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Cannabis Distillation Guide - Compiled by JMP

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 Extraction Methods

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.

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.

Cannabis Purification Methods

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.

Cannabis Distillation Methods

Cannabis Distillation Methods 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.

Cannabis Distillate Products

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.

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