Cannabis is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. To meet increasing demands for CBD and other cannabis-based products, commercial growers are always on the lookout for ways to improve the cultivation process. One way to achieve this is through the use of propane.
Propane is a type of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) that offers numerous benefits to the cannabis industry. From cannabis extraction to stimulating plant growth, propane not only streamlines operations but also enhances the end product. In this blog post, we’ll go over some common uses of propane within the cannabis industry as well as its numerous advantages.
How Is Propane Used in The Cannabis Industry
The legalization of cannabis across the US has brought with it modern growing methods, with propane playing a key role in that modernization. To facilitate high-volume production, marijuana greenhouses are one of the most popular methods used by growers. Propane offers the optimal solution for maintaining the precise growing temperature needed to yield the best crops. It is capable of delivering consistent heat with low emissions that will not harm the plants.
In addition to heating grow tents and greenhouses, propane can also be used as a means of cannabis extraction. Extracts such as cannabis oil, butter, and wax are high in demand, and obtaining these products requires very high heat. Because propane has a low boiling point, it allows for a reduced purging temperature, making it a safer alternative to fuels like butane.
Cannabis Propane Extraction Process
Extractions that are obtained with propane are referred to as propane hash oil (PHO). Due to propane’s inherent chemical properties, such as its lower boiling point, PHO naturally has a higher terpene and cannabinoid content compared to butane hash oil (BHO). Because of this, most PHO concentrates have more flavor and greater potency when correctly extracted.
Similar to other extraction techniques, PHO extraction takes place in a closed-loop extraction system. During the extraction process, propane is introduced into a vessel that contains cannabis plant material, known as biomass. The propane washes over the biomass, stripping it of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. When extraction is complete, the remaining solvent can be removed via a gentle heating process in a vacuum oven.
Benefits of Propane for The Cannabis Industry
Propane offers several benefits to the cannabis industry, including:
- Maintain Ideal Growing Temperatures. Propane offers a reliable solution for maintaining the very specific temperatures needed for growing cannabis. Propane-powered heating allows commercial growers to maintain temperatures within 0.5°F of the required temperature. This level of temperature control ensures higher crop yield and plant quality.
- Clean and Nontoxic to Plants. Propane is a low-emission fuel source that will not harm plants and facilitates greener operations. American propane leads the clean energy movement, producing up to 72% less sulfur oxide emissions than electrical heaters. Propane is an approved alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act, ensuring cannabis growers meet all EPA regulations and Tier 4 Standards.
- Less Dependence on the Grid. Propane power generation, heating, and cooling reduce a farm’s dependence on the grid. With propane, growers can power their operation anytime without worrying about outages or where they’re located in relation to a power grid system or gas line.
- Lower Upfront Investment and Total Cost of Ownership. Propane heating can help growers maintain lower fuel costs throughout the seasons, with modern heaters offering up to 11% more efficiency. The total cost of ownership of a propane heater can be 20 to 40% less than other heaters that require more maintenance to prevent deposit buildup.
Choose IPS For All Your Propane Equipment Needs
This blog was created for informational purposes to help people understand the various benefits and uses of propane for the cannabis industry. At IPS, we proudly partner with propane retailers and propane equipment manufacturers, offering the highest quality parts and services in the industry. If you are a propane retailer, or need quality propane equipment or bulk plant service, contact the experts at IPS today.