OK. The steam distillation was done on 100gm of this powder and the yield was pure crap. SWIDP got ~3gm of brown crystals/needles that tasted a little salty. This was their first time doing a steam distillation on 8% powder though. Having a lot of headroom above the flask is a good idea because it has a tendency to act violently at times and flooding can occur. SWIDP was using vigorous stirring and they still had a little flooding at first. They then started fresh with a larger flask that had a tall neck. This powder is rather hygroscopic and once it pulls in a miniscule amount of moisture it becomes really sticky, but it cleans up well. SWIDP is not going to mess with anything that contains the name Epherda in any shape or form from now on... too much damn work and fucking annoying.
SWIDP has tried that and A/B's... much worse. Methanol extraction leaves you with tar. An A/B requires extensive work-up to get pure crystals. The crystals from the steam distillation where actually light brown, but SWIDP decided not to react them. The distillate had a barely noticeable golden tinge to it so maybe there was a very small amount of flooding when SWIDP passed out for a little bit. Before the distillate was evaporated norit was used on it, but it did not become clearer. SWIDP has had success with ephedra (extract and plant matter), but in their opinion it's not worth all this effort. Since the ephedra ban was lifted it will bee easier to get ephedrine now... time to check these new pills for gakk.
what about alcohol extraction followed by a/b? i don't understand why it's not possible to get anything out... did your gnome try extracting to freebase? did your gnome actually try the carbon column treatment? my gnome has worked with numerous plants and only has trouble when the plant is a shit source of alkaloids (eg juvenile acacia maidenii)
btw, ephedra was never banned in the usa, it was banned for use in 'dietary supplements' and still is. the plant and extracts of the plant are legal so long as they are not claiming to be a dietary supplement.
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This was their first time doing a steam distillation on 8% powder though. Having a lot of headroom above the flask is a good idea because it has a tendency to act violently at times and flooding can occur. SWIDP was using vigorous stirring and they still had a little flooding at first. They then started fresh with a larger flask that had a tall neck. This powder is rather hygroscopic and once it pulls in a miniscule amount of moisture it becomes really sticky, but it cleans up well. SWIDP is not going to mess with anything that contains the name Epherda in any shape or form from now on... too much damn work and fucking annoying. 
