Phytocannabinoid Extraction with Water, Food-Grade Oils, Low-THC Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction methods for cannabinoids from Cannabis plants are hazardous, environmentally unfriendly, costly, and inefficient in separating and concentrating specific cannabinoids, often resulting in high THC concentrations exceeding legal limits.
Innovation Solution
A solid-liquid extraction process using both polar and apolar solvents, specifically water and olive or hemp seed oil, to decarboxylate cannabinoids at controlled temperatures, followed by kneading, extraction, and decantation to separate and concentrate CBD, CBG, or THC oils, while maintaining low THC levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing extraction methods are used, then cannabinoids can be extracted from Cannabis plants, but the process is hazardous and environmentally unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction parameters by using food-grade solvents (olive oil, hemp seed oil) instead of traditional hazardous solvents. This parameter change maintains extraction effectiveness while eliminating the harmful effects associated with conventional extraction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available, inexpensive food-grade oils as extraction solvents that can be easily disposed of or reused without special handling requirements. This replaces expensive, hazardous solvents that require complex safety infrastructure and environmental controls.
2Reliability
If existing extraction methods are used, then cannabinoids can be extracted, but the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive food-grade oils (olive oil, hemp seed oil) as extraction solvents, eliminating the need for expensive specialized solvents and the infrastructure required to handle them safely. This dramatically reduces both material and operational costs while maintaining extraction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction process utilizes the natural solvent properties of food-grade oils without requiring complex equipment or specialized facilities. The process can be performed using simple, readily available equipment, making it accessible and cost-effective for various scales of production.
3Quantity of substance
If existing extraction methods are used, then cannabinoids can be extracted, but the separation and concentration of specific cannabinoids is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-step process that segments the extraction and purification operations: initial extraction with food-grade oil, filtration to remove plant material, and optional winterization to remove waxes and fats. This segmentation allows for progressive purification and concentration of specific cannabinoids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses food-grade oils as intermediary solvents that selectively dissolve cannabinoids while leaving other plant compounds behind. The oil acts as a mediator that can be easily separated from the final product, enabling precise concentration of desired cannabinoids.
4Quantity of substance
If existing extraction methods are used, then cannabinoids can be extracted, but THC concentrations often exceed legal limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively extracts specific cannabinoids (CBD, CBG) while leaving THC behind through careful control of extraction parameters and selection of appropriate food-grade oils. This selective extraction ensures the final product contains desired cannabinoids at therapeutic levels while maintaining THC below legal limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves different cannabinoid concentrations in different parts of the extraction system by controlling local conditions such as temperature, solvent-to-material ratio, and extraction time. This allows optimization of extraction for specific cannabinoids while minimizing extraction of others, particularly THC.
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
Achieves high yields of CBD, CBG, or THC oils with low THC content, ensuring safety, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, with clear separation of by-products for various applications, including therapeutic and food uses.
Implementation Method 1
A solid-liquid extraction process using both polar and apolar solvents, specifically water and olive or hemp seed oil, to decarboxylate cannabinoids at controlled temperatures
Implementation Method 2
A solid-liquid extraction process using both polar and apolar solvents, specifically water and olive or hemp seed oil
Data Source
AI summary
Extractive process for obtaining an oil based on phytocannabinoids, said oil being selected from olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, seed oil in general, hemp seed oil and combinations thereof, said process using as biomass starting with dried flowers and leaves of the Cannabis plant, said process providing for the implementation in sequence of the following steps: kneading, extraction, decanting/separation, filtration; said process being characterized in that it jointly uses as extraction solvent water as polar solvent and an oil selected from said olive oil, extra virgin olive oil and hemp seed oil, seed oil in general and combinations thereof such as apolar solvent, said starting biomass including substances such as CBD, CBDA, CBG, CBGA, THC, THCA, THCV, THCVA, terpenes, fat-soluble cannabinoids.