The CTIP filter story in a glance…
With almost 30 years of experience in the cannabis branch, we have been confronted with several new products and concepts over the years. Our interest was triggered 6-7 years ago when filtration of cannabis smoke by activated carbon became a topic. We learned that initially such filters were used in traditional tobacco smoking pipes. In Holland, Roll Your Own tobacco cigarettes have been very popular the past decades and these straight filters initially became popular amongst tobacco smokers but were discovered soon after by cannabis smokers.
How does it work ?
Activated Carbon, also known as ‘activated charcoal’ is not the same charcoal used for your BBQ. It can be made from several natural products like wood, peat, lignite or (coco)nut shells. We achieved the best results applying coconut shells as base material and heating it to extreme high temperatures up to 900 °C (1,650 °F). In the presence of steam, the Carbon develops many spaces or “spores” at the surface, which helps the activated Carbon to trap chemical substances like a magnet.
Why you should use a filter to smoke cannabis or hash ?
Not all people realize that the paper (m)-tip in a joint only filters large tobacco and cannabis particles and basically only prevent these particles ending up in your mouth. Compared to a standard cigarette that filters the smoke, a paper tip doesn’t remove any harmful substances in cannabis smoke. We have to realize that mixing tobacco with cannabis is a lot worse compared to a filtered tobacco cigarette. We are happy to notice that tobacco is becoming less popular and even banned in establishments and public places in several countries.
What is so special about the CTIP™ ?
The CTIP™ is cone shaped and therefore very easy to roll a joint with, compared to straight versions. Due to the temperature conduction characteristics of the aluminum, the smoke is cooled down extremely fast and the airflow is optimized for maximum experience. The removal of non-desired components result in a “softened” smoke without the typical throat-irritating effect causing coughing. This nice effect is especially experienced with 100% cannabis. Interesting enough is that the natural cannabis taste and smell seems enhanced. It is actually not enhanced but a lot of the nasty (taste contaminating) components are removed from the smoke.
What about Terps, CBD and THC ?
These three valuable components (and several other beneficial substances) are what we are after and naturally we don’t want to filter these components out. Laboratory tests have been performed clearly indicating that these desired components are not “caught” by activated carbon.
What about sustainability of the CTIP’s ?
The housing of the CTIP™ is a thin-wall food grade aluminum that can be recycled 100% without loss of strength and material characteristics. Other mainstream filters contain paper, ceramic and sometimes plastic parts. Not very sustainable at all as it can either not be recycled or 30-40% new material should be added during recycling.