Cannabinoid Extraction, Isolation, and Conversion for Low-THC Hemp

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hemp-derived products with high CBD content often have undesirable levels of psychoactive THC, limiting the potential therapeutic benefits and creating a need for tailored cannabinoid ratios not found in nature.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the extraction, purification, and conversion of cannabinoids from hemp plants to create a dietary supplement with specific cannabinoid profiles, including the conversion of CBD to Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC and Δ9-THC to CBN, allowing for the combination of purified CBN with whole-plant hemp extracts to achieve desired ratios such as CBD:Δ9-THC w:w ratios ranging from 20:1 to 500:1, and incorporating carrier oils for reduced psychoactivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If high CBD content is maintained in hemp-derived products, then therapeutic benefits are improved, but psychoactive THC levels become undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates specific cannabinoids (CBD, CBN, Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC) from the hemp plant matrix through purification processes, separating the desired therapeutic compounds from unwanted psychoactive components to achieve precise cannabinoid profiles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts CBD to CBN through controlled chemical transformation processes, changing the chemical structure and properties of cannabinoids to achieve desired ratios and minimize psychoactivity while maintaining therapeutic benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If natural cannabinoid ratios are used, then plant integrity is maintained, but desired therapeutic ratios cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates individual cannabinoids from the whole plant extract and allows for independent manipulation and recombination of purified CBD, CBN, Δ9-THC, and Δ8-THC to create customized therapeutic formulations with precise ratios not found in nature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite cannabinoid formulations by combining purified individual cannabinoids with whole-plant hemp extracts, merging the benefits of precise ratio control with the synergistic entourage effect of natural plant compounds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If psychoactive effects are minimized, then therapeutic benefits are enhanced, but product efficacy may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the psychoactive properties of THC into beneficial therapeutic effects by controlling and minimizing Δ9-THC while incorporating Δ8-THC, which provides similar therapeutic benefits with reduced psychoactivity, thus converting potential harm into benefit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves reduced psychoactivity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy by changing the cannabinoid composition parameters - specifically incorporating CBN and Δ8-THC alongside CBD to create formulations that provide therapeutic benefits without significant psychoactive effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method enables the production of dietary supplements with controlled THC levels below 0.01% and unique cannabinoid ratios, maintaining the synergistic entourage effect while minimizing psychoactive effects, thus providing targeted therapeutic benefits.

Implementation Method 1

converting purified CBD to Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC and concurrently converting Δ9-THC to CBN

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical conversion: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

separating and purifying CBD from the extracted cannabinoids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeparation and purification: Purification

Data Source

PatentUS20250302796A1Apparatuses, methods, and systems for extraction, isolation and conversion of various cannabinoids, and modifications of whole-plant hemp extracts therewith

Publication Date: 2025.10.02

AI summary

Apparatuses, methods, and systems for extraction, isolation, purification, and conversion of various cannabinoids, and modifications of whole-plant hemp extracts therewith are presented. A method for preparing a whole-plant hemp extract based product includes extracting cannabinoids from plant materials, such as one or more hemp varieties of Cannabis sativa. The method also includes separating and purifying CBD from the extracted cannabinoids, converting purified CBD to Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC and concurrently converting Δ9-THC to CBN, purifying and separating the CBN, and combining the purified CBN with a whole-plan hemp extract. Products and supplements related to the method are also described.