A November ballot measure showed that Michigan voters wanted legal pot at a margin of 56 to 44 percent. And what the voters want, the voters get. Though, it certainly comes with headaches.

Regardless of ongoing legal hurdles or a lack of sales for some time, December 6th saw the state’s recreational cannabis laws go into effect. Under new regulations, citizens 21 and over are permitted to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis - the highest allowable limits on the books today. Additionally, Michiganders can have up to 10 ounces of marijuana at home while cultivating up to 12 plants for personal use. However, some pushback to home cultivation may come about.

Michigan is blazing a trail as the first Midwest state to open its recreational cannabis industry. As the first to market, the results should have an immensely positive impact on life in Michigan. It may also do the same to surrounding states. Market trends from other states indicate that solventless products from vape cartridges to edibles are in-demand. When sales open in 2020, the demand should only be that much higher.

By planning today, Michiganders can understand the laws concerning extraction and how to establish an operation that suits their needs. In a market slated to generate billions in the coming years, we believe rosin press machines will make an excellent addition to any Michigan concentrates operation.

Michigan Cannabis Laws: How Does Solventless Extraction Benefit?

Under the new laws, Michigan citizens 21 and over are allowed to participate in the consumption and production of recreational marijuana. They join those previously approved under the state’s medical program which began in 2016. Like most states, public consumption remains prohibited. However, possession and use at home are perfectly fine.

Much like alcohol, the law prohibits underage consumption, driving under the influence and the unlicensed selling of any cannabis products. While sales are illegal, you are allowed to transfer product to other adults for free. Under the law, adults can freely transfer up to 15 grams, or 2.5 ounces, of concentrate between one another. 15 grams is also the maximum amount of concentrates a person can legally possess in Michigan.

These laws indicate that concentrates are going to be a hot commodity. Unlike Canada, Michigan appears to understand that concentrates are only going to become more of a central figure in cannabis markets in the years to come.

Furthermore, solventless extraction could stand to benefit from specific rules surrounding extraction. Processing cannabis into concentrates using solvents is banned in Michigan homes. The use of solvents is relegated to non-residential buildings. However, home producers and small businesses can use rosin presses and ice water extraction. The safer alternative to extracting more flavorful concentrates is guaranteed to rise in demand as the market heats up. Figures already show that other states are fond of concentrates. Michigan should be no exception.

Meanwhile, a late November lame duck effort by Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof has attempted to ban home growing. Meekhof proposed the ban to ward off flooding neighborhoods with pot. Though still up for consideration, the move is likely expected to fail. However, until resolved, the matter should be followed. The measure could do significant damage to the budding market if passed.

Michigan’s Cannabis Market Potential

While each new state to enter the market is exciting, Michigan’s recreational rollout has piqued the industry’s interest more than others. Figures from Marijuana Business Daily project that within seven years Michigan's recreational market stands to generate between $1.4 billion and $1.7 billion in annual sales. This would make Michigan one of the largest legal markets in the United States.

To put those numbers into clearer context, the entire U.S. market stands to earn $11 billion in 2018. In two years, Michigan could be responsible for nearly a tenth of the country’s cannabis revenue. These sort of figures could prompt the state’s neighbors to get involved as well. If so, the Midwest market would be alive and thriving much like the potential in the Northeast if New York and New Jersey go recreational.

With a first to market advantage, Michigan could be a catalyst state for the cannabis market. Much like how we’ve closely studied California and Colorado, Michigan may very well join the ranks of these influential markets. With laws allowing for larger quantity possession and home cultivation, Michiganders are afforded more leeway than most states.

As such, Michigan’s solventless extraction market stands prime to become one of the top sectors once sales begin in 2020. The market should boom as it has in numerous other states to date. As a versatile product that is safe to produce in virtually any environment, solventless extraction is a beneficial component of a thriving operation. Contact us today to learn about our turn-key lab consulting or our rosin presses.

Canada finds itself on the verge of great things in cannabis. The country is slated to export its products across the globe, giving itself a first to market advantage over all the other nations. One of the key sectors will be cannabis concentrate production, which is not for sale in Canada's new market. Despite the short-term limitation, this is not holding back a market that is rife with opportunity for major player LPs as well as mom and pop craft creations.

With an abundance of material and a head start, it's on Canada to steer its course correctly. Here is how prospects look so far.

Canada’s First to Market Advantage

While Uruguay was the first nation to legalize recreational use, Canada set itself apart by becoming a booming market with an influential hand in research, exporting and other intercontinental efforts. By being the first nation to do so, Canada gives itself a first-mover advantage. As the first to the international market, companies both large and small are valuable entities, with many expanding into other countries with ventures ranging from sales to research.

Some experts project that Canada will continue to extend its influence in the global market as domestic efforts alone will not allow Canada's market to prosper. However, with a continued focus on global expansion and innovation, the country should remain one of the top markets as others enter as well.

Canada Makes Cannabis Entrepreneurship Accessible

Canada is on the verge of a craft cannabis revolution, and not just products from major player LPs such as Aurora, Tilray, and Canopy. Canada had a focus on creating a cannabis market that would lead to more than a few behemoths. Thanks to several classes of licenses, large- and small-scale ventures obtained licenses prior to legalization day on October 17th. The stages of licenses include:

• Processing (micro and standard)
• Producers (micro and standard), nurseries
• Industrial hemp
• Research
• Analytical testing
• Medical sales

Canada continued to expand entrepreneurial access in the new space. Though, this decision came to the surprise of some. The country’s licensing body, Health Canada, opted to allow non-violent cannabis offenders to receive licenses as well. Instead, those with a charge on their record will be examined on a case by case basis. In addition to allowing access to non-violent offenders, black market growers have an avenue into the legitimate sector as well. Using the micro-producer license, black market genetics producers can register their work and sell to nurseries and other genetics companies to create products for the public. The decision is an attempt to remedy the old system which saw some high-quality strains never reach the market.

Through its varying stages of licenses and other inclusive measures, Canada provided its sector with ample opportunities to establish itself. Today, this growth is appearing on the large-scale as well as in craft cannabis.

90u Bubble Hash from Bubbleman

Restriction on Edibles and Concentrates Present Short-Term Roadblock

Though Canada’s first to market advantage is in effect, restrictive laws hinder progress to some extent. While it is evident that the solventless processing currently done by producers in Canada is impressive, these items cannot reach domestic sales shelves just yet. For now, they have to find their way to the U.S. and other countries.

This outcome is due to the one-year prohibition on selling edibles and concentrates. The exclusion means that consumers seeking rosin, edibles, drinks, cartridges and much more once again only have the black market to turn to. The settlement came in 2017 and is designed to allow lawmakers more time to learn about these products. From there, a set of regulations will be implemented, and their sales will commence.

The decision was and continues to be controversial among citizens, business owners and lawmakers alike. Those pushing back on the decision claim that little to any new information will come to light during this downtime. Meanwhile, illegal sales will continue to thrive.

With cannabis concentrates in Canada on hold, the black market is acting a bit more out in the open than it once had. Reports a week before legalization day found that "at least a dozen" websites sold edibles illegally, with some in operation for more than a year already. With legalization just about to begin, lawmakers began wondering if the ruling party allowed these sites to operate despite their nefarious actions.

Canadian cannabis processing was indeed dealt a blow by the one-year ban. That said, the black market sales are concerning in that there are no laws in place. In rare cases, children have been hospitalized for ingesting THC infused gummies. However, these rare cases should not dampen an exciting space. Soon enough, regulations will be in place and solventless processing can truly come to light. With a clear demand, solventless concentrates and edibles are sure to become top sellers once they are legally sold online and in shops.

An Amazing Market Potential

As mentioned above, if Canada plays its cards right, then its first to market advantage should translate into sizable earnings for business owners and the nation alike in the years to come. Analysts from CIBC predicted this past summer that Canada's market revenue could reach $6.5 billion by 2020. Additionally, first-year projections from Deloitte found that the country could generate $4.3 billion in legal cannabis sales during the first year of operation.

This sort of market potential shows what Canada’s revenue potential could look like without edibles and concentrates. Now, imagine what happens when they are introduced to sales shelves and online marketplaces. Rosin in Canada is sure to take off as a high-quality solventless concentrate that works for dabbing just as it does for edibles.

Overall, solventless processing continues to evolve from its DIY days to become a safe, reliable form of extracting cannabis. Without breaking the bank, extractors can produce highly potent yields from top strains. At PurePressure, we are proud to serve as the industry leaders in commercial grade rosin extraction. We are excited to become the primary solventless equipment provider to rosin extractors in Canada.

To learn more about solventless processing, check out our other article that dives into commercial-grade solventless extraction.

Automated Pressure Control for Rosin Pressing Brings Better Scaleability to Solventless Extraction

At PurePressure, our team continually strives to find ways to bring you the best technology to produce the high-quality rosin for your business or home pressing. That's why we are excited to share our latest addition to our rosin press technology offerings: an Automated Pressure Control System for the Longs Peak and Pike Peak rosin presses. This system ensures that you never blow out another bag again with multiple features, including:

• Ultra-precise digital pressure control to increase in pressure by as little as 1 PSI at a time, or you can just set your own pressure value
• Pre-set recipes that run your material for you, just pick a bag size and material
• Warm up function, that allows you to warm up your ice water hash or sift with zero pressure before actually starting your cycle
• Most importantly, the system will simply run your recipes so one operator can run two rosin presses or do other tasks while it presses your rosin

Our most recent upgrade almost fully automates the rosin pressing process - making it miles ahead of any other rosin press machines on the market today. With no one else on the market near of our technology, our almost entirely automated press gives you next level controls you won't find elsewhere - including the ability to adjust your rosin press machine’s pressure to a scientific-level accuracy.

Not only does the Automated Pressure Control System masterfully automate your rosin pressing process. We’re excited to say it will essentially teach you how to create rosin as well. Newcomers can drastically lessen their learning curve with our pre-set recipes. Users can select from a series of options. They include choosing your material, be it flower, kief or hash, in addition to bag size. For the Pikes Peak, bag size options will come in 2x3, 2x6, 2x9, while the Longs Peak gives you choices for 2x3, 2x6, 2x9, and 2.5x9. All you have to do is choose the setting and watch as your rosin press expertly crafts your concentrates from the selected recipe.  

Overall, we understand how vital scalability is for most of our customers. We hear you loud and clear. We’re ready to tackle the issue head-on with our latest upgrade. PurePressure’s Ben Britton, lead engineer and cofounder, explained that with the new Automated Pressure Control system, you have more power at your finger tips to never blow out another bag again. 

For a relatively inexpensive capital investment, you can scale the quality of your operation while freeing yourself or your employees to perform other tasks during pressing. Overall, a PurePressure rosin press is a cost-efficient solution for producing solventless, high-quality concentrates for home or commercial use. In past articles, we’ve detailed that a combination of less legal hurdles, a low startup cost and faster product distribution are just some of the ways running a rosin pressing operation makes dollars and sense. At only $2,000, our Automated Pressure Control System once again provides you with a cost-efficient option to upgrade your production and overall quality. Your operation’s output should be able to pay off the costs associated with your upgrade in short order. Consider asking our team of consultants if you’re having difficulty figuring out just how to do so.

Upgrading to the Automated Pressure Control System replaces the need for our Dual Pressure toggle switch. Instead, your rosin press will now have a completely digitally controlled interface. As you can see from the images and videos above, the upgraded interface allows you to easily press any material, including 6 star ice water hash, and dramatically increases your rosin press's efficiency. The Automated Pressure Control System is a standalone upgrade to any existing Long Peak or Pikes Peak V2 rosin press machines. The upgrade applies to presses with our latest touch screen technology. However, those with the V1 keypad presses can also upgrade to the new control system with a dual upgrade so you have the LCD necessary to plug into the upgrade.

So, step into the next generation of rosin pressing with a simplified yet scientific approach. Free up time while producing the yields you desire with the specificity no other brand on the market can provide. Contact the PurePressure team today to learn more about the Automated Pressure Control System and how it will enhance your rosin pressing experience like no other device can.

Texas has rightfully earned its distinction as a conservative state. That said, the Lone Star State also understands business better than most. Just as Austin and other cities became Silicon Valley South, a growing number of proponents now realize that cannabis in Texas could become the state’s next high earning commodity.

While a range of figures has been tossed about, analysis from Arcview Market Research found that Texas’s legalized cannabis market could reach $3 billion in just a few years if recreational legislation was enacted. Using trends from Colorado and forecasts on the Florida market, Arcview determined that Texas is staring down a tremendous opportunity.

With major cities in the state like Austin, Houston and Dallas more affluent and diverse, residents have warmed to cannabis. This is especially true in the music community that includes festivals like SXSW, Austin City Limits and just the general year-round music scenes from hip hop to punk.

While the music community wasn’t its target audience, Arcview did recently host its Investor Forum in the state capital - indicating its confidence in Texas’ $3 billion future.  With Texans warming to the idea of using cannabis for more medical and recreational purposes, the prospect of legalized marijuana in Texas could be as big and bright as the stars at night.

Texans Aim to Reform Cannabis Laws in 2019

While residents warm to the idea of cannabis use in Texas, law reformers appear focused on medical expansion and ending possession arrests in the next year. Those seeking to reform the laws represent a diverse collection of the state's citizens. At the first Texas Marijuana Policy Conference in August, leaders from the medical field, policymakers, military veterans and religious leaders convened to discuss their shared goals and priorities. There, they established the two causes as their priorities moving forward.

It is likely that the reformers will rely heavily on the limited access to medical cannabis under the current Texas Compassionate Use Act, which only allows for children with intractable epilepsy to use low-THC medicine if other prescribed drugs fail to work. As such, at least 345,000 residents with epilepsy alone don't qualify under the current law.

Residents from across the aisle now seem aligned on the topic as more understand how cannabis may help children, veterans and the everyday Texan in need. With growing support from voters, lawmakers joined the cause as well. While attempts to expand medical and adult use access have been made, little to nothing has reached the floor for a vote. However, with mounting voter pressure and the potential for lucrative gains, the situation could change sooner than later.

Texas Makes Steps Into Cannabis

While the Texas Marijuana Policy Conference marked its first year of operation, the state saw additional activity that may highlight where the future is heading. An effort undertaken by the Foundation for Informed Texans is focusing on expanding medical cannabis knowledge and support in rural Texas. In the ads, which will air alongside the slew of typical midterm election campaigns, the group pushes for expanded access to its medical marijuana program while easing negative cannabis attitudes in hopes of changing legislation during the 2019 session.

Meanwhile, the inaugural classes started up for the DFW Academy of Cannabis Science this past August. The first cannabis course for the school was launched after being recognized as "a new economy" according to the school's President, Holly Law, who lost a parent due to opioid addiction. She expanded on her thoughts with the local Dallas-Fort Worth NBC affiliate, adding that "The early bird gets the worm...You look at all these CBD shops that are popping up all over the place. Well, what do you think those are going to be when the law changes? Those are going to be dispensaries."

In addition to the summer course, students can enroll in a 10-week class which begins in October.

What Happens Now?

We can’t say if, or when, Texas will expand its medical cannabis program. However, one thing is clear: support for cannabis in Texas is growing. From the medical to recreational uses, rosin stands to play a significant impact once access expands. With concentrates sweeping markets across the U.S., it is expected that such a level of interest would carry over into Texas as well. With rosin serving as a solventless, low-cost option, cultivators and home users should find an immense range of benefits with a rosin press machine.

At this point, we still have to play the waiting game. However, with Texans warming to cannabis, and rural Texas receiving a heavy dose of positive messaging, legislation could change in 2019. While Texas may be deep red in much of the state, the color green is starting to change the minds of all affiliations.

This past June saw Oklahoma voters approve the state’s medical cannabis program with a resounding 56.8% of the vote. The Sooner State becomes the 31st state to adopt a medical marijuana market. Despite last-minute pushback from opposing organizations, the measure went through and now lays in the hands of Oklahoma lawmakers to finalize regulations.

With applications soon expected to go up on the state Department of Health’s website, Oklahomans and outside entrepreneurs are clamoring to stake a claim in a market that could immediately help citizens on a scale that few, if any, programs have been able to so far. From the lying in wait experts to novices looking to make their mark, we’ve heard from them all in the weeks and months leading up to the news.

At this point, here is what we know - and why solventless extraction could be the best option for Oklahoma entrepreneurs.

Oklahoma Votes for Open-Marker Medical Cannabis

Unlike most cannabis programs in the U.S., Oklahoma voters approved an open-market program. The significance of the open-market allows for significant differences compared to the typical market. Primarily, Oklahoma’s open-market places no limits on business licenses while allowing physicians to recommend medical cannabis to any patient without a list of qualified conditions. In addition to providing care to a range of patients, the program could earn the Sooner State up to $150 million in sales revenue each year.

While the regulations could alter as lawmakers take hold of it, the bill's advocates stand ready to push back on any alterations that don't support the voters' wishes. According to the measure, citizens wanted a speedy licensing process with a marketplace owned by at least 75% of in-state residents, among other requests. One change that advocates for the bill support, however, is moving the program from the hands of the state department of health and moved to an independent committee to run the state's cannabis program.

Overall, the news is monumental and presents an exciting opportunity for Oklahomans. While lawmakers could always make some changes to cannabis accessibility, advocates appear ready to ensure that the voters receive what they voted for. Another positive sign comes from the state's Interim Health Commissioner Tom Bates who said that the framework for the program to move forward is in place. He said that there would be a lot to address, but the state will be ready to have applications available on the state's website within the next 30 days as the vote stipulated.

Opportunities for Rosin

Solventless rosin extraction has been on the rise in recent years. With the laws set to benefits home growers and businesses alike, rosin could be one of the most lucrative areas of the market for Oklahoma-based entrepreneurs. When looking at the current regulations, several areas stand out as selling points for producing rosin in Oklahoma.

With no limit on licenses, the market in Oklahoma is wide open. Furthermore, license fees are set at a modest startup cost of $2,500. If you want to keep costs low, why not invest in a rosin press machine? Unlike many cannabis operations, such as solvent-based extraction, a rosin pressing operation costs a fraction of other markets. Plus, rosin serves as one of the most versatile concentrates on the market. With a versatile product and low startup fees, rosin pressing could be the perfect addition to producers and home growers alike.

Oklahoma has set its possession limits higher than most states. That includes up to 3 ounces of personal possession at any time. At home, qualified Oklahomans call also have up to one ounce of concentrates, 72 ounces of edibles and eight ounces of marijuana. Additionally, they are allowed to cultivate six mature plants and six seedlings. With such high limits, producing rosin-based edibles and concentrates can be a literal goldmine for your burgeoning business.

Meanwhile, an additional sales tax of 7% is much lower than in other cities and states participating in medical and adult use markets. The lower tax percent should help lure in customers, deplete the black market and provide early market success for businesses. Overall, the proposed regulations for Oklahoma appear to be friendly to all areas of the supply chain. By tapping into a lucrative, emerging, healthier cannabis option, rosin pressing may be your advantage in the state’s second biggest landrace in history.

Since the news broke, we’ve heard from a handful of Sooners looking to break into the cannabis industry. If rosin is right for you, PurePressure’s team of expert consultants is ready to help get you started. Contact us for all the tips and tricks you need to navigate everything from regulations to production and distribution. In addition to getting you started, we’re happy to tap into our extensive network of cannabis professionals across the country so your venture can take off as smooth as possible.

Bad news about Canada’s legalization, folks. It looks like the country’s proposed date for legalization, July 1st, won’t happen. Despite President Justin Trudeau and other’s predictions for a July 1st start, what held up Canada becoming the second country to join Uruguay in legalizing cannabis? And more to the point, when will Canada legalize marijuana sales and possession?   

With legalization day fast approaching, even without a definite day now in sight, many questions remain as to what Canada’s recreational marijuana market will look like. With some answers coming in while other questions are bubbling up. With all the new developments, now is a perfect time to take a look at the Great White North’s soon to be legal green market.

So, When Can I Buy Legal Cannabis in Canada?

Hate to break it to all you readers that planned a cannabis vacation to Canada in July or August. It now looks like Canada will now legalize sales at the end of September - and the reason largely boils down to politics and law enforcement.

Canada's marijuana sales are held up due to legislation in the Senate. President Trudeau's liberal party holds the majority in the executive branch. However, the conservative Senate now holds up a House of Commons bill that passed last year at a tally of 200 to 82.

The Senate argued for additional time to prepare law enforcement across the country for sales. Lawmakers believe that law enforcement officials have never been equipped to contest the country's black market sales. Additional concerns shared across the aisle regard provincial laws as well as learning lessons from prior industries. One such measure considered for cannabis includes using generic packaging to avoid the issues that came from tobacco sales.

Setbacks aside, Canadians should be able to purchase cannabis by the end of September 2018. With Canada's marijuana sales likely to begin soon, how will the market look like and what products will soon be available for purchase?

Rosin and Canada Make Sense Together

When the market eventually opens, products will mirror what you find in U.S. markets. That includes a fast growing product: rosin.

The rosin boom in recent years may have begun out of Southern California, but today it is grabbing the world's attention. In recent years, major publications began touting rosin as a game changing-way to get high. Fast forward to this year, and now rosin technology is the talk of events and trade shows in the U.S. and beyond. At the 2018 Spannabis event in Barcelona, rosin piqued the interest of several minds in the industry.

If Canadian buying trends are anything like America's first few legalized states, then rosin could become one of the top sellers in the marketplace. According to the 2017 Marijuana Business Factbook, rosin was the fastest growing subcategory in both Colorado and Washington state. At a staggering 3,062%, rosin crushed even the closest subcategories, distillates (2,825%) and live resin (823%). While purchasing trends are sure to vary, it’s unlikely that Canadians won’t want the same solventless, high potency, homogenized products.

Rosin suits Canadian businesses as well. With companies taking longer to turn profits, it only makes sense that processing facilities incorporate products that produce high yields which cut the turnaround time it takes to generate a profit.

Accessibility is also on the rise. Canada has long faced a shortage of domestic rosin press machine companies. Now, the market is beginning to crowd already. For at home production, even major big-box general merchandisers are getting into the game as well. Walmart now sells rosin press machines online for home production. While a massive step for the market, the yields for these products have not been ideal. Regardless, these collective steps for company and home production show that Canada could be the next destination for a massive spike in rosin sales.

Legalization Day is Still Fast Approaching

Even with the setback, Canadians should be able to purchase cannabis by the end of summer 2018 legally. With the momentous day fast approaching, many developments could shake the country’s trajectory, including law enforcement and cannabis’ potential influence on youth. However, the struggles between the Liberal and Conservative Party should be smoothed out in the coming weeks.

While we’ll need to wait some time for sales data, rosin should play a significant part in Canada’s market. With sales in the U.S. and buzz in Europe growing, rosin appears to be a global market influencer. By all accounts, Canada should become just another proof of concept for rosin press machines in home and business use.

Whether you are in Canada or the U.S., we're ready to help you get the highest yielding, highest potent rosin you can press. Contact us today, and we'll have you pressing rosin in no time!

All images in this article were sourced from Wikimedia and are labeled for reuse.

Rosin pressing gained steam in Canada over recent years and will almost assuredly trend upwards in the years to come. The tried and true DIY hair straightener method has existed for about three years, and now rosin tech is starting to take hold. Canadian rosin pressers know the benefits of a clean, solvent-free, high THC efficiency rosin, but often can’t produce the product with domestic equipment.

Even as Canada grows in prominence across the globe, its products and services will take time to form back home. Slow business development can lead to space in the marketplace for a variety of products and services. Due to a less than stellar domestic marketplace Canadian rosin pressing is currently stunted. This leaves them to likely buy from American brands who export the needed extraction technology.

As time progresses, Canada is sure to catch up and develop comparable rosin tech domestically. However, for now, that is not the case. We’ve heard from numerous Canadian consumers and companies telling us the pain points of rosin pressing. That’s why PurePressure serves as the solution for getting more great golden rosin in the Great White North. With a slew of products and more coming, we hope to bridge the gap between Canada and high-quality rosin.

The Potential and Current Canadian Rosin Pressing Situation

Even with legalization a few months away, Canada's marijuana market has been booming for some time now. One of its prime drivers comes from exports of cannabis across the world for medical and research related purposes. Countries like Germany currently cannot produce the marijuana needed for its program. Until it can cultivate cannabis in the country, it turns to Canada for its supply. The same is happening in Australia, where Canada sells flower, concentrates and intellectual property, and several others.  

Moreover, yet, despite the nation's growth as a global presence in the market, it faces numerous hurdles to improving the market. While this is expected, it does not diminish the fact that getting a quality Canadian-made rosin press is still an issue. This lack is a problem that affects both commercial and personal use yields. In turn, Canadians have to settle for lower-grade rosin presses made in the country or go to the United States.

This situation comes as a bit of a surprise as Canada is the first country to federally regulate dabs. It's unclear if any rules will change come legalization day on July 1. However, a 2016 set of rules called the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), officials banned flammable materials from altering cannabis. That includes petroleum, butane and propane to name a few. CO2 is still allowed but is difficult to manipulate. As is the case, the demand for solvent-free concentrates grows exponentially - and that's without considering the $100,000 or more price tag for a commercial-grade C02 extraction machine.

With the rosin press conundrum across Canada, businesses and personal producers are stuck in a bind. Do they resign to using a domestic product that lacks the reputation and quality to achieve the desired results? Do they choose to buy from a seller on Instagram, or do they go the international route? Unfortunately, this path can lead to high prices and little to show for their return on investment.

That’s why PurePressure wants to resolve this issue with affordable, high-quality options for rosin pressing in Canada or wherever. We have a slew of products and have a few more on the way that satisfies both sides of the market’s demand.

Image Source: Flower Press Organics

What Can PurePressure do for Canada’s Rosin Pressers?

Canadian rosin pressers can turn to PurePressure to find a clean rosin pressing that domestic producers aren't generating today. Instead of opting for the suboptimal machine quality, they've gone with our line of products including the Pikes Peak rosin press.

Our rosin press gives Canadian producers the customization they need to produce the high yield, high-quality rosin they've sought after. Pikes Peak users can customize every part of the rosin making process, including temperatures, the amount of pressure our 5-ton pneumatic press applies and even the presses alignment. The Pikes Peak (and it’s 8-ton cousin, the Longs Peak rosin press) includes several other innovative features and safety precautions to provide a safe and lucrative pressing every time.

Our customers in Canada and beyond love the high-yield rosin they can produce, topping out at 35 grams of flower or 70 grams of kief in a single press with the Longs Peak. They also love the customer service that comes from our close-knit team based in Denver, Colorado. Never hesitate to reach out to us as well. We prioritize our customers and will get back to you as soon as possible.

Since it's emerging trend up north, some Canadian customers might have a bit of reluctance getting into rosin pressing. While the process is quite simple, it does have a learning curve. Instead of throwing you to the wild with your new rosin press, we can get you on the right path with a starter kit and our video tutorials.

If you need a smaller press solution, keep an eye out. We’ll have a home press coming out soon. We are happy to meet the demand of our customers whenever possible. So, contact us today and let us know what you need. We’ll make sure that rosin pressing and Canada have an incredible partnership.

Discover the Difference

Canada’s product evolution is sure to change alongside its market. The rate of product evolution is uncertain and might not keep pace for some time. That’s why Canadian rosin pressers have to turn to the international market without spending in excess of $100,000 for superb equipment. In time, home-based solutions will come to market. Though, it’s uncertain when that time will be.

PurePressure already serves as the solution for pressers across Canada. If you haven’t already, drop us a line to learn more about how we can improve your rosin press yields in Canada and beyond. We make the importing process extremely simple and affordable, too!

Rosin is gaining in popularity everywhere and Canada is no exception. Rosin is a concentrate extracted from the cannabis plant using heat and pressure. This means that rosin is solventless. It preserves the terpenes responsible for taste and the cannabinoids associated with many medicinal benefits. With the use of a commercial press extracting rosin is simple and, in comparison to other extraction methods, affordable. Canada has banned the use of flammable solvents leaving CO2 as the main extraction method in the country. However, CO2 takes a day to run, the process washes out many of the terpenes, and you really can’t get a commercial machine for less than $100,000 USD. Rosin is a cleaner product and, as we are seeing at PurePressure, many Canadian companies are as excited about it as we are. With adult use becoming legal in less than a year up north, it is only a matter of time until nearly all facilities own a professional-grade rosin press.

Canada’s laws have changed quite a bit since medical marijuana was legalized in 2001. In 2003 the Canadian Government considered decriminalizing the use of marijuana. The United States met this proposal with adamant disapproval, claiming that the reduced consequences would encourage drug tourism and ultimately impede trade and travel between the two countries. Canadian officials squashed the bill. Eleven years later Colorado legalized recreational marijuana with 7 states close behind making the US leaders in the push towards legalization. However, Canada’s marijuana market is expanding in ways the United States, which does not approve of marijuana at the federal level, cannot. According to MJbiz, since the Canadian government’s announcement to legalize recreational marijuana in July 2018 cannabis companies have raised more than 1 billion Canadian dollars ($790 million US), which is 1,700% more than last year. With this money, the industry is prepared to make huge moves including continued expansion to global markets without competition from the United States.

Germany and Australia both offer huge appeal to Canadian companies. Germany currently not only allows medical marijuana, but also covers it through their national health insurance program. Although Germany is currently working on an application process for local production, as of now, they must rely on imports. Australia’s medical marijuana program is also booming and did so at such a rapid rate that Canada is not only selling them marijuana and concentrates, but also intellectual property. The companies making these moves are dominating the landscape in Canada much because of regulations put into effect during the Harper Government. These astringent regulations were designed to discourage small-scale production by making licensing hard to obtain and the cost of startup astronomical.

Until 2013 Canadian producers of cannabis followed the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR). Under these regulations cultivators could grow for themselves and could be designated to grow for others. The MMAR cultivators were small but prolific, spreading all over the country. In 2013 Health Canada sought to limit the number of cultivation facilities and to more closely monitor them, so they came out with a new set of standards called the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations. These regulations were ultimately found to be unconstitutional and were replaced with the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, which is what is in use today. The new regulations are looser than the MMPR’s but obtaining licensing is still difficult. Out of over 1800 applications there are only 53 licensed growers in the entire Country and only 23 that are able to make concentrates. Find the entire list here.

The new regulations allow the production of concentrates, which makes Canada the first country to federally regulate dabs. The law bans the use of many flammable solvents in concentrate production and highly regulates others. One such highly regulated substance is BHO, which is the most commonly used solvent in extraction. The new laws do allow for the use of CO2. However, the consistency of CO2 is hard to manipulate and does not make a shatter or wax consistency.  At the same time the demand for concentrates in Canada is booming. “The amount of cannabis oil sold to clients registered with Health Canada rose 870% between the first quarter of 2016, when 584 kilograms were sold, and one year later, when 5,673 kilograms were sold.”  94.7 kg of cannabis oil was exported overseas from Canada by July of this year and 100,000 kg of oil was consumed in the country by medical patients. When July 2018 hits this number is projected to increase dramatically.

Labs in Canada have begun to sway towards solventless extraction with many people hoping the prevalence of concentrates like rosin will increase. Rosin presses do not use flammable materials, are easy and safe to use, and more easily pass Canada’s Security Regulations for safe structures and practices. Not only is the use of a rosin press an easier bet for anyone getting into the Canadian concentrate market, investing in solventless is a good bet for getting into global markets, which for a federally legal country such as Canada, is a huge opportunity.

Europe has shown that it cares about adulterants. Food is held to a high standard with tight restrictions on pesticide use and less tolerance for GMO’s, hormones, and other chemicals and additives. There are chemicals found in cosmetics and other products in the US that are banned altogether in Europe. If European views towards chemical regulation are applied to the cannabis industry the best bet for effectively infiltrating the market is solventless cannabis oil such as Rosin.

As Canadian marijuana companies are flooded with new investment capital, and already large operations scale up, the issue of solventless may seem like an issue of capacity. One of Canada’s biggest players, the Cronos Group, recently secured 40 million dollars in Canadian funding (32 million American dollars) to build a 315,000 square foot facility, which they claim is the biggest cultivation facility in the world. Their expected production is 88,000 lbs. of cannabis annually. Small batch artisanal products still have an important place in this kind of large scale production. Rosin production scales easily despite requiring some labor, and gets more per ounce than many other concentrates. Furthermore, rosin is a connoisseur product. It is like drinking craft beer vs. Budweiser and there is always going to be a market for that kind of quality. Rosin should be offered by large Canadian companies trying to penetrate global markets and by smaller companies looking to compete with the big guys locally.

Canada has a lot to offer the United States by way of example. Their federally regulated market is a source of wealth for the country and is expanding to untapped global markets without the US as competitors.  At the same time, the states in the US currently allowing recreational marijuana can be used to predict what the market may trend towards. What we can learn from states like Colorado and Washington is that concentrates are popular and that people will make them safely, if the regulations are put into place, or they will make them unsafely.  Some consumers will buy BHO but there are others that are wary of chemicals like Butane and they are willing to pay a higher premium for purity. There are also many patients that are not willing to buy cannabis used medicinally that has solvents. As the demand for solventless products such as rosin gains traction in the United States, Canadian labs should take note. Investing in Rosin now will put any Canadian company that does ahead of the curve and poise them perfectly for global expansion. With rosin it is not a question of if it will take over, but more a question of when.