The Production Tech for Extractions serves as a specialized operator at the critical intersection of applied science, mechanical engineering, and rigorous regulatory compliance. This individual operates and maintains sophisticated extraction equipment designed to isolate valuable cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. The role is central to the manufacturing value chain, converting bulk plant material into the purified oils and concentrates that are the primary drivers of revenue for many cannabis organizations. This technician works within a highly controlled environment, managing processes that involve volatile solvents, high pressures, and precise temperature ranges. Success in this position directly dictates product quality, batch consistency, and operational safety, making it a cornerstone of the production department. The ability to execute complex Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with precision, troubleshoot mechanical systems, and maintain meticulous records is paramount to fulfilling the responsibilities of this demanding and impactful role.
The day's operations begin with a comprehensive pre-run checklist of the closed-loop hydrocarbon extraction system. The technician verifies that all pressure vessel clamps are secured to the correct torque specifications and inspects the integrity of all gaskets and seals to prevent any potential leaks of flammable butane solvent. They review the production schedule, noting the specific cannabis strain and batch number for the first run, and cross-reference it with the associated batch record. The technician then loads precisely weighed, frozen cannabis biomass into the material columns, ensuring a consistent packing density to prevent solvent channeling, which would reduce extraction efficiency. All parameters, from starting material weight to ambient room temperature, are logged before initiating the extraction sequence.
With the system sealed and pre-checked, the extraction run commences. The technician floods the material columns with cryogenically chilled solvent, actively monitoring the system's digital control interface and analog pressure gauges. They make real-time adjustments to the solvent flow rate and temperature to align with the SOP for that specific product type, such as live resin or shatter. Throughout the several-hour run, every pressure and temperature reading is logged at 15-minute intervals in the batch record, providing a complete data trail for compliance and quality control. The technician observes the color and clarity of the resulting solution in the collection vessel, using their experience to gauge the quality of the extraction in progress.
As the primary extraction concludes, the focus shifts to post-processing. The technician carefully transfers the crude cannabis oil from the collection vessel into trays for placement inside a vacuum oven. They set the oven to a precise temperature and level of vacuum designed to gently purge any residual butane from the extract over a period of 24 to 72 hours. While one batch is purging, the technician begins the extensive cleaning process on the extraction equipment. This involves disassembling components, cleaning every surface with food-grade ethanol, and inspecting parts for wear and tear. This meticulous cleaning is essential to prevent cross-contamination between batches and ensure product purity.
The operational cycle concludes with final documentation and preventative maintenance. The technician completes the batch production record, noting the final yield of crude oil and attaching labels for tracking in the state's seed-to-sale compliance system. They perform daily preventative maintenance tasks, such as checking the oil level on the recovery pump and calibrating temperature sensors. The workspace is thoroughly cleaned and organized, ensuring the C1D1 extraction booth is prepared and safe for the next day's operations. Any observations of equipment wear are logged in the maintenance system for further action.
The Production Tech's responsibilities are categorized into three primary operational domains:
The Production Tech (Extractions) directly influences key business performance metrics through the following mechanisms:
| Impact Area | Strategic Influence |
|---|---|
| Cash | Directly generates revenue by efficiently converting lower-value cannabis biomass into high-margin concentrates, creating immediate cash flow. |
| Profits | Maximizes yield and minimizes solvent loss, reducing the cost of goods sold (COGS) for every gram of concentrate produced. Proactive maintenance prevents costly emergency repairs. |
| Assets | Preserves the operational lifespan of high-value capital equipment (often valued at $250,000-$1M+) through correct operation, cleaning, and preventative maintenance. |
| Growth | Enables product line expansion by producing consistent, high-quality base oils for vape cartridges, edibles, tinctures, and topicals, supporting overall business growth. |
| People | Upholds a culture of safety by meticulously following protocols for handling hazardous materials, protecting the entire production team from chemical exposure or fire risk. |
| Products | The technician's skill directly determines the final product's purity, potency, flavor, and appearance, which are the primary drivers of brand reputation and consumer loyalty. |
| Legal Exposure | Mitigates liability from potential workplace accidents by strictly adhering to safety procedures. Meticulous batch records provide a defensible trail in case of a product recall. |
| Compliance | Ensures every gram of cannabis material and solvent is accounted for within state compliance systems, which is a fundamental requirement for maintaining an operating license. |
| Regulatory | Generates the primary production data that is used in reports submitted to state cannabis control boards and fire marshals during facility inspections. |
Reports To: This position typically reports to the Extraction Manager, Lab Manager, or Director of Manufacturing.
Similar Roles: Professionals with experience as a Chemical Plant Operator, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician, Brewery Cellarperson, or Food Processing Equipment Operator possess highly transferable skills. These roles all require a deep understanding of process control, equipment maintenance, sanitation, and adherence to SOPs in a regulated production environment. The core competencies of managing temperatures, pressures, and flow rates to create a consistent product are directly applicable to cannabis extraction.
Works Closely With: This position requires close collaboration with the Cultivation Team to understand incoming biomass quality, the Post-Processing/Refinement Team that handles the crude oil, and the Compliance Manager who verifies all tracking data.
Proficiency with specialized industrial equipment and software is essential:
Experience from parallel regulated industries provides a strong foundation for success:
The role demands a specific blend of technical and personal attributes:
These organizations establish the operational and safety frameworks that govern this role:
| Acronym/Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| ASME | American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Sets standards for pressure vessel construction. |
| BHO | Butane Hash Oil. A potent cannabis concentrate extracted using butane as a solvent. |
| C1D1 | Class 1, Division 1. A hazardous location classification by the National Electric Code for areas where flammable gases are present during normal operations. |
| COA | Certificate of Analysis. A lab report detailing the cannabinoid, terpene, and contaminant profile of a product sample. |
| Crude Oil | The unrefined, full-spectrum oil produced during primary extraction, containing cannabinoids, terpenes, fats, and waxes. |
| GMP | Good Manufacturing Practices. A system of processes and documentation to ensure products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. |
| METRC | Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance. A widely used seed-to-sale compliance tracking system. |
| PPE | Personal Protective Equipment. Includes safety glasses, gloves, lab coats, and sometimes respirators required for safe operation. |
| PSI | Pounds per Square Inch. A common unit of pressure measurement monitored during extraction. |
| Rotovap | Rotary Evaporator. A device used in chemical laboratories for the efficient and gentle removal of solvents from samples by evaporation. |
| SOP | Standard Operating Procedure. A set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out complex routine operations. |
| Winterization | A post-processing refinement technique where crude oil is mixed with ethanol and chilled to solidify and remove undesirable fats, lipids, and waxes. |
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