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[https://news.google.com/search?q=Distill+concentrate+Cannabis+Cannabinoid+THC+Marijuana+extract ...Google News]
 
[https://news.google.com/search?q=Distill+concentrate+Cannabis+Cannabinoid+THC+Marijuana+extract ...Google News]
 
[https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=Distill+concentrate+Cannabis+Cannabinoid+THC+Marijuana+extract&qft=interval%3d%228%22 ...Bing News]
 
[https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=Distill+concentrate+Cannabis+Cannabinoid+THC+Marijuana+extract&qft=interval%3d%228%22 ...Bing News]
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* [[MyNotes]]
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** [[Cannabis Extraction Methods]]
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** [[Cannabis Purification Methods]]
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** [[MyNotes|Cannabis Distillation Methods]]
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*** [[Pressure-Temperature]]
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** [[Cannabis Distillate Products]]
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<hr>
  
 
= My To Do List =
 
= My To Do List =
  
 
# These Wiki pages
 
# These Wiki pages
# My Lab Notes - look for patterns
+
# My Lab Notes - capture all steps, keywords to cross-reference so I can discover patterns  
 
# Research: Distilling Vendors' Whitepapers
 
# Research: Distilling Vendors' Whitepapers
  
= <span id="Cannabis Distillation Guide - Compiled by JMP"></span>Cannabis Distillation Guide - Compiled by JMP =
+
= Tips =
 +
Here are some additional tips for distilling cannabis:
 +
 
 +
* Use fresh, high-quality cannabis material.
 +
* Use a clean, well-maintained distillation apparatus.
 +
* Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the distillation apparatus.
 +
* Monitor the temperature carefully during distillation.
 +
* Collect the distillate in a clean, dry container.
 +
 
 +
= <span id="Cannabis Distillation Guide - Compiled by JMP"></span>Cannabis Distillation Guide =
  
 
== Introduction ==
 
== Introduction ==
As the cannabis industry transitions from a black market to a legal market, product development and methods of extraction have become a focal point. However, scientific publications that explore these areas for the cannabis plant are currently lacking. Explain what cannabis distillate is, why it is popular, and what are its benefits and drawbacks. Provide some background information on the history and science of cannabis distillation. Define some key terms and concepts, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, solvents, extraction, purification, and distillation.
+
Cannabis distillation is a relatively new technique that has emerged as the cannabis industry transitions from a black market to a legal market, and requires advanced equipment and safety measures. However, distillation itself is an ancient process that has been used for centuries to produce alcohol, essential oils, perfumes, and medicines. Distillation is the final process for making cannabis oil. It is a purification process that uses heat, steam, and vacuum pressure to separate all the chemical compounds in the concentrate and produce a concentrated cannabinoid distillate. During distillation, terpenes and flavonoids are removed from the mixture for a pure cannabinoid.
  
== Cannabis Extraction Methods ==
+
The most common method of cannabis distillation is short-path distillation, which involves heating the purified oil to vaporize the individual compounds and then condensing them back into a liquid in separate fractions. The fractions are collected based on their boiling points, which are lowered by the vacuum pressure. The result is a highly pure and potent distillate that can be used for various products.
Cannabis Extraction Methods. Compare and contrast the different methods of extracting cannabis oil from the plant material, such as sieving, butane, CO2, ethanol, and rosin. Discuss the pros and cons of each method, the equipment and safety requirements, the yield and potency, and the quality and flavor of the resulting oil.  
 
  
To make cannabis distillate, the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids must first be extracted from the plant using a solvent such as ethanol or CO2. The cannabis must be dried to 5-15% water content, shucked from the stems, and ground to 2-300 microns for more efficient extraction¹. Once the extract is obtained, it can be distilled using a short-path distillation unit to separate the THC from other compounds.
+
Cannabis distillation has several advantages over other methods of extraction, such as:
  
=== Short path distillation vs Fractional distillation ===
+
* It can achieve high purity and potency of the desired compound by lowering the boiling point and minimizing the loss of material.
The main difference between the two methods is the distance that the vapor travels before it is condensed. In short path distillation, the vapor travels a very short distance (typically just a few centimeters) before it is condensed. This short path length reduces the amount of distillate that is lost during the process and makes it more efficient for distilling small quantities of material.
+
* It can remove unwanted impurities, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents.
 +
* It can isolate specific cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, for targeted effects.
 +
* It can produce a clear and transparent oil that is suitable for various applications.
  
== Cannabis Purification Methods ==
+
However, cannabis distillation also has some drawbacks, such as:
Explain how to further refine the crude cannabis oil to remove impurities, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents. Describe the steps of winterization, filtration, and decarboxylation. Explain how these methods affect the purity and potency of the oil.
+
 
 +
* It requires expensive and sophisticated equipment and safety measures.
 +
* It removes the natural terpenes and flavonoids that give cannabis its flavor and aroma.
 +
* t may reduce the entourage effect of the cannabinoids, which is the synergistic interaction of all the compounds in the plant.
 +
 
 +
Therefore, some manufacturers add terpenes or other additives to the distillate to enhance its properties.
  
 
== Cannabis Distillation Methods ==
 
== Cannabis Distillation Methods ==
<b>[[Cannabis Distillation Methods]]</b> Describe the process of distilling cannabis oil to isolate specific cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD. Explain how short-path distillation works and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this technique. Discuss the equipment and safety requirements, the temperature and vacuum settings, the fractions and boiling points, and the purity and potency of the distillate.
+
* [https://testbook.com/chemistry/distillation Distillation: its concept, types, comparisons and applications]
 +
 
 +
Cannabis distillation methods are the techniques used to isolate specific cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, from the cannabis oil after extraction and purification. Cannabis distillation methods can produce a highly pure and potent distillate that can be used for various products, such as edibles, vape cartridges, tinctures, topicals, and dabbing. Cannabis distillation methods can also remove unwanted impurities, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents, from the oil. The process involves using heat and vacuum pressure to separate individual cannabinoids and terpenes from the decarboxylated extract according to their unique boiling points and [[Pressure-Temperature#Molecular Weight - mole|molecular weights]]. The most common method of cannabis distillation is Short Path Distillation, which involves heating the purified oil to vaporize the individual compounds and then condensing them back into a liquid in separate fractions.
 +
 
 +
There are several methods used for cannabis distillation. Here are some of the commonly employed techniques:
 +
 
 +
=== <b>Thin Film Distillation</b> ===
 +
In the cannabis industry, thin film distillation is used to produce high-quality distillate. Distillate is a highly concentrated form of cannabis extract that is free of unwanted impurities. It is made by evaporating the solvent from a cannabis extract and then condensing the vapors back into a liquid. Thin film distillation is a more efficient way to produce distillate than traditional distillation. Thin film distillation is a type of distillation that uses a thin film of liquid to facilitate the separation of the different components of the liquid. The liquid is spread in a thin film on a heated surface, and the vapors are then condensed back into a liquid. This process is more efficient than traditional distillation for separating the different components of a liquid, and it is also less likely to damage the volatile compounds in the liquid. This is because it uses a thin film of liquid, which allows for more efficient heat transfer. Thin film distillation is also less likely to damage the volatile compounds in the cannabis extract, which results in a higher-quality distillate.is a type of distillation that uses a thin film of liquid to facilitate the separation of the different components of the liquid. The liquid is spread in a thin film on a heated surface, and the vapors are then condensed back into a liquid. This process is more efficient than traditional distillation for separating the different components of a liquid, and it is also less likely to damage the volatile compounds in the liquid. Thin film distillation is used in a variety of industries, including the food and beverage industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and the chemical industry. It is also used in the cannabis industry to produce high-quality distillate.
 +
 
 +
<center><img src="https://b2090902.smushcdn.com/2090902/wp-content/uploads/page17-tfe-plant/tfe-composite-base670px.jpg" width="400"><br>'https://b2090902.smushcdn.com/</center>
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 +
 
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Here are the steps involved in thin film distillation:
 +
 
 +
# The liquid is heated to a specific temperature, which causes it to vaporize.
 +
# The vapors are passed over a heated surface, where they condense back into a liquid.
 +
# The different fractions of the liquid can then be collected separately.
 +
# The thickness of the thin film is important for the efficiency of the distillation process. The thinner the film, the more efficient the process will be. However, the film cannot be too thin, or it will not be able to hold the liquid.
 +
# The speed of rotation of the heated surface is also important. The faster the surface rotates, the thinner the film will be. However, the speed cannot be too fast, or the liquid will not have time to vaporize.
 +
 
 +
Thin film distillation is a versatile process that can be used to separate a variety of compounds from liquids. It is a more efficient and less damaging process than traditional distillation, and it is therefore becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries. Here are some of the advantages of thin film distillation:
 +
 
 +
* It is more efficient than traditional distillation for separating the different components of a liquid.
 +
* It is less likely to damage the volatile compounds in a liquid.
 +
* It can be used to separate a variety of compounds from liquids.
 +
* It is a versatile process that can be used in a variety of industries.
 +
 
 +
Here are some of the disadvantages of thin film distillation:
 +
 
 +
* It requires specialized equipment.
 +
* It can be a more expensive process than traditional distillation.
 +
* It is not suitable for all types of liquids.
 +
 
 +
<youtube>TcrisqBs010</youtube>
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<youtube>jRieOgIKdMQ</youtube>
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<youtube>4Tg-QMLb-2A</youtube>
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<youtube>RS-2asFipNA</youtube>
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 +
=== Wiped Film Distillation ===
 +
also known as molecular distillation, is a high-efficiency distillation technique. Wiped film distillation is a variation of thin film distillation that uses a rotating wiper to spread the liquid in a thin film. The wiper ensures that the liquid is evenly spread on the heated surface, which helps to improve the efficiency of the distillation process. Wiped film distillation is also more efficient than short-path distillation for separating the different components of a liquid. It involves heating the cannabis extract on a heated surface, while a rotating wiper blade continuously spreads the extract as a thin film. This method is particularly effective for separating compounds with similar boiling points and achieving a high level of purity. The most common pieces of equipment are wiped film short-path molecular stills. In this approach, the feedstock of oil is fed into a jacketed vessel that is often heated with an oil circulating temperature control unit to achieve temperatures up to 343 degrees Celsius, though the typical distillation temperature range is 130-180 degrees Celsius. In these systems, the feed stock is distributed on the evaporation chamber wall with a special wiper. The resulting thin film allows the more volatile terpenes to evaporate through the top of the chamber into their own external collection vessel, while the CBD/THC is collected along a temperature-controlled central condenser unit which is cooler (typically 60-70 degrees Celsius) than the evaporation chamber and serves to attract the cannabinoid vapor. The final step in the process is solvent removal, accomplished in a separate, external cold trap, which is also temperature controlled with a chiller.
 +
 
 +
<table>
 +
    <tr>
 +
      <th>Feature</th>
 +
      <th>Thin film distillation</th>
 +
      <th>Wiped film distillation</th>
 +
    </tr>
 +
    <tr>
 +
      <td>Liquid film thickness</td>
 +
      <td>Typically less than 1 mm</td>
 +
      <td>Typically 0.1-0.2 mm</td>
 +
    </tr>
 +
    <tr>
 +
      <td>Heat transfer rate</td>
 +
      <td>Higher</td>
 +
      <td>Higher</td>
 +
    </tr>
 +
    <tr>
 +
      <td>Volatile compound damage</td>
 +
      <td>Lower</td>
 +
      <td>Lower</td>
 +
    </tr>
 +
    <tr>
 +
      <td>Equipment cost</td>
 +
      <td>Lower</td>
 +
      <td>Higher</td>
 +
    </tr>
 +
    <tr>
 +
      <td>Operational cost</td>
 +
      <td>Lower</td>
 +
      <td>Higher</td>
 +
    </tr>
 +
    <tr>
 +
      <td>Production capacity</td>
 +
      <td>Lower</td>
 +
      <td>Higher</td>
 +
    </tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
<youtube>AWW9ZMkp9wI</youtube>
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<youtube>ch4UKfB3PaU</youtube>
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 +
=== Other ===
 +
 
 +
* <b>Steam Distillation:</b> Steam distillation is a method commonly used for extracting essential oils from plants, including cannabis. It involves passing steam through the cannabis plant material, vaporizing the essential oils and other volatile compounds. The vapor is then condensed and collected, resulting in a distilled product.
 +
* <b>Vacuum Distillation:</b> Vacuum distillation utilizes reduced pressure to lower the boiling points of the compounds being distilled. By applying a vacuum, the distillation process can be conducted at lower temperatures, minimizing the degradation of heat-sensitive compounds. Vacuum distillation is often employed in combination with other distillation methods to optimize the process.
 +
* <b>Fractional Distillation:</b> is a technique used to separate and collect different fractions of compounds based on their boiling points. It involves using a fractionating column, which provides multiple vaporization-condensation cycles, allowing for repeated separation of different compounds based on their boiling points. This method is useful when distilling complex mixtures of compounds.
 +
* <b>Cold Trapping:</b> is a technique used in distillation to collect volatile compounds that are condensed at low temperatures. By cooling the distillate vapor, volatile compounds can be collected separately from the non-volatile components, improving the purity of the final distillate.
 +
* <b>Short Path Distillation:</b> is a widely used method for cannabis distillation. It involves heating the cannabis extract under vacuum to reduce the boiling points of different compounds and separate them based on their volatility. The process utilizes a Short Path Distillation apparatus consisting of a boiling flask, a distillation head, a condenser, and a collection flask.
 +
 
 +
<youtube>UIklz2DncDo</youtube>
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<youtube>AW7klgwLcQI</youtube>
 +
 
 +
==== Short path distillation vs Fractional distillation ====
 +
Short Path Distillation and fractional distillation are two methods used to purify and separate compounds based on their boiling points. Both methods involve heating a mixture to vaporize the individual compounds and then condensing the vapor back into a liquid. The main difference between the two methods is the distance that the vapor travels before it is condensed. In Short Path Distillation, the vapor travels a very short distance (typically just a few centimeters) before it is condensed. This short path length reduces the amount of distillate that is lost during the process and makes it more efficient for distilling small quantities of material. The main advantage of this technique is that it can achieve high purity and potency of the desired compound by lowering the boiling point and minimizing the loss of material. It is often used for compounds that are unstable at high temperatures or to purify small amounts of material.
 +
 
 +
==== Short Path Distillation ====
 +
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short-path_distillation Short-path distillation - Wikipedia]
 +
* [https://www.acrossinternational.com/news/post/short-path-distillation-everything-you-need-to-know How Does Short Path Distillation Work? | Across International]
 +
* [https://deltaseparations.com/short-path-distillation-definition Short Path Distillation: Definition of Cannabis and Hemp Distillation]
 +
* [https://www.usalab.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-short-path-distillation A Complete Guide To Short Path Distillation - USA Lab]
 +
* [https://shopbvv.com/blogs/bvv-resources/short-path-distillation-basics What Is Short Path Distillation? | Basic Guide | BVV]
 +
* [https://precisionextraction.com/2021/05/guide-to-short-path-distillation A Guide To Short Path Distillation | Precision Extraction]
 +
* [https://www.rotovap.cn/disadvantages-of-short-path-distillation Disadvantages of Short-Path Distillation | rotovap.cn]
 +
* [https://deltaseparations.com/short-path-distillation-definition Short Path Distillation: Definition of Cannabis and Hemp Distillation]
 +
* [https://www.cannabistech.com/articles/short-path-distillation-101 The Ultimate Guide to Short Path Distillation | Cannabis Tech]
 +
* [https://www.labrotovap.com/working-principles-of-short-path-distillation Working Principles of Short Path Distillation]
 +
* [https://www.acrossinternational.com/news/post/short-path-distillation-everything-you-need-to-know How Does Short Path Distillation Work? | Across International]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Short-path distillation is a process that is primarily implemented to make the distillation of heavier molecules faster and more efficient. It is also known as fractional distillation or molecular distillation. Short-path distillation is a relatively simple method of separating materials from various compounds based on differences in their volatiles through low-pressure evaporation. The process gets its name because the materials being distilled only travel a short distance throughout the apparatus—typically just a few centimeters. This short path length reduces the amount of distillate that is lost during the process and makes it more efficient for distilling small quantities of material.
 +
 
 +
Short-path distillation involves heating the purified oil in a round-bottomed flask to vaporize the individual compounds. The flask is connected to a downward-sloping, inclined side-arm that leads to a condensing tube. The condensing tube is located close to the heated flask, which means the extract only has to travel a short distance before it is condensed. A vacuum pump is attached to the system to create a low-pressure environment inside the apparatus. This lowers the boiling points of the compounds and reduces the risk of thermal degradation. The vapors are then condensed back into a liquid in separate fractions based on their boiling points. The fractions are collected in different flasks or receivers according to their weight. The result is a highly pure and potent distillate that can be used for various products.
 +
 
 +
==== Advantages and Disadvantages of Short-Path Distillation ====
 +
Short-path distillation has several advantages over other methods of cannabis distillation, such as:
 +
 
 +
* It can achieve high purity and potency of the desired compound by lowering the boiling point and minimizing the loss of material.
 +
* It can remove unwanted impurities, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents.
 +
* It can isolate specific cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, for targeted effects.
 +
* It can produce a clear and transparent oil that is suitable for various applications.
 +
 
 +
However, short-path distillation also has some drawbacks, such as:
 +
 
 +
* It requires expensive and sophisticated equipment and safety measures. Short path distillation equipment can be expensive compared to traditional distillation equipment
 +
* It removes the natural terpenes and flavonoids that give cannabis its flavor and aroma. The process separates out and concentrates cannabis and hemp oil into three distinct categories: cannabinoids, terpenoids and flavonoids, and contaminants¹. This means that the natural terpenes and flavonoids that give cannabis its flavor and aroma are removed during the process.
 +
* It may reduce the entourage effect of the cannabinoids, which is the synergistic interaction of all the compounds in the plant. The entourage effect is the synergistic interaction of all the compounds in the cannabis plant. Since the short path distillation process separates out the different compounds, it may reduce the entourage effect.
 +
 
 +
Therefore, some manufacturers add terpenes or other additives to the distillate to enhance its properties.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<hr><center><i>
 +
 
 +
The <b>entourage effect</b>< is thought to be due to an interaction between phytocannabinoids and terpenes. Phytocannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant, such as THC and cannabidiol (CBD), while terpenes are organic compounds that give plants their aroma and flavor
 +
 
 +
</i></center><hr>
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<youtube>UIklz2DncDo</youtube>
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<youtube>AW7klgwLcQI</youtube>
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<youtube>u-Y05B_ex_c</youtube>
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<youtube>6HP5r9U7ZR0</youtube>
  
== Cannabis Distillate Products ==
+
= Introduction to D9-THC distillation class - September 1st 2018 =
Explore the different ways to use cannabis distillate in various products, such as edibles, vape cartridges, tinctures, topicals, and dabbing. Explain how to infuse distillate with terpenes or other additives to enhance the flavor and effects. Provide some recipes and tips for making your own cannabis distillate products at home.
+
his is a 6 hour long slide lecture + live demo of D9-THC distillation for those who want to get hip to basic benchtop techniques and principals. If you have any questions throw them in the comments I'm happy to answer what I know and can help explain. This was filmed back in 2018 so techniques and equipment may have changed but for the most part this is a solid foundation for all your distillation needs.
  
= Glossary =
+
* 0:00 Stream Starting Soon (SKIP!)
 +
* 28:57 Part 1: Distillation lecture
 +
* 3:24:07 End of Lunch Break
 +
* 3:49:22 Part 2: Live distillation demo
 +
* 6:19:26 Wrap Up Discussion
 +
 
 +
* Part 1: Distillation lecture
 +
** Classroom Lecture / Slides
 +
** Origins and history of distillation
 +
** Basics of distillation apparatus
 +
** Design of distillation apparatus (Batch, Continuous, Industrial, Benchtop)
 +
** Principles of distillation (Thermal Energy, Boiling Points, -Evaporative Theory, Vapor Pressure)
 +
** Simple Distillation (Colligative Properties / Solutes, Boiling Point -Elevation)
 +
** Vacuum Distillation (Vacuum Pumps, Benchtop Distillation, -Rotorary Evaporators, Alcohol Stills)
 +
** Fractional Distillation (Vacuum Pumps, Short Path Distillation, Theoretical Plates, Reflux Ratio, Packing, Column Design, Vacuum Level, Vacuum Displacement)
 +
* Molecular Distillation (Wiped film, Thin film, Falling Film, Diffusion Pumps)
  
* <b>Distillation</b> is a method used to purify cannabis extracts by separating the individual compounds based on their boiling points. One common method used to create cannabis distillate is called **short path distillation**. This technique involves heating the cannabis extract to vaporize the THC and CBD, then bringing the vapor into a cooling system for consolidation and eventual collection into beakers.
+
- Lunch Break
  
* <b>Short path distillation</b> and fractional distillation are two methods used to purify and separate compounds based on their boiling points. Both methods involve heating a mixture to vaporize the individual compounds and then condensing the vapor back into a liquid.
+
* Part 2: Live distillation demo
 +
** Winterization & Filtration Discussion
 +
** Safety & Setup
 +
** Terpene Distillation
 +
** Cannabinoid Distillation
  
* <b>Fractional distillation</b> on the other hand, involves a longer path length for the vapor to travel. The mixture is heated in a flask and the vapor rises up a fractionating column before it is condensed. The fractionating column contains packing material that provides a large surface area for the vapor to condense on. As the vapor condenses and re-vaporizes on its way up the column, it becomes increasingly enriched in the lower boiling point compound.
+
* Wrap Up Discussion:
 +
** Terpene Reintroduction
 +
** Product Applications (Edibles, E-Pens, Pharmaceutical, Topical)
 +
** Q&A / Open Discussion
  
* <b>extraction</b> ... 
 
  
* <b>solvent</b> ...   
+
= Glossary =
  
* <b>cannabinoids</b> ..
+
* <b>Cannabinoids:</b> The chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body and produce various effects, such as euphoria, relaxation, pain relief, anti-inflammation, etc. The most common cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is psychoactive, and CBD (cannabidiol), which is non-psychoactive.  
  
* <b>terpenes</b> ...
+
* <b>Distillation:</b> The process of separating and refining the cannabinoids based on their boiling points. This involves heating the purified oil to vaporize the individual compounds and then condensing them back into a liquid in separate fractions. The result is a highly pure and potent distillate that can be used for various products.  
  
= Resources; recommendations for further learning =
+
* <b>Extraction:</b> The process of separating the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material using a solvent. There are different methods of extraction, such as sieving, butane, CO2, ethanol, and rosin, each with its own pros and cons regarding yield, potency, quality, flavor, equipment, and safety.
== Publications ==
 
PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library (Wiley) databases¹.
 
  
== Websites ==
+
* <b>Fractional distillation:</b> involves a longer path length than short path for the vapor to travel. The mixture is heated in a flask and the vapor rises up a fractionating column before it is condensed. The fractionating column contains packing material that provides a large surface area for the vapor to condense on. As the vapor condenses and re-vaporizes on its way up the column, it becomes increasingly enriched in the lower boiling point compound.
* [https://potguide.com/blog/article/cannabis-distillate-everything-you-need-to-know/ Cannabis Distillate: Everything You Need to Know | Morgan Smith - PotGuide]
 
*(1) What Is Cannabis Distillate? – Find out inside! | Green Goods. https://visitgreengoods.com/learn/cannabis-distillate/.
 
*[https://potguide.com/blog/article/cannabis-distillate-everything-you-need-to-know/ (2) Cannabis Distillate: Everything You Need to Know | PotGuide.]
 
*(3) How to Make THC Distillate: Everything You Need to Know. https://www.wikileaf.com/thestash/how-to-make-thc-distillate/.
 
*(4) Cannabis Distillate: What It Is and How to Make It - a Pot for Pot. https://apotforpot.com/blogs/learn/cannabis-distillate/.
 
*(5) Cannabis Distillate | What It Is and How To Make Distillate. https://precisionextraction.com/2018/02/making-cannabis-distillate/.
 
(1) A Complete Guide To Short Path Distillation - USA Lab. https://www.usalab.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-short-path-distillation/.
 
(2) Fractional Distillation versus Simple Distillation | B/R Blog. https://brinstrument.com/blog/cannabis-distillation/fractional-distillation-versus-simple-distillation/.
 
(3) 5.2D: Microscale Distillation - Chemistry LibreTexts. https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Organic_Chemistry/Organic_Chemistry_Lab_Techniques_%28Nichols%29/05%3A_Distillation/5.02%3A_Simple_Distillation/5.2D%3A_Microscale_Distillation.
 
(4) A Guide To Short Path Distillation | Precision Extraction. https://precisionextraction.com/2021/05/guide-to-short-path-distillation/.
 
(5) Short Path Distillation & Fractional Distillation - Lab Society. https://labsociety.com/lab-equipment-category/short-path-distillation/.
 
(1) Cannabis Distillate: Everything You Need to Know | PotGuide. https://potguide.com/blog/article/cannabis-distillate-everything-you-need-to-know/.
 
(2) Cannabis Distillate: What It Is and How to Make It - a Pot for Pot. https://apotforpot.com/blogs/learn/cannabis-distillate/.
 
(3) How to Make THC Distillate: Everything You Need to Know. https://www.wikileaf.com/thestash/how-to-make-thc-distillate/.
 
(4) Cannabis Distillate | What It Is and How To Make Distillate. https://precisionextraction.com/2018/02/making-cannabis-distillate/.
 
(5) Refine Distillate Extraction For Cannabis Products | Precision Extractions. https://precisionextraction.com/2022/02/how-to-make-distillate-extraction/.
 
(1) Processing and extraction methods of medicinal cannabis: a narrative .... https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00087-9.
 
(2) Processing and extraction methods of medicinal cannabis: a narrative .... https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8290527/.
 
(3) Revised€Julio 2020 Cannabis (Marijuana) Research Report. https://nida.nih.gov/download/1380/cannabis-marijuana-research-report.pdf?v=7fc7d24c3dc120a03cf26348876bc1e4.
 
  
 +
* <b>Purification:</b> The process of removing impurities from the crude cannabis oil after extraction, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents. This involves steps such as winterization (freezing the oil to separate the fats), filtration (passing the oil through a filter to remove solids), and decarboxylation (heating the oil to activate the cannabinoids).
  
<hr>
+
* <b>[[Short Path Distillation]]:</b>A distillation technique that involves the distillate traveling a short distance, often only a few centimeters, and is normally done at reduced pressure. This technique involves heating the cannabis extract to vaporize the THC and CBD, then bringing the vapor into a cooling system for consolidation and eventual collection into beakers. A form of fractional distillation used to separate an oleoresin into its active compounds: essential oils, resin, and more. It creates a "distillate," or pure compound in the form of a clear-golden liquid with little to no taste or color.
  
= Distillation of Cannabis =
+
* <b>Solvent:</b> The chemical liquids that dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant during extraction. Common solvents used for cannabis extraction are ethanol, CO2, butane, and propane. 
  
 +
* <b>Terpene</b> The aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants that give them their distinctive smell and taste. Terpenes also have therapeutic benefits and may modulate the effects of cannabinoids.
  
== Short Path ==
+
= Resources; <i>recommendations for further learning</i> =
<youtube>lQoaS0O4zF0</youtube>
+
== Publications ==
 +
* PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library (Wiley) databases.
 +
* [https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com Journal of Cannabis Research]
 +
* [https://www.rsc.org/publishing/journals/prospect/ontology.asp?id=CMO:0001543 Ontology - The Royal Society of Chemistry]
 +
* [https://extractionmagazine.com Extraction Magazine]
  
yeah okay so we're gonna start with a
+
== Websites ==
hundred and eighty-three grams at this
+
* [https://potguide.com/blog/article/cannabis-distillate-everything-you-need-to-know/ Cannabis Distillate: Everything You Need to Know | Morgan Smith - PotGuide]
starting material here
+
* [https://visitgreengoods.com/learn/cannabis-distillate What Is Cannabis Distillate? – Find out inside! | Green Goods]
CBD 60 percent award-winning sour
+
* [https://www.wikileaf.com/thestash/how-to-make-thc-distillate How to Make THC Distillate: Everything You Need to Know]
tsunami sour tsunami CVD we're gonna run
+
* [https://apotforpot.com/blogs/learn/cannabis-distillateannabis Distillate: What It Is and How to Make It | a Pot for Pot]\
it through the short path
+
* [https://precisionextraction.com/2018/02/making-cannabis-distillate What It Is and How To Make Distillate]
well chilled magnetic concentrator the
+
* [https://www.usalab.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-short-path-distillation A Complete Guide To Short Path Distillation | USA Lab]
month we're here with the oil tycoon
+
* [https://brinstrument.com/blog/cannabis-distillation/fractional-distillation-versus-simple-distillation Fractional Distillation versus Simple Distillation | B/R Blog]
concentrates pellets and we're gonna be
+
* [https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Organic_Chemistry/Organic_Chemistry_Lab_Techniques_%28Nichols%29/05%3A_Distillation/5.02%3A_Simple_Distillation/5.2D%3A_Microscale_Distillation Microscale Distillation - Chemistry LibreTexts]
run into the material here got the welch
+
* [https://labsociety.com/lab-equipment-category/short-path-distillation Short Path Distillation & Fractional Distillation - Lab Society]
we're cranking over here the Dewar
+
* [https://precisionextraction.com/2018/02/making-cannabis-distillate Cannabis Distillate | What It Is and How To Make Distillate]
condenser chilled now it's time to load
+
* [https://precisionextraction.com/2022/02/how-to-make-distillate-extraction Refine Distillate Extraction For Cannabis Products | Precision Extractions].
so I'll show you guys how we load the
+
* [https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00087-9 Processing and extraction methods of medicinal cannabis: a narrative]
system we got the flask wand up to about
+
* [https://nida.nih.gov/download/1380/cannabis-marijuana-research-report.pdf?v=7fc7d24c3dc120a03cf26348876bc1e4 2020 Cannabis (Marijuana) Research Report]
a hundred degrees pullover how many of
+
* [https://hightimes.com/culture/cannabis-distillatesGetting Near The Clear: A Guide To Cannabis Distillates]
these Celsius is to keep things warm
+
* [https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/cannabis-extraction-and-distillation Cannabis Distillation: The Last Mile in Extraction | Leafly]
there's a qat
+
* [https://www.analyticalcannabis.com/articles/the-best-cannabis-extraction-methods-for-marijuana-concentrates-300434 The Best Cannabis Extraction Methods for Marijuana Concentrates]
of the moisture inside the long glass or
+
* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8290527 Processing and extraction methods of medicinal cannabis: a narrative]
anything
+
* [https://cannabistraininguniversity.com/cooking/cannabis-extraction-guide The Ultimate Cannabis Extraction Guide - Cannabis Training University]
here is our 24 degrees Celsius it's a
+
* [https://jcyounger.com/5-most-common-cannabis-extraction-methods-in-2020 Top 5 Cannabis Extraction Methods in 2022 | JC Younger]
vapor temperature in the head here we've
+
* https://www.drgreenrelief.com/blog/types-of-cannabis-extraction-methodsDifferent Types of Cannabis Extraction Methods | Dr. Green Relief]
got water running the reason we're
+
* [https://www.canadacannabisdispensary.co/cannabis-extraction-methods-winterization-decarboxylation-and-filtrationCannabis Extraction Methods: Winterization Decarboxylation And Filtration] 
getting some air bubbles and the
+
* [https://extractionmagazine.com/category/applied-technology/cannabis-extract-winterization-filtration Cannabis Extract Winterization & Filtration - Extraction Magazine]  
condenser is we've got up missing a seal
+
* [https://precisionextraction.com/2020/06/what-is-the-winterization-process-in-cannabis-extraction Winterization Process in Cannabis Oil Extraction | Remove Waxes and Fat]
on this bottom GL connection so it's
+
* [https://www.cannabistech.com/articles/how-are-cannabis-distillates-made How Are Cannabis Distillates Made? | Cannabis Tech]
adding a little bit of oxygen into there
+
* [https://potguide.com/blog/article/cannabis-distillate-everything-you-need-to-know Cannabis Distillate: Everything You Need to Know | PotGuide]
but it's still working properly and then
+
* [https://dimohemp.com/complete-cannabis-distillate-guide The Complete Cannabis Distillate Guide | DIMO]
over here we've got the chiller warming
+
* [https://www.fishersci.com/us/en/browse/90202021/distillation-labware?page=1 Distillation Labware | Fisher Scientific]
up booze out 40 degrees Celsius and it's
 
recirculating back
 
in the back here we've got it connected
 
with just some quick water lines quick
 
so let's go ahead load the system and
 
begin
 
check out what I'm doing
 
so we're just gonna fold this patty up
 
they almost leave your hand there just
 
that like just for reference so this is
 
we're gonna run 183 grams watch okay so
 
here we are just loading up quite a bit
 
in through the metal funnel here just
 
adding it right into the side for you
 
could see pulling a vacuum to us assist
 
pulling through here you're loading
 
probably about 200 grams ish we're there
 
a little bit more here 60% CVD 3.9
 
percent THC in there concentrate there
 
we go I'll keep you guys sooner in here
 
as we continue this process
 
is it agitating yeah all right you guys
 
we're back we're just starting to reach
 
our first fraction so I figured I break
 
the camera out and show you guys where
 
we're at we're actually at a hundred and
 
ninety two degrees Celsius and we're
 
really climbing through this area
 
however we'll reflux them pretty good
 
this is where we're gonna start
 
refluxing in the head here in the vigor
 
of and essentially start to see some of
 
your terpenes and other more volatile
 
compounds that's our temperatures here
 
so here you can see the consistent
 
differet that we're achieving 192
 
degrees Celsius is your friend except
 
Amana 125 degrees Celsius at the head
 
and 125 here at 127 is climate as the
 
thermo probe of the head here Steve now
 
the reflux is kind of started to slow
 
down a they grow a little bit so you can
 
tell we're just kind of trying to reach
 
through destruction and as soon as we
 
get to about 2 32 to 40 we should start
 
to see
 
to pick up speed and really get thicker
 
and towards also collecting a little bit
 
absolute herbs you can see now we are
 
getting cold traps across here in trips
 
in the col.caf across the line things
 
that are just not necessarily condensing
 
in the head and are making your way of
 
past
 
that's allow presentation before the
 
vacuum pumps or bastard we've got we've
 
had the same amount there faster than we
 
did last time you have a high volume get
 
like what three times the volume and
 
yeah so reaching to around six degrees
 
Celsius and climbing so we'll catch back
 
with you guys here in about 25 degrees
 
alright you guys we are back I figured
 
I'd just check in with you we broke past
 
220 which we we're stuck out for a
 
little while just kind of fractioning
 
off the terpenes which we've now rotated
 
the flask you can see here this is where
 
we've collected all that quite viscous I
 
move it around you can kind of see just
 
a little jiggle and then over onto this
 
glass we've started to thicken up and
 
you can just see it now
 
dripping on in this is a CVD prominent
 
material that we are running today this
 
our tzunami oil tycoon and you can see
 
the color on this middle class is just
 
epic so we'll continue to fraction off
 
here where again 224 Celsius on the
 
mantle set points to 35 on the mantle by
 
the set point is 235 you can see in the
 
vigor oh the color in here is just like
 
water in it so we'll wait till we get to
 
about 235 things should thicken up a
 
little darker in color you would expect
 
a really uh fraction oats off some of
 
the probably the head stash of the run
 
here you would say now you can see the
 
consistency what we're saying get in
 
there get something right now that we're
 
dripping on access window there you go
 
look at that little nugget it's falling
 
out look at that you guys the color on
 
this is epic so this is the open source
 
steel 5 litre head running on a 2 liter
 
flask here at 2 meter manifold and the 2
 
liter Mansel
 
collection Mantle's our collection class
 
we use index around bottom for 250
 
milliliters to
 
these are 250 mils on the collection
 
flask here and then up top we've got the
 
thermo scientific thermocouple in there
 
we've just got a little PTFE tape to
 
make the diameter the width that will
 
secure down in one of these thermal
 
adapters and then over here we've got a
 
thermocouple that's connected connected
 
to the mantle reading the internal
 
temperature of the boiling back here so
 
we'll catch back with you about 10
 
degrees or so all right you guys we're
 
back I want to show you the progress
 
that we've made here on our fractions
 
we're getting down here these are
 
darkening up consistently that's the
 
molar concentration of black is
 
remaining and the lighter pistons these
 
are being taken out you can see here our
 
separate fractions try to get it a
 
different angle for you guys so down
 
below we've got our collection flask
 
here the 250 ml which is our most recent
 
attraction and
 
next up here we have a nice color and
 
consistency in this wall here and then a
 
final up here would be more of our
 
terpenes and lower boiling point
 
items here
 
so things are coming along pretty good
 
here we're writing down all the data and
 
the variables throughout the head the
 
man told a set point and remaining a
 
fraction at 2:32 this has been a lower
 
fraction than some of our recent runs
 
but we're getting pretty good flow so we
 
figured we kind of just stick here
 
and also the temperature has been
 
fighting considering we're getting a
 
good amount of condensation up in the
 
condenser here one thing to note too
 
James is that this bottom flask is
 
turning quite green that's probably the
 
corridor we're down here at the very
 
bottom canonically yeah yeah we're gonna
 
watch and keep an eye on the color and
 
consistency and see if we don't see some
 
lipids and some cloudiness starting to
 
form up on the backend of the count here
 
yeah you can usually see it when you're
 
looking at the bottom of the of the
 
putter here they're receiving head you
 
can see that it spreads out you can
 
start to see the cloudiness form if you
 
if you watch here
 
I mean obviously you can watch it inside
 
the dirt inside in the bottom class but
 
if you watch them spreading out of the
 
year and receiving
 
[Music]
 
we've got a pretty good just written out
 
it's not the street at all right now
 
like it has been so so further than
 
finishing off this last fracture today
 
moving into the next day there we go
 
starting to flow up pretty good
 
[Music]
 
we'll just keep an eye on color and
 
consistency from here on out raise the
 
mantel temperature just a little bit but
 
we are getting towards the bottom we
 
don't want to run this glass dry so keep
 
your eye on things and we'll update you
 
guys as we finalize up yeah one thing to
 
know to quickly put in is that this this
 
reflection here is slowed down quite a
 
bit
 
it was doing it a bunch up in here him
 
and the bumping was getting him up
 
almost up on her shoulder I mean it's
 
pretty good they were running this five
 
layer head on this two liter flask I
 
mean we've got quite a bit of bigger
 
indentations on this one compared to the
 
two liter and we're getting significant
 
bumping up into the head here they're
 
right high bar my everything looks quite
 
a bit past the point almost up to the
 
shoulder you know
 
it was just enough hype there in the
 
column to restrict that from happening
 
and hopping over but things are looking
 
good so stay tuned you guys and we'll
 
finalize out this short past session key
 
to get stated
 
they're not much every but you guys were
 
back here finalizing it the final
 
fraction here did you use people and you
 
can see how a green and nasty and dark
 
it is we obviously don't want to be
 
fracturing off this no longer are we
 
getting any reflux in the bigger up
 
column and on the tail end here we're
 
getting a nasty cloudiness that we don't
 
really want to be adding obviously
 
probably adding a pretty bad visual
 
appeal to people who might want to be
 
using it but then again might be some
 
compounds you don't necessarily want to
 
be having in there in the first place so
 
we'll probably take this ball clean this
 
out here add some more in and just
 
refraction and then that'd be the short
 
path here's the middle Dragon Ball which
 
comes out with your top shelf fine
 
eighth grade very nice color and
 
consistency on this here and then here
 
is your first fraction of the terpenes
 
with a little bit of yellow drippin
 
Furness THC this one is a little clear
 
in the middle but if you read refraction
 
it put it through a second pass and sure
 
you get well over 90% THD for sure
 
or CVD in this case go up to wait till
 
the tests come back on the
 
concentrations of the compounds in there
 
but we'll keep you guys posted
 
hopefully enjoyed this session at short
 
path distillation using the open source
 
steel here hopefully you enjoyed it
 
that's the five layer head on the two
 
liter flask rock on the three 250 ml
 
dragonballs on it
 
calories fever here with the inline cold
 
trap and over here off to the side the
 
welch 1400 duo seal and last but not
 
least the VW are recirculating back so
 
we're gonna turn the head temp up to
 
finalize things out so we're going to
 
turn it up to about 70 degrees Celsius
 
that'll help warm this condenser up to
 
get this stuff to flow out of here and
 
drip it'll get stuck here right here at
 
the end because there's obviously no
 
condenser we'll take it off heat it up
 
and just drip it back into one of the
 
dragonballs being this one here but
 
there you go there's the finalize
 
process hopefully enjoy so next time
 

Latest revision as of 21:38, 18 May 2024

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My To Do List

  1. These Wiki pages
  2. My Lab Notes - capture all steps, keywords to cross-reference so I can discover patterns
  3. Research: Distilling Vendors' Whitepapers

Tips

Here are some additional tips for distilling cannabis:

  • Use fresh, high-quality cannabis material.
  • Use a clean, well-maintained distillation apparatus.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the distillation apparatus.
  • Monitor the temperature carefully during distillation.
  • Collect the distillate in a clean, dry container.

Cannabis Distillation Guide

Introduction

Cannabis distillation is a relatively new technique that has emerged as the cannabis industry transitions from a black market to a legal market, and requires advanced equipment and safety measures. However, distillation itself is an ancient process that has been used for centuries to produce alcohol, essential oils, perfumes, and medicines. Distillation is the final process for making cannabis oil. It is a purification process that uses heat, steam, and vacuum pressure to separate all the chemical compounds in the concentrate and produce a concentrated cannabinoid distillate. During distillation, terpenes and flavonoids are removed from the mixture for a pure cannabinoid.

The most common method of cannabis distillation is short-path distillation, which involves heating the purified oil to vaporize the individual compounds and then condensing them back into a liquid in separate fractions. The fractions are collected based on their boiling points, which are lowered by the vacuum pressure. The result is a highly pure and potent distillate that can be used for various products.

Cannabis distillation has several advantages over other methods of extraction, such as:

  • It can achieve high purity and potency of the desired compound by lowering the boiling point and minimizing the loss of material.
  • It can remove unwanted impurities, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents.
  • It can isolate specific cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, for targeted effects.
  • It can produce a clear and transparent oil that is suitable for various applications.

However, cannabis distillation also has some drawbacks, such as:

  • It requires expensive and sophisticated equipment and safety measures.
  • It removes the natural terpenes and flavonoids that give cannabis its flavor and aroma.
  • t may reduce the entourage effect of the cannabinoids, which is the synergistic interaction of all the compounds in the plant.

Therefore, some manufacturers add terpenes or other additives to the distillate to enhance its properties.

Cannabis Distillation Methods

Cannabis distillation methods are the techniques used to isolate specific cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, from the cannabis oil after extraction and purification. Cannabis distillation methods can produce a highly pure and potent distillate that can be used for various products, such as edibles, vape cartridges, tinctures, topicals, and dabbing. Cannabis distillation methods can also remove unwanted impurities, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents, from the oil. The process involves using heat and vacuum pressure to separate individual cannabinoids and terpenes from the decarboxylated extract according to their unique boiling points and molecular weights. The most common method of cannabis distillation is Short Path Distillation, which involves heating the purified oil to vaporize the individual compounds and then condensing them back into a liquid in separate fractions.

There are several methods used for cannabis distillation. Here are some of the commonly employed techniques:

Thin Film Distillation

In the cannabis industry, thin film distillation is used to produce high-quality distillate. Distillate is a highly concentrated form of cannabis extract that is free of unwanted impurities. It is made by evaporating the solvent from a cannabis extract and then condensing the vapors back into a liquid. Thin film distillation is a more efficient way to produce distillate than traditional distillation. Thin film distillation is a type of distillation that uses a thin film of liquid to facilitate the separation of the different components of the liquid. The liquid is spread in a thin film on a heated surface, and the vapors are then condensed back into a liquid. This process is more efficient than traditional distillation for separating the different components of a liquid, and it is also less likely to damage the volatile compounds in the liquid. This is because it uses a thin film of liquid, which allows for more efficient heat transfer. Thin film distillation is also less likely to damage the volatile compounds in the cannabis extract, which results in a higher-quality distillate.is a type of distillation that uses a thin film of liquid to facilitate the separation of the different components of the liquid. The liquid is spread in a thin film on a heated surface, and the vapors are then condensed back into a liquid. This process is more efficient than traditional distillation for separating the different components of a liquid, and it is also less likely to damage the volatile compounds in the liquid. Thin film distillation is used in a variety of industries, including the food and beverage industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and the chemical industry. It is also used in the cannabis industry to produce high-quality distillate.


'https://b2090902.smushcdn.com/


Here are the steps involved in thin film distillation:

  1. The liquid is heated to a specific temperature, which causes it to vaporize.
  2. The vapors are passed over a heated surface, where they condense back into a liquid.
  3. The different fractions of the liquid can then be collected separately.
  4. The thickness of the thin film is important for the efficiency of the distillation process. The thinner the film, the more efficient the process will be. However, the film cannot be too thin, or it will not be able to hold the liquid.
  5. The speed of rotation of the heated surface is also important. The faster the surface rotates, the thinner the film will be. However, the speed cannot be too fast, or the liquid will not have time to vaporize.

Thin film distillation is a versatile process that can be used to separate a variety of compounds from liquids. It is a more efficient and less damaging process than traditional distillation, and it is therefore becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries. Here are some of the advantages of thin film distillation:

  • It is more efficient than traditional distillation for separating the different components of a liquid.
  • It is less likely to damage the volatile compounds in a liquid.
  • It can be used to separate a variety of compounds from liquids.
  • It is a versatile process that can be used in a variety of industries.

Here are some of the disadvantages of thin film distillation:

  • It requires specialized equipment.
  • It can be a more expensive process than traditional distillation.
  • It is not suitable for all types of liquids.

Wiped Film Distillation

also known as molecular distillation, is a high-efficiency distillation technique. Wiped film distillation is a variation of thin film distillation that uses a rotating wiper to spread the liquid in a thin film. The wiper ensures that the liquid is evenly spread on the heated surface, which helps to improve the efficiency of the distillation process. Wiped film distillation is also more efficient than short-path distillation for separating the different components of a liquid. It involves heating the cannabis extract on a heated surface, while a rotating wiper blade continuously spreads the extract as a thin film. This method is particularly effective for separating compounds with similar boiling points and achieving a high level of purity. The most common pieces of equipment are wiped film short-path molecular stills. In this approach, the feedstock of oil is fed into a jacketed vessel that is often heated with an oil circulating temperature control unit to achieve temperatures up to 343 degrees Celsius, though the typical distillation temperature range is 130-180 degrees Celsius. In these systems, the feed stock is distributed on the evaporation chamber wall with a special wiper. The resulting thin film allows the more volatile terpenes to evaporate through the top of the chamber into their own external collection vessel, while the CBD/THC is collected along a temperature-controlled central condenser unit which is cooler (typically 60-70 degrees Celsius) than the evaporation chamber and serves to attract the cannabinoid vapor. The final step in the process is solvent removal, accomplished in a separate, external cold trap, which is also temperature controlled with a chiller.

Feature Thin film distillation Wiped film distillation
Liquid film thickness Typically less than 1 mm Typically 0.1-0.2 mm
Heat transfer rate Higher Higher
Volatile compound damage Lower Lower
Equipment cost Lower Higher
Operational cost Lower Higher
Production capacity Lower Higher

Other

  • Steam Distillation: Steam distillation is a method commonly used for extracting essential oils from plants, including cannabis. It involves passing steam through the cannabis plant material, vaporizing the essential oils and other volatile compounds. The vapor is then condensed and collected, resulting in a distilled product.
  • Vacuum Distillation: Vacuum distillation utilizes reduced pressure to lower the boiling points of the compounds being distilled. By applying a vacuum, the distillation process can be conducted at lower temperatures, minimizing the degradation of heat-sensitive compounds. Vacuum distillation is often employed in combination with other distillation methods to optimize the process.
  • Fractional Distillation: is a technique used to separate and collect different fractions of compounds based on their boiling points. It involves using a fractionating column, which provides multiple vaporization-condensation cycles, allowing for repeated separation of different compounds based on their boiling points. This method is useful when distilling complex mixtures of compounds.
  • Cold Trapping: is a technique used in distillation to collect volatile compounds that are condensed at low temperatures. By cooling the distillate vapor, volatile compounds can be collected separately from the non-volatile components, improving the purity of the final distillate.
  • Short Path Distillation: is a widely used method for cannabis distillation. It involves heating the cannabis extract under vacuum to reduce the boiling points of different compounds and separate them based on their volatility. The process utilizes a Short Path Distillation apparatus consisting of a boiling flask, a distillation head, a condenser, and a collection flask.

Short path distillation vs Fractional distillation

Short Path Distillation and fractional distillation are two methods used to purify and separate compounds based on their boiling points. Both methods involve heating a mixture to vaporize the individual compounds and then condensing the vapor back into a liquid. The main difference between the two methods is the distance that the vapor travels before it is condensed. In Short Path Distillation, the vapor travels a very short distance (typically just a few centimeters) before it is condensed. This short path length reduces the amount of distillate that is lost during the process and makes it more efficient for distilling small quantities of material. The main advantage of this technique is that it can achieve high purity and potency of the desired compound by lowering the boiling point and minimizing the loss of material. It is often used for compounds that are unstable at high temperatures or to purify small amounts of material.

Short Path Distillation


Short-path distillation is a process that is primarily implemented to make the distillation of heavier molecules faster and more efficient. It is also known as fractional distillation or molecular distillation. Short-path distillation is a relatively simple method of separating materials from various compounds based on differences in their volatiles through low-pressure evaporation. The process gets its name because the materials being distilled only travel a short distance throughout the apparatus—typically just a few centimeters. This short path length reduces the amount of distillate that is lost during the process and makes it more efficient for distilling small quantities of material.

Short-path distillation involves heating the purified oil in a round-bottomed flask to vaporize the individual compounds. The flask is connected to a downward-sloping, inclined side-arm that leads to a condensing tube. The condensing tube is located close to the heated flask, which means the extract only has to travel a short distance before it is condensed. A vacuum pump is attached to the system to create a low-pressure environment inside the apparatus. This lowers the boiling points of the compounds and reduces the risk of thermal degradation. The vapors are then condensed back into a liquid in separate fractions based on their boiling points. The fractions are collected in different flasks or receivers according to their weight. The result is a highly pure and potent distillate that can be used for various products.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Short-Path Distillation

Short-path distillation has several advantages over other methods of cannabis distillation, such as:

  • It can achieve high purity and potency of the desired compound by lowering the boiling point and minimizing the loss of material.
  • It can remove unwanted impurities, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents.
  • It can isolate specific cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, for targeted effects.
  • It can produce a clear and transparent oil that is suitable for various applications.

However, short-path distillation also has some drawbacks, such as:

  • It requires expensive and sophisticated equipment and safety measures. Short path distillation equipment can be expensive compared to traditional distillation equipment
  • It removes the natural terpenes and flavonoids that give cannabis its flavor and aroma. The process separates out and concentrates cannabis and hemp oil into three distinct categories: cannabinoids, terpenoids and flavonoids, and contaminants¹. This means that the natural terpenes and flavonoids that give cannabis its flavor and aroma are removed during the process.
  • It may reduce the entourage effect of the cannabinoids, which is the synergistic interaction of all the compounds in the plant. The entourage effect is the synergistic interaction of all the compounds in the cannabis plant. Since the short path distillation process separates out the different compounds, it may reduce the entourage effect.

Therefore, some manufacturers add terpenes or other additives to the distillate to enhance its properties.



The entourage effect< is thought to be due to an interaction between phytocannabinoids and terpenes. Phytocannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant, such as THC and cannabidiol (CBD), while terpenes are organic compounds that give plants their aroma and flavor



Introduction to D9-THC distillation class - September 1st 2018

his is a 6 hour long slide lecture + live demo of D9-THC distillation for those who want to get hip to basic benchtop techniques and principals. If you have any questions throw them in the comments I'm happy to answer what I know and can help explain. This was filmed back in 2018 so techniques and equipment may have changed but for the most part this is a solid foundation for all your distillation needs.

  • 0:00 Stream Starting Soon (SKIP!)
  • 28:57 Part 1: Distillation lecture
  • 3:24:07 End of Lunch Break
  • 3:49:22 Part 2: Live distillation demo
  • 6:19:26 Wrap Up Discussion
  • Part 1: Distillation lecture
    • Classroom Lecture / Slides
    • Origins and history of distillation
    • Basics of distillation apparatus
    • Design of distillation apparatus (Batch, Continuous, Industrial, Benchtop)
    • Principles of distillation (Thermal Energy, Boiling Points, -Evaporative Theory, Vapor Pressure)
    • Simple Distillation (Colligative Properties / Solutes, Boiling Point -Elevation)
    • Vacuum Distillation (Vacuum Pumps, Benchtop Distillation, -Rotorary Evaporators, Alcohol Stills)
    • Fractional Distillation (Vacuum Pumps, Short Path Distillation, Theoretical Plates, Reflux Ratio, Packing, Column Design, Vacuum Level, Vacuum Displacement)
  • Molecular Distillation (Wiped film, Thin film, Falling Film, Diffusion Pumps)

- Lunch Break

  • Part 2: Live distillation demo
    • Winterization & Filtration Discussion
    • Safety & Setup
    • Terpene Distillation
    • Cannabinoid Distillation
  • Wrap Up Discussion:
    • Terpene Reintroduction
    • Product Applications (Edibles, E-Pens, Pharmaceutical, Topical)
    • Q&A / Open Discussion


Glossary

  • Cannabinoids: The chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body and produce various effects, such as euphoria, relaxation, pain relief, anti-inflammation, etc. The most common cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is psychoactive, and CBD (cannabidiol), which is non-psychoactive.
  • Distillation: The process of separating and refining the cannabinoids based on their boiling points. This involves heating the purified oil to vaporize the individual compounds and then condensing them back into a liquid in separate fractions. The result is a highly pure and potent distillate that can be used for various products.
  • Extraction: The process of separating the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material using a solvent. There are different methods of extraction, such as sieving, butane, CO2, ethanol, and rosin, each with its own pros and cons regarding yield, potency, quality, flavor, equipment, and safety.
  • Fractional distillation: involves a longer path length than short path for the vapor to travel. The mixture is heated in a flask and the vapor rises up a fractionating column before it is condensed. The fractionating column contains packing material that provides a large surface area for the vapor to condense on. As the vapor condenses and re-vaporizes on its way up the column, it becomes increasingly enriched in the lower boiling point compound.
  • Purification: The process of removing impurities from the crude cannabis oil after extraction, such as waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and residual solvents. This involves steps such as winterization (freezing the oil to separate the fats), filtration (passing the oil through a filter to remove solids), and decarboxylation (heating the oil to activate the cannabinoids).
  • Short Path Distillation:A distillation technique that involves the distillate traveling a short distance, often only a few centimeters, and is normally done at reduced pressure. This technique involves heating the cannabis extract to vaporize the THC and CBD, then bringing the vapor into a cooling system for consolidation and eventual collection into beakers. A form of fractional distillation used to separate an oleoresin into its active compounds: essential oils, resin, and more. It creates a "distillate," or pure compound in the form of a clear-golden liquid with little to no taste or color.
  • Solvent: The chemical liquids that dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant during extraction. Common solvents used for cannabis extraction are ethanol, CO2, butane, and propane.
  • Terpene The aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants that give them their distinctive smell and taste. Terpenes also have therapeutic benefits and may modulate the effects of cannabinoids.

Resources; recommendations for further learning

Publications

Websites