Cannabinoid Purification via Solvent Crystallization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating and purifying cannabinoids from cannabis are either expensive, time-consuming, or expose patients to harmful THC side effects, as they often rely on chromatographic techniques and smoking, which can lead to inconsistent dosing and health issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of non-polar solvents to extract and crystallize cannabinoids, followed by purification steps that include filtration and recrystallization, allowing for high-yield purification of cannabinoids with a purity of 95% or more without chromatographic steps, thereby reducing THC content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If chromatographic techniques are used to purify cannabinoids, then purification effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the system by using specific solvent combinations (hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol in 70:20:10 ratio) and controlling crystallization temperature to achieve purification without complex chromatographic equipment. This parameter optimization allows simple filtration to replace complex chromatographic separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of cannabinoids from dissolved state to crystalline state through controlled cooling and solvent evaporation. This phase change enables separation of cannabinoids from impurities through simple filtration, replacing the need for complex chromatographic techniques while maintaining high purification effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If chromatographic techniques are used to purify cannabinoids, then purification effectiveness is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rapid crystallization through controlled phase transition, where cannabinoids precipitate from solution quickly upon cooling and solvent removal. This fast phase change enables rapid separation by filtration, dramatically reducing processing time compared to slow chromatographic elution while maintaining high purification effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical chromatographic separation system with a simpler phase transition and filtration system. By using solvent evaporation and crystallization followed by filtration, the process eliminates the need for complex chromatographic columns and elution gradients, reducing both equipment complexity and processing time.
3Reliability
If smoking is used to administer cannabis, then medicinal benefits are achieved, but harmful exposure to THC and carcinogens increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates specific non-psychoactive cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBN) from the cannabis plant matrix through solvent extraction and selective crystallization. This extraction process separates the desired medicinal compounds from harmful constituents like THC and carcinogens, allowing delivery of therapeutic benefits without harmful exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses organic solvents (hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol) as intermediaries to selectively extract and purify cannabinoids. These intermediary substances enable separation of target cannabinoids from the plant material and harmful contaminants, facilitating safe and controlled delivery of medicinal benefits without direct combustion of plant matter.
4Quantity of substance
If selective breeding of cannabis varietals is used to reduce THC, then THC content is lowered, but dosing consistency remains difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates specific cannabinoid compounds from cannabis plant material using solvent extraction followed by selective crystallization. This extraction process allows precise control over the final cannabinoid composition and concentration, achieving dosing consistency independent of plant varietal variations and growing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the extraction and crystallization parameters (solvent ratios, temperature, evaporation rate) to precisely control the concentration and purity of extracted cannabinoids. This parameter control enables consistent dosing by producing standardized cannabinoid extracts regardless of the source plant's natural variability in THC content.
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
This method enables the efficient and cost-effective purification of cannabinoids, achieving high purity without chromatographic techniques, which can help minimize THC-related side effects and improve dosing consistency, providing a safer and more reliable medicinal cannabis product.
Implementation Method 1
incubating the plant material with a non-polar solvent to form a solvent mixture that extracts the one or more cannabinoids from the plant material
Implementation Method 2
incubating the reduced first solvent mixture in a manner that crystalizes the one or more cannabinoids
Implementation Method 3
purifying the one or more crystalized cannabinoids using filtration that results in a collection of a mother liquor
Implementation Method 4
incubating the one or more crystalized cannabinoids with a non-polar solvent to form a second solvent mixture
Implementation Method 5
incubating the second solvent mixture in a manner that crystalizes the one or more cannabinoids
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification discloses methods of purifying one or more cannabinoids from a plant material, purified cannabinoids and pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more cannabinoids produced by the disclosed method, methods and uses for treating a disease or condition employing such purified cannabinoids and pharmaceutical compositions.