strains: Smaller heads, typically around 70-100 µm.
Indica Strains: Larger heads, ranging from 80-120 µm.
Hybrids: Varied sizes depending on dominant strain characteristics.

Capitate-Sessile Trichomes
Structure: These are smaller than capitate-stalked trichomes and lack a distinct stalk. The glandular head sits directly on the plant surface.

Size: Approximately 20-30 µm in diameter.
Location: Found on the leaves and stems, often overlooked due to their smaller size compared to capitate-stalked trichomes.

Function: They produce a moderate amount of cannabinoids and terpenes, contributing to the overall profile of the plant but are less potent than capitate-stalked trichomes.

Bulbous Trichomes
Structure: These are the smallest trichomes, consisting of a few cells that form a tiny bulb. They do not have a stalk and are glandular in nature.

Size: Approximately 10-15 µm in diameter.

Location: Scattered across the entire surface of the cannabis plant, including stems, leaves, and flowers.

Function: Although they contain cannabinoids, the concentration is much lower compared to other trichome types. They mainly serve as a protective layer against pests and environmental conditions.

Non-Glandular Trichomes (Cystolithic Trichomes)
Structure: These trichomes are hair-like and non-glandular, lacking the resin-producing glands found in other types. They often appear as straight or curly hairs.

Size: Varies greatly, generally longer than glandular trichomes.

Location: Predominantly found on the leaves and stems, providing a fuzzy appearance.

Function: They serve as a physical barrier against pests and help reduce water loss through evaporation. They also protect the plant from harmful UV rays.

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Working in a cold environment is recommended to make the trichomes more brittle and easier to separate from the plant material, enhancing the efficiency and quality of the sifted hash​. This is why "frozen" (not fresh frozen) may also be desired.

Note that working with dry-ice may yield very different results in comparison to a temperature-controlled extraction room. 

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Techniques to Achieve Full Melt Quality

Full melt concentrates are prized for their purity and potency, achieved through specific techniques that maximize trichome retention and quality:

1. Ice Water Extraction:
Process: Cannabis is agitated in ice-cold water to break off trichomes from the plant material. This mixture is then passed through a series of micron screens or bags.
Mesh Sizes: Varying micron sizes (e.g., 220 µm to 25 µm) allow for separation of trichomes by size, with smaller meshes capturing more potent trichomes.
Result: The process captures resin-rich trichome heads, producing bubble hash that can be further refined to full melt quality.
2. Dry Sifting:
Process: Cannabis is gently rubbed over fine screens to separate trichomes from plant matter.
Mesh Sizes: Fine screens with mesh sizes as small as 70-90 µm are used to isolate the highest quality trichomes.
Result: The sifting process yields kief, which can be pressed into hash or further purified to achieve full melt consistency.
3. Rosin Pressing:
Process: Heat and pressure are applied to cannabis material or hash to extract resin without solvents.
Mesh Sizes: Use of fine mesh filter bags (25-160 µm) ensures that only desirable resin is collected.
Result: Produces a clean, solventless concentrate with the potential for full melt quality.

Full Melt Quality Indicators
Appearance: Should appear shiny and translucent, indicating high resin content.
Texture: Should be sticky and oily, rather than dry or crumbly.
Vaporization: Melts completely into a clear liquid with no residual plant material.
Aroma and Flavor: Rich terpene profile, offering a strong and distinct aroma and taste.

Purity Levels: High-quality full melt should contain >90% glandular trichomes, with less than 10% plant material.

 

​For drysifting specifically:

Impact of Plant-Contamination
Potency Reduction: Presence of non-glandular plant material can dilute cannabinoid and terpene concentration, reducing overall potency.
Color and Appearance: Contaminants often result in a darker product, which can indicate lower quality.
Flavor and Aroma: Plant material introduces unwanted flavors and reduces the distinct terpene profile of high-quality hash.
Melting Properties: Contamination can prevent a full melt, resulting in a residue that indicates the presence of impurities.

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