Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Cannabinoids from Hemp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol from cannabis plant material are costly and inefficient, often requiring high-solvent expenditure and resulting in products with high impurity levels, such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and chlorophylls.
Innovation Solution
A process using supercritical CO2 extraction under controlled temperature and pressure conditions to produce primary extracts rich in THC, CBD, and their carboxylic acids from cannabis plant material, followed by separation and purification steps to minimize impurities and enhance yield, utilizing CO2 extraction with optional entraining agents and adsorbents to achieve high-purity THC and CBD extracts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional solvent-based extraction methods are used, then extraction efficiency is achieved, but high solvent expenditure and high impurity levels result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from traditional liquid solvents to supercritical CO2, utilizing changes in pressure and temperature parameters to alter the extraction medium's properties. The supercritical state allows for efficient extraction while enabling complete solvent removal through pressure reduction, eliminating solvent expenditure issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transitions of CO2 between supercritical and gaseous states. By maintaining supercritical conditions during extraction for high efficiency, then reducing pressure to transition to gaseous state for complete solvent evaporation and removal, the process achieves both high productivity and zero solvent loss.
2Productivity
If traditional solvent-based extraction methods are used, then extraction efficiency is achieved, but high impurity levels in the extract result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting temperature and pressure during extraction to selectively extract cannabinoids while leaving impurities behind. The supercritical CO2 parameters are optimized to match the solubility characteristics of cannabinoids, achieving high extraction efficiency while maintaining extract purity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses CO2 as an inert extraction medium that does not react with plant materials or impurities. This inert environment prevents unwanted chemical reactions and allows for selective extraction based on solubility parameters, resulting in high-purity extracts without contamination from reactive solvents.
3Quantity of substance
If drug-type cannabis with high THC content is used, then cannabinoid yield is improved, but procurement and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using supercritical CO2 extraction parameters that maximize cannabinoid recovery efficiency. The extraction parameters are optimized to achieve high yields from low-THC hemp, compensating for the lower starting material cannabinoid content through enhanced extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses CO2 as an intermediary extraction medium that can selectively extract cannabinoids from hemp material. This intermediary approach allows for efficient cannabinoid recovery from low-THC sources by utilizing the specific solubility characteristics of cannabinoids in supercritical CO2, achieving high yields without handling restrictions.
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 process yields high-purity THC and CBD extracts with significantly reduced impurities, particularly monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and chlorophylls, achieving higher cannabinoid content and lower operational costs compared to traditional solvent-based methods, while allowing for the use of industrial hemp with low THC content, simplifying procurement and handling.
Implementation Method 1
the plant material is extracted with the aid of CO2 under supercritical pressure and temperature conditions
Implementation Method 2
the obtained primary extract is separated under subcritical conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing an extract from cannabis plant matter, containing tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and optionally the carboxylic acids thereof. According to said method, the dried plant matter is ground and subjected to a CO2 extraction and the primary extract obtained is separated. The invention method permits Δ8 or Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol to be selectively obtained both from industrial hemp and from drug-producing hemp, optionally after dissolving the primary extract in ethanol, separating undesirable waxes and removing the solvent under reduced pressure.