Methods and systems for the extraction of cannabinoids
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023558691
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-03-23
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-31
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63 / 165,100, filed March 23, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for rapid, efficient and cost-effective extraction and purification of cannabinoids and other natural substances from the cannabis plant. [Background technology]
[0003] background Cannabinoids are a class of compounds found in the cannabis plant. Some cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have significant therapeutic and commercial value. Traditional methods of cannabinoid extraction require a drying step to ensure that water does not contaminate the organic solvent used in the extraction, or, in the case of CO2 extraction, to ensure that CO2 does not react with water to produce carbonic acid. However, the drying step itself can be slow, inefficient, costly, and energy-intensive. In addition, storing the plant for drying can introduce undesirable contaminants, including mold, bacteria, and pests. Thus, there is a high demand for a cannabinoid extraction process that eliminates the drying step. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] The present application overcomes these problems by providing a system and method for extracting cannabinoids from cannabis plants that is fast, cost-effective, efficient, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The approach utilizes an alkaline solvent system to solubilize cannabinoids directly from freshly harvested cannabis plants. The disclosed system and method are sufficiently robust to be used under a wide range of conditions, including on mobile platforms capable of processing plants on-farm. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] overview Provided herein are methods and systems for extracting cannabinoids from fresh cannabis plants without the need for a drying step. These methods and systems can be broadly subdivided into four steps: plant extraction, acidification, crude extraction, and purification.
[0006] In some embodiments, the plant extraction step includes mixing the cannabis plant, or a portion thereof, with an alkaline solvent, which in some embodiments ionizes the cannabinoid acids, thereby rendering them soluble in water.
[0007] In some embodiments, the cannabis plant parts may include, but are not limited to, flowers, buds, leaves, stems, roots, seeds, trichomes, and / or any combination thereof.
[0008] In some embodiments, the alkaline solvent comprises water, which may be distilled water, deionized water, mineral water, soda water, purified water, well water, sea water, and / or any combination thereof.
[0009] In some embodiments, the alkaline solvent has a pH greater than 10. In some embodiments, the pH is 10. In some embodiments, the pH is in the range of 8 to 10. In some embodiments, the pH is 7. In some embodiments, the pH is in the range of 7 to 10.
[0010] In some embodiments, the alkaline medium comprises a medium mixed with one or more alkalis, including, but not limited to, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, ammonia, sodium acetate, lithium hydroxide, rubidium hydroxide, cesium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, guanidine, alanine, methylamine, and / or any combination thereof.
[0011] In some embodiments, the alkaline medium further comprises one or more buffering agents, including but not limited to sodium carbonate, phosphate buffers, mineral buffers, organic buffers, and / or any combination thereof.
[0012] In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined for 5-10 minutes. In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined for 10-15 minutes. In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined for 0-5 minutes. In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined for more than 15 minutes. In some embodiments, the length of time the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined depends on the desired concentration of the cannabinoids.
[0013] In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined at ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined at elevated temperatures. In some embodiments, these elevated temperatures include, but are not limited to, 20-30°C, 30-40°C, 40-50°C, 50-60°C, 60-70°C, 70-80°C, 70-80°C, 80-90°C, 90-100°C, or temperatures greater than 100°C. In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined at a temperature less than 20°C. In some embodiments, the temperature at which the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined is dependent on the desired rate of solubilization of the cannabinoids.
[0014] In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and the alkaline solvent are agitated during mixing. In some embodiments, the agitation comprises mechanical stirring, tumbling, stirring, mixing, and / or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cannabis plant is mechanically pressed.
[0015] In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and the alkaline solvent are sonicated during mixing.
[0016] In one embodiment, after mixing the cannabis plant material and alkaline solvent, the product is separated into two parts, miscella, which contains the alkaline solvent and solubilized cannabinoids, and the remaining cannabis plant material.
[0017] In some embodiments, the portions are separated using filtration.
[0018] In some embodiments, the remaining cannabis plant material is subjected to further extraction processes. In some embodiments, the remaining cannabis plant material is pressed to remove residual solvent. In some embodiments, the remaining cannabis plant material is subsequently used as fertilizer or as a source of cellulose. In some embodiments, the remaining cannabis plant material is disposed of as waste.
[0019] In some embodiments, the miscella is recycled for one or more further extraction steps, hi some embodiments, the miscella is recycled until saturation.
[0020] In some embodiments, the acidification step comprises mixing the miscella with an acid, which in some embodiments reduces the solvent and causes the cannabinoids to precipitate out of solution.
[0021] In some embodiments, an acid is added to the miscella to reduce the pH of the solution to below 4. In some embodiments, an acid is added to the miscella to reduce the pH of the solution to a range of 4-7.
[0022] In some embodiments, one or more acids are added to the miscella, including, but not limited to, vitamin C, lactic acid, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, formic acid, gluconic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, boric acid, chromic acid, hexafluorophosphoric acid, fluoroboric acid, fluoroantimonic acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, fluorosulfuric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, hypochlorous acid, chlorous acid, chloric acid, perchloric acid, hypofluorous acid, and / or any combination thereof.
[0023] In some embodiments, the acidification step includes mixing the miscella with a salt. In some embodiments, the salt reduces the solvent and causes the cannabinoids to precipitate out of solution. In some embodiments, both an acid and a salt are mixed with the miscella.
[0024] In some embodiments, salt is added to the miscella to lower the pH of the solution to below 4. In some embodiments, salt is added to the miscella to lower the pH of the solution to a range of 4-7.
[0025] In some embodiments, one or more salts are added to the miscella, including, but not limited to, calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, ferric chloride, and / or any combination thereof.
[0026] In some embodiments, one or more buffering agents are added during the acidification step, including, but not limited to, sodium carbonate and / or phosphate buffers.
[0027] In some embodiments, after acidification the cannabinoids form a precipitate, which in some embodiments is removed from the solvent.
[0028] In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed using a filter. In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed through centrifugation. In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed through decantation. In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed through settling. In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed through evaporation. In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed through crystallization. In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed through other established methods for removing precipitates from solutions.
[0029] In some embodiments, the crude extraction step includes using a standard extraction process on the precipitate. In some embodiments, the extraction is performed with a non-polar solvent. In some embodiments, the extraction is performed with a polar solvent. In some embodiments, the extraction is performed with CO2. In some embodiments, the extraction is performed with pressure and heat.
[0030] In certain embodiments, the non-polar solvent used in the extraction step includes, but is not limited to, pentane, hexane, benzene, toluene, propane, heptane, cyclohexane, butane, octane, and / or butadiene.
[0031] In certain embodiments, the polar solvent used in the extraction step includes, but is not limited to, ethanol, methanol, acetic acid, acetone, ammonia, dimethylsulfoxide, formic acid, n-butanol, and / or n-propanol.
[0032] In some embodiments, the crude extraction process produces a refined product, defined herein as a raffinate, hi some embodiments, the solvents used in the extraction, including non-polar solvents, polar solvents, and / or CO2, can be regenerated and reused in future crude extraction processes.
[0033] In some embodiments, the purification step includes methods for processing the raffinate into a final product, which in some embodiments include, but are not limited to, crystallization and / or chromatography.
[0034] In some embodiments, crystallization is used to purify and separate the cannabinoids from the raffinate.
[0035] In some embodiments, crystallization is facilitated by one or more organic solvents, including but not limited to pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, and / or methylcyclohexane.
[0036] In some embodiments, crystallization produces two products: a crystallized cannabinoid isolate and residual solvent, also known as mother liquor. In some embodiments, the products are separated by evaporation. In some embodiments, the products are separated by filtration. In some embodiments, the products are separated by vacuum filtration. In some embodiments, the products are separated by centrifugation.
[0037] In some embodiments, the mother liquor is subjected to chromatography to separate the remaining cannabinoids, hi some embodiments, the mother liquor is reused as a solvent in further crystallization processes.
[0038] In some embodiments, chromatography is used to separate and isolate one or more cannabinoids from the raffinate.
[0039] In some embodiments, the chromatography is facilitated by one or more organic solvents, including but not limited to water, ethanol, hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, methanol, propanol, pentane, and / or octane.
[0040] In some embodiments, the one or more organic solvents are reused in further chromatographic steps.
[0041] In certain embodiments, the cannabinoids include, but are not limited to, THC, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), CBD, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol, cannabigerol, cannabichromene, cannabicyclol, cannabivarin, tetrahydrocannabinol, tetrahydrocannabivarin, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidivarin, cannabichromevarin, cannabigerovarin, cannabigerol monomethyl ether, cannabiersoin, and / or cannabicitran.
[0042] In some embodiments, the system includes a tank for the plant extraction process. In some embodiments, the extraction tank further includes a conveyor belt or loading device for adding cannabis plants. In some embodiments, the extraction tank further includes an intake valve, nozzle, injector, line, pipe, and / or spigot for adding alkaline solvent. In some embodiments, the extraction tank includes a filter for separating the cannabis plants from the miscella. In some embodiments, the extraction tank further includes an output valve, line, and / or pipe for removing the miscella. In some embodiments, the extraction tank further includes a screw transporter for transporting the cannabis plants, solvent, and / or miscella from the extraction tank.
[0043] In some embodiments, the extraction tank further comprises a stirring element for mixing the cannabis and the alkaline solvent, hi some embodiments, the extraction tank further comprises a heating element for increasing the temperature of the cannabis and alkaline solvent mixture.
[0044] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a storage / thickening tank for further plant extraction. In some embodiments, the system further comprises an unloading screw for transferring cannabis plants, solvent and / or miscella from the extraction tank to the storage / thickening tank. In some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank further comprises an intake valve, nozzle, injector, line, pipe and / or spigot for adding alkaline solvent and / or miscella. In some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank further comprises a filter for separating the plant from the miscella. In some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank further comprises an output valve, line and / or pipe for removing the miscella. In some embodiments, the extraction tank further comprises an unloading screw for transferring the cannabis plants from the storage / thickening tank.
[0045] In some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank further comprises a stirring element for mixing the cannabis and alkaline solvent, hi some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank further comprises a heating element for increasing the temperature of the cannabis and alkaline solvent mixture.
[0046] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a dehydration press for further removing solvent and / or miscella from the cannabis plant. In some embodiments, the system further comprises an unloading screw for transferring cannabis plant from the extraction tank and / or storage / thickening tank to the dehydration press.
[0047] In some embodiments, the dehydration press further comprises a filter for separating the cannabis plant from the miscella, hi some embodiments, the dehydration press further comprises an output valve, line, and / or pipe for removing the miscella.
[0048] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a tank for storing the solvent. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a tank for storing the miscella. In some embodiments, the same tank is used to store the solvent and the miscella. In some embodiments, the solvent tank is connected to the extraction tank, the storage / thickening tank, and / or the dewatering press. In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more pumps for controlling the flow of the solvent and / or the miscella between the solvent tank, the extraction tank, the storage / thickening tank, and / or the dewatering press.
[0049] In some embodiments, the system is contained on a mobile platform, such as a truck, which may be operated within a farm during cannabis harvesting. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0050] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure will become better understood from the detailed description and drawings.
[0051] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a flow chart illustrating an example extraction process.
[0052] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an example extraction system.
[0053] These figures are not intended to limit in any way the variations in form and detail that may be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0054] Detailed Description DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, some of which or aspects thereof are illustrated in the drawings.
[0055] For clarity of explanation, the present invention is described with reference to specific embodiments, but it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the scope defined in any claims. The following embodiments of the present invention are described without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations on, the invention to which the claim is made. In the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. Additionally, well-known features may not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.
[0056] In addition, it should be understood that the steps of the exemplary method described in this exemplary patent may be performed in an order different from that presented in this specification. Further, some steps of the exemplary method may be performed in parallel rather than sequentially. Also, the exemplary method may be performed in a network environment in which some steps are performed by different computers.
[0057] In this section, exemplary applications of the apparatus, system, and method according to the present disclosure are described. These examples are provided merely to add background to the present disclosure and to aid in the understanding of the present disclosure. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of these specific details provided herein. In some examples, known process steps have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Other applications are possible, and the following examples should not be construed as limiting. In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description, and in which certain embodiments of the present disclosure are shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, but it should be understood that these examples are not limiting, and thus other embodiments may be used and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0058] The following explanations of terms and methods are provided to better explain the present disclosure and to guide those skilled in the art in the practice of the present disclosure. As used herein, "comprising" means "including" and the compositions and methods are not intended to mean excluding elements not recited. When "consisting essentially of" is used to define compositions and methods, it is intended to mean excluding other elements that are essential to the combination. For example, a composition consisting essentially of the elements recited herein does not exclude other elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the invention being sought. "Consisting of" means excluding more than an insignificant amount of the other components and substantial methods recited. Embodiments defined by each of these transition terms are within the scope of the present invention. The singular forms "a" or "an" or "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to a "compound" includes a plurality of compounds and a reference to a "molecule" is a reference to one or more molecules. Similarly, a reference to a "therapeutic agent" includes one or more such therapeutic agents. The term "or" refers to a single element or a combination of two or more of the stated alternative elements, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B" refers to a combination of A, B, or both A and B. Furthermore, the various elements, features, and steps described herein, along with other known equivalents of each such element, feature, or step, may be mixed and matched by those of skill in the art to practice methods according to the principles described herein. Among the various elements, features, and steps, some are specifically included in certain examples and others are specifically excluded from certain examples. All numerical designations, including ranges, such as pH, temperature, time, concentration, amount, and molecular weight, are approximations that may be varied (+) or (-) by 10%, 1%, or 0.1%, as appropriate. It should be understood that all numerical designations may be followed by the word "about," although not always explicitly stated.It should also be understood, although not always explicitly stated, that the reactants described herein are merely exemplary and that equivalents of such are known in the art.
[0059] Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0060] In some instances, numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weights, reaction conditions, and the like, used to describe and claim certain embodiments, should be understood to be modified in some instances by the words "about" or "approximately." For example, "about" or "approximately" may indicate a variation of ±20% of the stated value. Thus, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth herein are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties for a particular embodiment. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some examples are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand notation for referring individually to each separate value within the range.
[0061] Methods for extracting cannabinoids
[0062] Disclosed herein is a method for cannabinoid extraction, which includes mixing freshly harvested cannabis plants with an alkaline solvent to produce a miscella, which is then acidified to precipitate cannabinoids.These new methods work by using the alkalinity of the solvent to ionize the cannabinoid acids, making them soluble in water and allowing them to be extracted from the plant.These methods avoid the drying step required in traditional extraction practices, and therefore have significant cost and speed advantages, as well as the ability to retain volatile compounds that would otherwise evaporate during the drying process.
[0063] The disclosed method includes four general steps: plant extraction, acidification, crude extraction, and purification. In some embodiments, some or all of the purification and / or crude extraction steps may be omitted depending on the desired end product.
[0064] Referring to Figure 1, this diagram illustrates an example extraction process. Plant material is harvested on a farm. A mobile system may be positioned at or near the harvest location. This allows the harvested plant material to be processed shortly after harvesting 101. Optionally, after harvesting, the plant material is subjected to trichome separation 102.
[0065] The process may include extraction 103 of the plant material; filtration 104 of the plant material; an alkaline solvent is mixed with the plant material, creating a miscella of the plant material 110. The miscella is then left in a solvent tank 113 for an extended period of time to allow the solvent to affect the plant material. The treated plant material 105 may later be pressed 106 to remove the liquid. The further treated plant material may be further dehydrated 107. The remaining treated plant material may be returned to the environment, leaving behind cellulose 108 which may be used as fertilizer 109 or as other by-products 110.
[0066] In the extraction process 103, the cannabis plant material is first mixed with an alkaline solvent and nanofiltered in a solvent tank 113. The filtered miscella is acidified 114, and then the acidified miscella is filtered 115 to produce a crude extract 117 and a recapture of the solvent 116. The recaptured solvent can be reintroduced into a new batch of plant material for subsequent processing.
[0067] The crude extract 117 may be subjected to nanofiltration 118. The filtered crude extract may be extracted into a raffinate 119. The raffinate may be evaporated 120 with additional treatment of a solvent and / or carbon dioxide 121. The raffinate 122 may be further processed to obtain isolates and / or other extracts 133.
[0068] The raffinate 122 may be crystallized through a filtration / evaporation process 125 with an organic solvent 126. From this process, an isolate may be obtained. Further, a mother liquor 127 may be obtained from the filtration / evaporation process 125. The mother liquor may be subjected to nanofiltration 128, and the mother liquor may be further processed via chromatography 129, where the mother liquor is evaporated to produce an organic solvent and an isolate and / or other extract. The isolate and other extract may be subjected to nanofiltration 133 to increase the concentration.
[0069] The process after extraction 119 is optional for further processing of the crude extract into a refined product and may not be performed depending on the product required. All nanofiltration steps 112, 116, 123, 126, 133 are optional and may be used to increase the concentration of the product. All processing of the remaining plant material 105-110 is optional to generate by-products and is not required for the extraction of cannabinoids. Trichome separation step 102 is optional. Use of a solvent tank 113 is optional, as is performing multiple processes of extraction on the miscella. Evaporation step 120 is optional.
[0070] In some embodiments, the plant extraction step includes harvesting the cannabis plant. In some embodiments, the cannabis plant is previously harvested. In some embodiments, the extraction step occurs within 0-6 hours of harvesting. In some embodiments, the extraction step occurs 6 hours after harvesting. In some embodiments, the extraction step occurs before the plant decays.
[0071] In some embodiments, the harvested plant is subjected to trichome separation before extraction. In some embodiments, the trichomes are mechanically separated. In some embodiments, the mechanical separation includes, but is not limited to, stirring, tumbling, grinding, sieving, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the trichomes are manually separated. In some embodiments, the trichomes are separated using cold water.
[0072] In some embodiments, the plant is exposed to elevated temperatures after harvest to convert CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC through decarboxylation. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to 88-200° C. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to above 200° C. In some embodiments, higher temperatures are associated with a more rapid conversion of CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC.
[0073] In some embodiments, the plant extraction process involves mixing the cannabis plant, or parts thereof, with an alkaline solvent, which in some embodiments ionizes the cannabinoids, thereby making them soluble in water.
[0074] In some embodiments, the parts of a cannabis plant may include, but are not limited to, flowers, buds, leaves, stems, roots, seeds, trichomes, and / or any combination thereof.
[0075] In some embodiments, the alkaline solvent comprises water, which may be distilled water, deionized water, mineral water, soda water, purified water, well water, sea water, and / or any combination thereof.
[0076] In some embodiments, the alkaline solvent has a pH greater than 10. In some embodiments, the pH is 10. In some embodiments, the pH is within the range of 8-10.
[0077] In some embodiments, the alkaline medium comprises a medium mixed with one or more alkalis, including, but not limited to, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, ammonia, sodium acetate, lithium hydroxide, rubidium hydroxide, cesium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, guanidine, alanine, methylamine, and / or any combination thereof.
[0078] In some embodiments, the cannabis plants are first loaded into an empty tank and then the alkaline solvent is added. In some embodiments, the cannabis plants are added to a tank that is pre-loaded with alkaline solvent. In some embodiments, the cannabis plants and alkaline solvent are added simultaneously.
[0079] In some embodiments, the extraction takes place in sequential tanks, a smaller extraction tank and a larger storage / thickening tank.
[0080] In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined for 5-10 minutes. In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined for 10-15 minutes. In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined for 0-5 minutes. In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined for more than 15 minutes. In some embodiments, the length of time the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined is dependent on the desired concentration of the cannabinoids. In some embodiments, 60-70% of the cannabinoids are extracted upon initial contact of the cannabis plant with the alkaline solvent. In some embodiments, greater than 90% of the cannabinoids are extracted upon 5 minutes of contact of the cannabis plant with the alkaline solvent.
[0081] In some embodiments, the alkaline solvent is continually removed as new solvent is added.
[0082] In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined at ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined at elevated temperatures. In some embodiments, these elevated temperatures include, but are not limited to, 20-30°C, 30-40°C, 40-50°C, 50-60°C, 60-70°C, 70-80°C, 70-80°C, 80-90°C, 90-100°C, or temperatures greater than 100°C. In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined at a temperature less than 20°C. In some embodiments, the temperature at which the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent are combined is dependent on the desired rate of cannabinoid extraction. In some embodiments, higher temperatures increase the rate of extraction.
[0083] In some embodiments, high temperatures can convert CBDA to CBD or THCA to THC through decarboxylation. In some embodiments, the higher the temperature, the faster CBDA removes carbon groups.
[0084] In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and the alkaline solvent are agitated during mixing. In some embodiments, the agitation includes mechanical stirring, tumbling, stirring, mixing, and / or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cannabis plant is mechanically pressed. In some embodiments, the mixture is pressurized.
[0085] In some embodiments, the cannabis plant and the alkaline solvent are sonicated during mixing. In some embodiments, sonication enhances solubilization.
[0086] In one embodiment, after mixing the cannabis plant and alkaline solvent, the product is separated into two parts, miscella, which contains the alkaline solvent and solubilized cannabinoids, and the remaining cannabis plant material.
[0087] In some embodiments, the two portions are separated using filtration. In some embodiments, the two portions are separated using centrifugation and decantation.
[0088] In some embodiments, an unloading screw transfers the cannabis plant from the tank to a dewatering press.
[0089] In some embodiments, the remaining cannabis plant material is subjected to further extraction processes. In some embodiments, the remaining cannabis plant material is pressed and / or dried to remove residual solvent. In some embodiments, the remaining cannabis plant material is subsequently used as fertilizer or as a source of cellulose. In some embodiments, the remaining cannabis plant material is disposed of as waste.
[0090] In some embodiments, the miscella is reused for one or more further extraction steps. In some embodiments, the miscella is reused until saturation. In some embodiments, fresher harvested cannabis plants are mixed with the miscella until saturation. In some embodiments, fresh alkaline solvent is used for the further extraction steps.
[0091] In some embodiments, the saturation point of the miscella depends on the concentration of both the cannabinoids and the ballast substances in the plant. In some embodiments, plants with more ballast substances may have a lower saturation point.
[0092] In some embodiments, the miscella is subjected to nanofiltration to increase its concentration. In some embodiments, the nanofiltration is performed using a membrane having a pore size of 1 to 10 nanometers. In some embodiments, the pore size is smaller than 1 nanometer. In some embodiments, the pore size is larger than 10 nanometers. In some embodiments, the pore density is 1 to 100 pores / cm. 2 In one embodiment, the pore density is 1 / cm 2 In one embodiment, the pore density is less than 100 pores / cm 2 In some embodiments, solutes are transported across the membrane through diffusion, convection, electromigration, or any combination thereof.
[0093] In some embodiments, the miscella is exposed to elevated temperatures after extraction to convert CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC through decarboxylation. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to 88-200° C. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to above 200° C. In some embodiments, higher temperatures are associated with more rapid conversion of CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC.
[0094] In some embodiments, the acidification step comprises mixing the miscella with one or more acids, which in some embodiments reduce the solvent and cause the cannabinoids to precipitate out of solution.
[0095] In some embodiments, the miscella is first charged to an empty tank and then the one or more acids are added. In some embodiments, the miscella is added to a tank that is pre-charged with one or more acids. In some embodiments, the miscella and the one or more acids are added simultaneously.
[0096] In some embodiments, the one or more acids are mixed with the miscella to lower the pH of the solution to below 4. In some embodiments, the one or more acids are mixed with the miscella to lower the pH of the solution to a range of 4-7.
[0097] In certain embodiments, the one or more acids include, but are not limited to, vitamin C, lactic acid, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, formic acid, gluconic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, boric acid, chromic acid, hexafluorophosphoric acid, fluoroboric acid, fluoroantimonic acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, fluorosulfuric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, hypochlorous acid, chlorous acid, chloric acid, perchloric acid, and / or hypofluorous acid.
[0098] In some embodiments, the miscella and the one or more acids are combined for 0-5 minutes. In some embodiments, the miscella and the one or more acids are combined for 5-10 minutes. In some embodiments, the miscella and the one or more acids are combined for 10-15 minutes. In some embodiments, the miscella and the one or more acids are combined for more than 15 minutes.
[0099] In some embodiments, the miscella and the one or more acids are combined at ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the miscella and the one or more acids are combined at elevated temperatures. In some embodiments, these elevated temperatures include, but are not limited to, 20-30°C, 30-40°C, 40-50°C, 50-60°C, 60-70°C, 70-80°C, 70-80°C, 80-90°C, 90-100°C, or temperatures greater than 100°C. In some embodiments, the miscella and the one or more acids are combined at a temperature less than 20°C.
[0100] In some embodiments, after acidification the cannabinoids form a precipitate, which in some embodiments is removed from the acidified solvent.
[0101] In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed using a filter. In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed using pressure filtration. In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed through centrifugation. In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed through decantation. In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed through settling. In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed through evaporation. In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed through crystallization. In some embodiments, the precipitate is removed through other established methods for removing precipitates from solutions.
[0102] In some embodiments, a 1 micron filter is used to remove the precipitate. In some embodiments, a filter smaller than 1 micron is used to remove the precipitate. In some embodiments, a filter larger than 1 micron is used to remove the precipitate.
[0103] In some embodiments, the filtered precipitate is subjected to nanofiltration to increase its concentration. In some embodiments, the nanofiltration is performed using a membrane having a pore size of 1 to 10 nanometers. In some embodiments, the pore size is smaller than 1 nanometer. In some embodiments, the pore size is larger than 10 nanometers. In some embodiments, the pore density is 1 to 100 pores / cm. 2 In one embodiment, the pore density is 1 / cm 2 In one embodiment, the pore density is less than 100 pores / cm 2 In some embodiments, solutes are transported across the membrane through diffusion, convection, electromigration, or any combination thereof.
[0104] In some embodiments, the precipitate is exposed to elevated temperatures after acidification to convert CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC through decarboxylation. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to 88-200° C. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to above 200° C. In some embodiments, higher temperatures are associated with faster conversion of CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC.
[0105] In some embodiments, the crude extraction step includes using a standard extraction process on the precipitate. In some embodiments, the extraction is performed with a non-polar solvent. In some embodiments, the extraction is performed with a polar solvent. In some embodiments, the extraction is performed with CO2. In some embodiments, the extraction is performed with pressure and heat.
[0106] In certain embodiments, the non-polar solvent used in the extraction step includes, but is not limited to, pentane, hexane, benzene, toluene, propane, heptane, cyclohexane, butane, octane, and / or butadiene.
[0107] In certain embodiments, the polar solvent used in the extraction step includes, but is not limited to, ethanol, methanol, acetic acid, acetone, ammonia, dimethylsulfoxide, formic acid, n-butanol, and / or n-propanol.
[0108] In some embodiments, the crude extraction process produces a refined extract, defined herein as a raffinate, hi some embodiments, the solvents used in the extraction, including non-polar solvents, polar solvents, and / or CO2, can be regenerated and reused in future crude extraction processes.
[0109] In some embodiments, the raffinate is subjected to nanofiltration to increase its concentration. In some embodiments, the nanofiltration is performed using a membrane having a pore size of 1 to 10 nanometers. In some embodiments, the pore size is smaller than 1 nanometer. In some embodiments, the pore size is greater than 10 nanometers. In some embodiments, the pore density is 1 to 100 pores / cm. 2 In one embodiment, the pore density is 1 / cm 2 In one embodiment, the pore density is less than 100 pores / cm 2 In some embodiments, solutes are transported across the membrane through diffusion, convection, electromigration, or any combination thereof.
[0110] In some embodiments, the raffinate is exposed to elevated temperatures after extraction to convert CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC through decarboxylation. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to 88-200° C. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to above 200° C. In some embodiments, higher temperatures are associated with more rapid conversion of CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC.
[0111] In some embodiments, the purification step includes methods for processing the raffinate into a final product, which in some embodiments include, but are not limited to, crystallization and / or chromatography.
[0112] In some embodiments, crystallization is used to purify and separate cannabinoids within the raffinate.
[0113] In some embodiments, crystallization is facilitated by one or more organic solvents, including but not limited to pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, and / or methylcyclohexane.
[0114] In some embodiments, crystallization produces two products: a crystallized cannabinoid isolate and residual solvent, also known as mother liquor. In some embodiments, the products are separated by evaporation. In some embodiments, the products are separated by filtration. In some embodiments, the products are separated by vacuum filtration. In some embodiments, the products are separated by centrifugation.
[0115] In some embodiments, the product is exposed to elevated temperatures after crystallization to convert CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC through decarboxylation. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to 88-200° C. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to above 200° C. In some embodiments, higher temperatures are associated with faster conversion of CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC.
[0116] In some embodiments, the mother liquor is subjected to nanofiltration to increase its concentration. In some embodiments, the nanofiltration is performed using a membrane having a pore size of 1 to 10 nanometers. In some embodiments, the pore size is smaller than 1 nanometer. In some embodiments, the pore size is larger than 10 nanometers. In some embodiments, the pore density is 1 to 100 pores / cm. 2 In one embodiment, the pore density is 1 / cm 2 In one embodiment, the pore density is less than 100 pores / cm 2 In some embodiments, solutes are transported across the membrane through diffusion, convection, electromigration, or any combination thereof.
[0117] In some embodiments, the mother liquor is subjected to elevated temperatures to convert CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC through decarboxylation. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to between 88-200° C. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to above 200° C. In some embodiments, higher temperatures are associated with more rapid conversion of CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC.
[0118] In some embodiments, the mother liquor is subjected to chromatography to separate the remaining cannabinoids, hi some embodiments, the mother liquor is reused as a solvent in further crystallization processes.
[0119] In some embodiments, chromatography is used to separate and isolate one or more cannabinoids and / or other extractables from the raffinate.
[0120] In some embodiments, the chromatography is facilitated by one or more organic solvents, including but not limited to water, ethanol, hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, methanol, propanol, pentane, and / or octane.
[0121] In some embodiments, the one or more organic solvents are reused in further chromatographic steps.
[0122] In some embodiments, the isolate and / or other extract is subjected to nanofiltration to increase its concentration. In some embodiments, the nanofiltration is performed using a membrane having a pore size of 1-10 nanometers. In some embodiments, the pore size is less than 1 nanometer. In some embodiments, the pore size is greater than 10 nanometers. In some embodiments, the pore density is 1-100 pores / cm. 2 In one embodiment, the pore density is 1 / cm 2 In one embodiment, the pore density is less than 100 pores / cm 2 In some embodiments, solutes are transported across the membrane through diffusion, convection, electromigration, or any combination thereof.
[0123] In some embodiments, the isolate and / or other extract is exposed to elevated temperatures to convert CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC through decarboxylation. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to between 88-200° C. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to above 200° C. In some embodiments, higher temperatures are associated with more rapid conversion of CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC.
[0124] In some embodiments, the cannabinoids include, but are not limited to, THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, cannabinol, cannabigerol, cannabichromene, cannabicyclol, cannabivarin, tetrahydrocannabinol, tetrahydrocannabivarin, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidivarin, cannabichromevarin, cannabigerovarin, cannabigerol monomethyl ether, cannabiersoin, and / or cannabicitran.
[0125] In some embodiments, the temperature is increased at any step in the process of converting CBDA to CBD and / or THCA to THC through decarboxylation. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to between 88-200° C. In some embodiments, the temperature is increased to above 200° C. In some embodiments, higher temperatures are associated with a more rapid conversion of CBDA to CBD.
[0126] System for cannabinoid extraction
[0127] Also provided herein is a system for cannabinoid extraction. This system works by providing a framework for solubilizing cannabinoids in alkaline solvent and generating miscella. Because this approach does not require a lengthy and energy-intensive drying process, these systems can be realized in a mobile platform, allowing the cannabis plant to be processed on-farm at the same time as harvesting.
[0128] Referring to Figure 2, this shows a schematic diagram of an extraction system where a first tank 201 is used for extraction and separation of the miscella from the cannabis plant material and a second tank 203 is used for further storage and separation of the miscella from the cannabis plant material. A dewatering press 205 is used to extract the remaining water or miscella from the remaining plant material. Unloading screws 202, 204 are used to transfer the plant material from the extraction tank to a storage tank and then to the dewatering press. A solvent tank 208 with pump 207 is used to collect, store and transfer the solvent and miscella 209 from tank to tank. Solvent and / or unsaturated miscella is added to the extraction tank and removed from the storage / thickening tank and the dewatering press.
[0129] The disclosed system includes two main components: a system for solubilizing cannabinoids and a system for separating the miscella from the remaining plant matter. In some embodiments, the system further includes a system for acidifying the miscella. In some embodiments, the system further includes a system for extracting a raffinate from the acidified miscella precipitate. In some embodiments, the system further includes a system for crystallizing the raffinate. In some embodiments, the system further includes a system for chromatography of the raffinate.
[0130] In some embodiments, the system includes an extraction tank for plant extraction. In some embodiments, the size of the extraction tank depends on the amount of cannabis to be extracted. In some embodiments, the extraction tank is 5 m 3 In one embodiment, the extraction tank is 5 m 3 In one embodiment, the extraction tank is smaller than 5 m 3 Greater than.
[0131] In some embodiments, the extraction tank further comprises a conveyor belt or loading device for adding cannabis plants to the system.
[0132] In some embodiments, the extraction tank further comprises an inlet valve, nozzle, injector, line, pipe, and / or spigot for adding alkaline solvent. In some embodiments, the extraction tank further comprises an output valve, line, and / or pipe for removing the miscella. In some embodiments, the input and output lines are the same.
[0133] In some embodiments, the extraction tank further comprises a filter for separating the cannabis plant from the miscella. In some embodiments, the extraction tank further comprises a screen for separating the cannabis plant from the miscella.
[0134] In some embodiments, the extraction tank further comprises an agitation element.
[0135] In some embodiments, the extraction tank further comprises a heating element, which may be used to increase the temperature of the solvent and / or miscella.
[0136] In some embodiments, the extraction tank further comprises a sonicator that introduces sonic vibrations into the alkaline solvent, resulting in agitation of the solvent and / or miscella.
[0137] In some embodiments, the extraction tank further includes a sealed hatch for pressurizing the tank. The tank may be further pressurized by introducing air into the tank. The pressure in the tank is greater than the ambient pressure outside the tank.
[0138] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a storage / thickening tank. In some embodiments, the size of the extraction tank depends on the amount of cannabis to be extracted. In some embodiments, the extraction tank is 10 m 3In one embodiment, the extraction tank is 10 m 3 In one embodiment, the extraction tank is smaller than 10 m 3 In some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank is larger than the extraction tank.
[0139] In some embodiments, the system further comprises an unloading screw for transferring the cannabis plant, solvent and / or miscella from the extraction tank to a storage / thickening tank.
[0140] In some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank further includes an inlet valve, nozzle, injector, line, pipe, and / or spigot for adding alkaline solvent. In some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank further includes an output valve, line, and / or pipe for removing the miscella. In some embodiments, the input and output lines are the same.
[0141] In some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank further comprises a filter for separating the cannabis plant from the miscella. In some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank further comprises a screen for separating the cannabis plant from the miscella.
[0142] In some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank further comprises an agitation element, which may be used to agitate the solvent and / or miscella.
[0143] In some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank further comprises a heating element.
[0144] In some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank further comprises a heating element.
[0145] In some embodiments, the storage / thickening tank further includes a sealing hatch for pressurizing the tank.
[0146] In some embodiments, the system further includes a dehydration press to further remove solvent from the remaining cannabis. In some embodiments, the system further includes a heating element to dry the remaining cannabis.
[0147] In some embodiments, the system further includes an unloading screw for transferring the cannabis plant from the storage / thickening tank to the dewatering press.
[0148] In some embodiments, the dewatering press further comprises a filter for separating the plant matter from the miscella, hi some embodiments, the dewatering press further comprises an output valve, line, and / or pipe for removing the miscella.
[0149] In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more solvent tanks for storing the alkaline solvent. In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more miscellaneous tanks. In some embodiments, the solvent tank and the miscellaneous tank are the same.
[0150] In some embodiments, the one or more solvent tanks and / or miscella tanks are connected to the extraction tank, the storage / thickening tank, and / or the dewatering press. In some embodiments, one or more pumps are used to control the flow of solvent and / or miscella between the solvent tanks, the extraction tank, the storage / thickening tank, and / or the dewatering press.
[0151] In some embodiments, the connections between the tanks include pipes and / or hoses, hi some embodiments, these connections further include actuated valves that control flow to the respective tanks.
[0152] In some embodiments, the alkaline medium comprises water, which may be distilled water, deionized water, mineral water, soda water, purified water, well water, sea water, and / or any combination thereof.
[0153] In some embodiments, the alkaline solvent has a pH greater than 10. In some embodiments, the pH is 10. In some embodiments, the pH is within the range of 8-10.
[0154] In some embodiments, the alkaline medium comprises a medium mixed with one or more alkalis, including, but not limited to, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, ammonia, sodium acetate, lithium hydroxide, rubidium hydroxide, cesium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, guanidine, alanine, methylamine, and / or any combination thereof.
[0155] In some embodiments, the system is contained on a mobile platform such as a truck. In some embodiments, the mobile platform can be operated within a farm during cannabis harvesting. In some embodiments, the system is non-mobile.
[0156] The disclosed systems and methods overcome limitations inherent in other extraction processes. The drying step, a requirement of traditional approaches, can be slow, energy intensive and costly. Also, storing large amounts of harvest for drying can introduce undesirable contaminants, including mold, bacteria and pests.
[0157] On the other hand, the disclosed system and method does not require a drying step, providing several advantages over conventional methods. The alkaline solvent used to solubilize the cannabinoids is inexpensive and acts almost instantly, which is a huge improvement over the drying process. Furthermore, the use of an alkaline solvent allows for the recovery of volatile compounds such as terpenes that would normally evaporate during the drying process. Terpenes have a distinct odor and have long been indicators of quality in cannabinoid products, allowing for the value of the extract. In addition, the disclosed system and method allows for the purification of CBDA, since it does not require the elevated temperatures of the drying process. CBDA eventually becomes CBD through decarboxylation, a time-consuming process that can potentially double the shelf life of the extract.
[0158] Another added advantage is the portability of the method. Given the speed with which the alkaline solvent solubilizes the cannabinoids, freshly harvested cannabis plants can be processed on-farm through the use of a mobile platform. This avoids the added storage costs of a drying step. Also, the plant material remaining after the extraction process can be used as fertilizer.
[0159] Additionally, the disclosed systems and methods are robust and can be operated at any practical scale or temperature, with the added advantage of being environmentally friendly and non-hazardous, as all of the compounds involved are safe for human consumption.
[0160] Practical Applications
[0161] The disclosed system and method can be used to extract multiple cannabinoids, including high value targets such as THC and CBD. Additionally, the disclosed system and method provide a system that can be used as a mobile platform for on-farm processing of fresh cannabis plants during harvest. The mobile platform can be moved to the physical location where the plants are harvested. This allows for faster processing of harvested material that typically would otherwise have to be transported to an off-site location where the material is chemically processed. The longer the crop remains unprocessed, the lower the overall yield of THC and CBD.
[0162] Working Example
[0163] Example 1: Mobile extraction of miscella from freshly harvested cannabis plants
[0164] Half an acre of cannabis plants are harvested in batches and transported to a 5m site on a mobile extraction truck. 3 The alkaline water is then filled into an extraction tank at 1000 ml / min. The extraction tank is simultaneously filled with water at pH 10 pumped from the solvent tank. The alkaline water extracts the cannabinoids from the plant matter, with almost 60-70% of all cannabinoids being extracted at the first contact point. As the alkaline water solubilizes the cannabinoids, it becomes miscellaneous. An unloading screw is then pumped 10m from the tank. 3 The cannabis plant material, alkaline water, and miscella are slowly transferred to a storage / thickening tank.
[0165] The storage / thickening tank is slowly filled with cannabis plant material, alkaline water, and miscellanea. As it fills, pressure builds up in the tank, forcing the alkaline water and miscellanea through a 1 micron filter and into an outlet line that is connected to the solvent tank, which is then pumped back into the extraction tank. The concentration of cannabinoids in this closed loop slowly increases.
[0166] After 10 minutes of exposure to the alkaline solvent, the unloading screw transfers the cannabis plants to a dehydration press along with a limited amount of solvent and / or miscella. The cannabis plants are pressed and the remaining solvent and / or miscella is passed through a 1 micron filter to an outlet line, which is also connected to the solvent tank. After pressing, the cannabis plants are piled on the ground and later spread as fertilizer on farms.
[0167] After all of the cannabis plant material has been added, the miscellaneous matter in the system is collected in drums that are used for downstream processing.
[0168] Example 2: CBD extraction from the flowers of a single cannabis plant
[0169] The flowers of the cannabis plant are picked and added to 1 liter of water with a pH of 10. The solution is stirred for 5 minutes and the flowers are separated from the miscella by filtration.
[0170] The miscella is mixed with citric acid to a final pH of 4. The mixture is stirred slowly for 5 minutes. The acidity causes the cannabinoids to precipitate out of solution. A 1 micron filter is used to separate the precipitate from the rest of the solution.
[0171] A standard CO2 extraction is performed on the precipitate. The precipitate is exposed to supercritical pressurized CO2 which carries the cannabis oil particles to a whirlwind separator. The low pressure in the separator separates the CO2 and cannabis oil. The cannabis oil is collected as a refined extract, defined herein as a raffinate.
[0172] The raffinate is passed through a chromatographic column to separate it into fractions, and the pure, THC-free CBD is collected and placed in a container for storage.
[0173] In the foregoing disclosure, embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will be apparent that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the present disclosure and the figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
Claims
1. 1. A method for the extraction of cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids comprising the steps of: Producing miscella in the tank by mixing a quantity of an alkaline solvent with a first quantity of cannabis plant material, said alkaline solvent having a pH greater than 10; Reusing the miscella to mix with one or more additional portions of cannabis plant material; mixing the miscella with an acid to produce an acidic solution, the acidic solution precipitating cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids from the miscella; filtering the precipitate to produce a quantity of crude extract and a quantity of alkaline solvent; method.
2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the alkaline solvent is mixed with the first quantity of cannabis plant material for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the acid is mixed with the miscella for less than 10 minutes.
4. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the alkaline solvent and the first quantity of cannabis plant material are agitated during mixing.
5. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising separating the cannabis plant material to remove the alkaline solvent from the cannabis plant material.
6. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the miscella is recycled until the miscella is saturated with the cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids.
7. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising nanofiltration of the miscella using a membrane having a pore size of less than 10 nanometers.
8. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising crystallization to separate and isolate one or more of the cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids from the crude extract.
9. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing chromatography to separate and isolate one or more cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids from the crude extract.
10. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising distillation to separate and isolate one or more of the cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids from the crude extract.
11. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising extracting the crude extract into a raffinate.
12. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising purifying one or more of the cannabinoids from the raffinate by nanofiltration.
13. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising performing chromatography to separate and isolate one or more cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids from the raffinate.
14. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising crystallizing to separate and isolate one or more of the cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids from the raffinate.
15. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising exposing the miscella and the crude extract to a temperature in the range of 88-200°C to convert cannabinoid acids to cannabinoids, including converting cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) to (cannabidiol) CBD and / or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
16. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising crystallization to separate and isolate one or more cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids from the decarboxylated crude extract.
17. 1. A method for the extraction of cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids comprising the steps of: generating miscella in the tank by mixing a quantity of an alkaline solvent with a first quantity of cannabis plant material, said alkaline solvent being alkaline water having a pH greater than 10; nanofiltration of the miscella using a membrane having a pore size of less than 10 nanometers; recycling the miscella for mixing with one or more additional portions of cannabis plant material, the miscella being recycled until the miscella is saturated with the cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids; mixing the nanofiltered miscella with an acid to produce an acidic solution, the acidic solution precipitating cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids from the miscella; separating the cannabis plant material to remove the alkaline solvent from the cannabis plant material; filtering the precipitate to produce a quantity of crude extract and a quantity of alkaline solvent; method.
18. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising exposing the miscella to a temperature in the range of 88-200°C to convert cannabinoid acids to cannabinoids, including converting cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) to (cannabidiol) CBD and / or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
19. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein chromatography is performed to separate and isolate one or more cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids from the crude extract.
20. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein crystallization is performed to separate and isolate one or more of the cannabinoid acids and / or cannabinoids from the crude extract.