Where do you get Ethanol?

[VividHazE]

Hi everyone,

I've read the SD FAQ and it says you can create your own extract using Ethanol.  I was just wondering where or how you can obtain Ethanol?  Do they stock it in Chemists or something?  Maybe an online shop?  From what I thought in the past it was a chemical only scientists could get (please don't laugh at me). :oops:

[TooStonedToType]

Welcome to the Forums.

Ok, I won't laugh.  But it depends upon what you want to use it for and where you live.

Since you are here I'll assume its for some sort of salvia extract.  You really don't want to drink the stuff.  Unless you find it in that marvoulous brew called "Coor's Light". hahhahah, oh sorry, I'm not suppose to laugh.

Chemist supply stores sell very pure and expensive ethanol.  You might try your local liquor store however.  Products like Everclear and lesser expensive brands of "grain alcohol" are available.  Some states in the u$a limit the alcohol content.  Many have 95%, which is great.  If it is lesser proof, you still might find it suits your purpose rather than buy expensive lab grade alcohol.  Some people might only find 151 proof Rum.  That works, but with Rum and the lower alcohol content you get more sugars left in your extract which some find objectionable if you get more than 5x or so.

Now, if you want to go to the expense and have a good chemical supply store, buy some good acetone. (regent or lab grade is probably ok).  Much better for extractions of SD.

While we are all laughing at you, I'll ask do you really want to make an extraction?  Have you gone as far as you can go with the leaf?

[VividHazE]

Hey TooStoned!

I thought as much, I'm a perfectionist at heart so I'll probably end up buying it from a Chemist  :roll:

I was just worried if I walked into a Chemist and said "Give me Ethanol" like they'll hit a big red security button under the counter "Certainly Sir." lol.

I think my herb-enduced paranoia is starting to get the better of me.  Anyway thanks again!

[Avery L. Breath]

I don't know about where you live, but here in my state, (idaho) even everclear is illegal, however a person can apply for a state license for reagent grade alchohol for around $15....... as long as your stated use on the application is considered legitimate in the eyes of state officials.  

So, I'd reccomend calling your local Alchohol, Tobacco & firearms state office and see what they can do for you.

[VividHazE]

Have you gone as far as you can go with the leaf?

Since I've just bought my plant, I haven't really left 1st base yet lol.  As a n00b at this Salvia stuff, and having used extract x15 twice before I kinda just assumed your meant to boost it up.

Can you achieve "loss of identity" etc effects just using the leaf?  How strong can the leaf possibly go?  Not being smarmy (that is a word isn't it?) I am just interested.

Oh, I live in the UK by the way, its still legal to buy ethanol here...right?

[TooStonedToType]

I would pay with cash for anything I bought at a chemist supply store, even though it is legal.  But they probably wouldn't look at you strange unless you are obvioulsy under 21 years old.  Same with acetone etc., if you are buying under a couple of liters.  If they ask, tell them the truth, you are making a sage extract that is reported to have effects related to lucid dreaming, the enlightenment of mankind and even a cure for severe depression.  

I think both enthonol and salvia are still legal in all parts of the UK, but I live in the USA and don't follow that as well.

[TooStonedToType]

"Can you achieve "loss of identity" etc effects just using the leaf? How strong can the leaf possibly go? Not being smarmy (that is a word isn't it?) I am just interested."

In a word "YES"!

Salvia is diffent from many substances in the reverse tolerance aspect.  Many people don't feel anything the first few times they use salvia - leaf or extract.  This often causes them to use something stonger and then are overwelmed.  Personally, I say to use the leaf a few times at least.  Even if you don't think you feel anything. Don't be disappointed.  Take that as expected and expect this may take a few weeks to months.  

I really believe in growing your plant to get aquainted with it.  If your growing you are most likely waiting for your plant - this is perfect.  Wait for the leaves to fall off naturally.  If you want to make a 5x or so extract after giving it a good 5 or more tries, ok, but be carefull, you are getting more and more sensitive.

[TooStonedToType]

"So, I'd reccomend calling your local Alchohol, Tobacco & firearms . . ."

From a payphone.

[TooStonedToType]

Oh, another good alternative is isopropyl rubbing alcohol.   This is often found between 70% - 99% pure at your local drug or grocery store.  The impurities being mainly water.  Some people seem to prefer the ethanol under the belief it is safer for some reason.  You need to evaporate whatever it is your are useing completely, so it really shouldn't matter.

PS:  I've also heard people saying not to use acetone as if it is not evaporated completely you breath that vapor.  I don't know about that?  If you try to light a bowl that hasn't evaporated the acetone (or ISP) would pretty much  ignite instanly (or explode) and be gone before you could inhale it - my theory anyways.

[VividHazE]

Cool! Thanks everyone who replied, especially you TooStoned!  I'm now a little wiser about this, and I will take your advice on trying the leaf on its own a good few times first to see the effects it has.  

One last niggly thing about it, how often will the plant discard its own leaves, on average of course, and won't the leaves that fall off be all discoloured and rotton?

[rhodopsin]

...

[TooStonedToType]

Depending upon the size of the plant, you may have one one or two leaves a week fall off. They don't get rotten if you pick them up soon after falling, but they will be discolored brown.  The color doesn't seem to matter and may actually be better for making extracts. See http://www.spiritplants.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=586

[TroutMask]

By Chemist, you mean a "drug store" or pharmacy here in the states, don't you?

Mmmm, Coor's Light!

-TM

[Bushpig]

Hi Vividhaze, you can get Isopropanol from most chemists...I got some from superdrug I do believe.  And yes, im sure they reached for the big red button also lol.

Not too sure what ethanol is compared to isopropanol, never really been an area of interest,


Boooosh

[VividHazE]

I cut one of the larger leaves off the day I got the plant because it was already turning quite brown and was the biggest one so it was pulling the dropping plant sideways, so I thought it would be a good first one to dry out!  I kept it on a clean plate for 2 days and I've only just smoked it an hour or so ago.

It was an odd sensation, it seemed like everything seemed to get more colourful somehow, yet stay the same.  Plus everything seemed to be right in my face, no matter what I looked at.

Also the best part of the whole experience was the soothing, relaxing sensation I felt! (Can still kinda feel that way now).  This way of taking it was much more managable and enjoyable than my previous extract experience!  I guess now that I have my own plant I won't feel pushed to buy very high extract stuff, and it'll be a free high!  If only they would let other certain plants be legal and then money wouldn't be a problem no more lol...