Cannabis Purification Methods
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The next step in the purification process is to remove waxes by cooling the extract down to approximately minus-20 degrees Celsius in a chiller-driven, jacketed vessel. This “winterization” process precipitates some of the undesired elements out of the solution, which after filtering, leaves an oil made up of cannabinoids, chlorophyll and terpenes. Cannabis purification methods are the techniques used to further refine the crude cannabis oil after extraction to remove impurities, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents. These impurities can affect the quality, flavor, and potency of the oil, as well as its stability and appearance. Cannabis purification methods can improve the purity and potency of the oil by removing unwanted compounds and activating the cannabinoids. Below are steps of winterization, filtration, and decarboxylation, and explain how these methods affect the oil.
Winterization
Winterization is a process of freezing the extract and then removing the plant material by filtration. It is also known as dewaxing or de-fatting. Winterization is necessary to remove the waxes and lipids that are present in the crude oil after extraction. These waxes and lipids are fatty acids that cause the oil to be waxier, softer, and cloudier. They can also interfere with the distillation process and lower the purity and potency of the oil. Winterization involves dissolving the crude oil in a polar solvent, such as ethanol or isopropanol, and then placing the solution in a freezer at sub-zero temperatures for 24-48 hours¹². This causes the waxes and lipids to solidify and separate from the cannabinoids and terpenes. The solution is then filtered through a paper or metal filter to remove the solidified waxes and lipids. The solvent is then evaporated using heat or vacuum to leave behind a winterized oil that is more clear and transparent.
Filtration
Filtration is a process of passing the extract through a filter to remove the plant material. It is also known as clarification or polishing. Filtration is necessary to remove any remaining solids or particles that are present in the crude or winterized oil after extraction. These solids or particles can include plant fibers, dust, dirt, or residual solvents. They can also affect the quality, flavor, and potency of the oil, as well as its stability and appearance. Filtration involves using a vacuum or a pump to send the oil through one or more layers of filters with different pore sizes. The filters can be made of paper, metal, or ceramic materials²³. The filters trap the solids or particles while allowing the oil to pass through. The result is a filtered oil that is more pure and refined.
Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation is a process of heating the extract to activate the compounds. It is also known as decarb or activation. Decarboxylation is necessary to convert the acidic forms of cannabinoids, such as THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), into their neutral forms, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The acidic forms of cannabinoids are not psychoactive or bioavailable, meaning they do not produce any effects or interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body. The neutral forms of cannabinoids are psychoactive or bioavailable, meaning they produce various effects and interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Decarboxylation involves heating the crude or winterized oil at a specific temperature and time to cause a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group (COOH) from the cannabinoids. The temperature and time vary depending on the type and amount of cannabinoids in the oil, but generally range from 100-150°C for 30-60 minutes. The result is a decarboxylated oil that is more potent and effective. Decarboxylation is often performed around 220 to 245 degrees Fahrenheit (105 to 118 degrees Celsius).
