Novel Solventless Extraction Technique to Preserve Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Profiles of Fresh Cannabis Inflorescence

Abstract

Despite its use by humans for thousands of years, the technology of cannabis usage and extraction is still evolving. Given that the primary pharmacological compounds of interest are cannabinoid and terpenoids found in greatest abundance in capitate glandular trichomes of unfertilized female inflorescences, it is surprising that older techniques of hashish making have received less technological advancement. The purpose of this study was to employ organically grown cannabis and to isolate pure trichomes from freshly picked flowers via exposure to vapor from solid CO2, commonly known as “dry ice”, followed by their isolation via sifting through a 150 µ screens while maintaining the cold chain. Biochemical analysis was undertaken on fresh flower, frozen-sifted flower by-products, treated trichomes (Kryo-Kief™), dried flower, dried sifted flower by-product and dried kief. The dry ice process successfully concentrated cannabinoid content as high as 60.7%, with corresponding concentration and preservation of monoterpenoids encountered in fresh flower that are usually lost during the conventional cannabis drying and curing process. The resulting dried sifted flower by-product after dry ice processing remains a usable commodity. This approach may be of interest to pharmaceutical companies and supplement producers pursuing cannabis-based medicine development with an eye toward full synergy of ingredients harnessing the entourage effect.

Critical Analysis of Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) Use: Scientific, Legislative and Socio-Economic Aspects

“…Academicianul și activistul Ethan Russo, un expert recunoscut în domeniul fitochimiei și al utilizării medicinale a canabisului a argumentat că CUNDN nu a reușit să distingă clar între varietățile de cânepă utilizate în scopuri industriale și cele utilizate în scopuri recreative sau medicinale, ceea ce a dus la o reglementare inadecvată a cânepii industriale [64,65]. Russo a susținut că această lipsă de distincție a creat confuzie și a împiedicat dezvoltarea durabilă a industriei cânepii industriale [66,67].…”

Meta‐analysis and review of cannabinoids extraction and purification techniques

“…Rosin is mechanically extracted by dry pressing the oils across a flat, micron-sized mesh at high temperatures. [91] Pence et al [92] patented an apparatus to extract rosin continuously in which raw material is placed in a nylon filter bag and wrapped on both sides in a non-stick…”

“…The sifting is also carried out in ice water, where density differences simultaneously separate the trichomes from the leaves, which float to the surface. [ 90 ] Russo et al [ 91 ] cooled cannabis inflorescence to −79°C by mixing in dry ice and sifting over 150 μm mesh to yield a solid extract with 0.61 g g −1 in total cannabinoid.…”

“…Rosin is mechanically extracted by dry pressing the oils across a flat, micron‐sized mesh at high temperatures. [ 91 ] Pence et al [ 92 ] patented an apparatus to extract rosin continuously in which raw material is placed in a nylon filter bag and wrapped on both sides in a non‐stick film. The biomass passes through two rollers operating at high pressure and medium range temperature (5–15 MPa and 80–95°C) to extrude the essential oil from the bulk across the micron‐meshed filter bag.…”