The AusCannaPodcast "On the Road": The Alchemy of Extraction: Lessons from Puro’s Alexis Lopez

In this episode of the AusCannaPodcast “On the Road”, I sit down with Alexis Lopez, Puro’s Extraction Program Lead, to dive deep into the craft and science of cannabis extraction. Originally from Seattle, Alexis has a background in environmental science and sustainability, with experience managing a six-year Agent Orange cleanup project in Vietnam. Since moving to New Zealand, he’s helped shape the country’s medicinal cannabis extraction landscape through his work with the New Zealand Medicinal Cannabis Council and ASTM.At Puro, Alexis leads the extraction program, bringing high-quality extracts from organically grown cannabis to the world. We talk about everything from trichome morphology and live hash-making to what makes a perfect batch of bubble hash, why patience is key in extraction, and how sustainability drives innovation in the industry.Whether you’re a cannabis professional or simply curious about the art and science behind hash, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the meticulous, hands-on process that turns plant to product — and the story of the people shaping it.👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to [email protected]. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire (2:22)* Who is Alexis Lopez (9:44)* Alexis moves to Puro (11:58)* Where did Alexis get his start in extractions (13:15)* Types of extractions Alexis is drawn to (15:16)* The extraction disconnect (17:01)* But it’s still hash (21:08)* The process of making live hash (22:19)* What’s a bubble bag? (23:51)* Are smaller or bigger microns better? (25:17)* Trichome morphology and why it’s important for hash making (26:15)* What’s the hardest part about making hash? (28:09)* How long is the live hash-making process? (31:01)* Product in vs product out (32:07)* What’s Alexis’s idea of a perfect batch of bubble hash? (33:09)* How do you know if your hash is any good? (35:44)* What’s the best use for hash? (37:24)* What does bubble hash look like? (39:17)* What happens if you get your hash wet? (40:44)* Hot tip… don’t use your fingers! (41:27)* The future of hash (42:26)* Alexis’s call to action (46:57) Show Notes:* My New Zealand Adventure BTS* New Zealand Medicinal Cannabis Council* ASTM* ShatterWhere to Find Alexis:* Puro Website* Email [email protected] to Find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email [email protected]* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com