Producing Highly Medicinal Extracts Attractive to Consumers

A highly detailed macro shot of a cannabis flower with glowing molecular structures representing cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The background features a blurred high-tech laboratory, emphasizing the scientific and pharmaceutical focus on cannabis extraction and its bioactive compounds.

Author

Picture of Dr. George Stantchev
Dr. George Stantchev

PHD, MBA, MSEE, Entrepreneur and CEO of most innovative extraction technology company.

Actives in the Cannabis

A diagram of actives in cannabis plant.

In cannabis flowers, there are 14 cannabinoids, 29 monoterpenoids, 15 sesquiterpenoids, 3 triterpenoids, 3 sterols, and 7 flavonoids directly connected with human health improvement. 

Cannabinoids

Natural cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. These compounds interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological and cognitive processes, including mood, memory, appetite, pain sensation, and immune response. 

Of around 450 bioactive compounds in cannabis, 110 are identified as cannabinoids, and only around 60 of them have been studied so far, while 14 of the cannabinoids have been widely used in medicine. These cannabinoids, along with others found in smaller quantities in cannabis, interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body to produce various effects.

Terpenes

Terpenes, often referred to as the “less-known multiplier” in the cannabis industry, play a crucial role in shaping the overall effects, flavors, and therapeutic properties of cannabis products. While cannabinoids like THC and CBD receive much attention, terpenes are gaining recognition for their significant contributions to the entourage effect—the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes that enhances the overall therapeutic effects of cannabis.

The synthesis of terpenes shares the same pathway as the cannabinoids. Hemi-, mono-, sesqui-, di-, and tri-terpenes are from which the sesquiterpenes activate the cannabinoid receptors like cannabinoids. Monoterpenes contribute to the characteristic scents of many plants and are often used in aromatherapy and herbal medicine for their potential therapeutic effects. Sesquiterpenes are commonly found in various plants, including cannabis, and contribute to their distinctive aromas and potential therapeutic effects. Diterpenes occur naturally in citrus fruits, cranberry, bilberry, currants, grapes, raspberry, blackberry, tomato, white bread, hop oil, coffee, arctic bramble, cloudberry, and passion fruit.

Sterols

The most familiar type of animal sterol is cholesterol, which is vital to the structure of the cell membrane and functions as a precursor to fat-soluble vitamins and steroid hormones. Beta-sitosterol is a type of chemical called a plant sterol that is found in cannabis. It’s similar to cholesterol found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Beta-sitosterol might help reduce cholesterol levels by limiting the amount of cholesterol that can enter the body. It can also help reduce swelling in the prostate and other tissues.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids (from the Latin word flavus, meaning yellow) are polyphenolic secondary metabolites found in plants and thus commonly consumed in humans’ diets. Chemically, flavonoids have the general structure of a 15-carbon skeleton. Anthocyanins and anthoxanthins belong to the flavonoid group of phytochemicals. Flavonoids are one group of a more prominent family of chemicals called polyphenols. Flavonoids are commonly found in fruits, vegetables, cereals, teas, and nuts.

Mood Control

Terpenes are the hormones in the plant. They have been used since ancient times to make potions due to their direct connection to the human brain through our senses. There are various moods related to using terpenes as therapy, mainly related to energy, focus, creativity, relaxation, love, euphoria, happiness, sleep, etc. The cannabinoids allow the terpenes to lead in mood control while the terpene mood elevation performance modulates them.  That is how the sativa, indica, and hybrid effects of cannabis are formed. 

When selecting a cannabis strain for creativity, it’s essential to consider the terpene profile and cannabinoid content, as well as personal preferences and tolerance levels. While individual responses to cannabis can vary, some strains are commonly associated with boosting creativity and enhancing focus. 

Cannabis terpenes are phytoncides or volatile organic compounds (VOC). Terpenes are responsible for plants’ aroma and flavor and have antibacterial and antifungal properties. When people breathe in phytoncides, their bodies increase the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which help fight infections and tumors. Phytoncides may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that could help with gastrointestinal disorders. Research suggests that forest bathing can increase the number of NK cells in the body, which may help prevent cancer. 

Endocannabinoid system

Endo Cannabinoids

Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring neurotransmitters that play a crucial role in regulating a wide array of physiological processes within the body, such as mood, appetite, sleep, immune response, and pain perception. These compounds are integral components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), and enzymes. The ECS is essential for maintaining homeostasis, which is the body’s state of balance in response to internal and external changes. 

Human body with organs diagram

CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, influencing functions like memory, emotional regulation, and motor control. In contrast, CB2 receptors are predominantly located in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells, contributing to pain relief and the modulation of inflammation. Together, endocannabinoids and their receptors work synergistically to keep various bodily systems in equilibrium, demonstrating the ECS’s profound impact on overall health and well-being.

Phyto Cannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids are fascinating bioactive compounds that can be discovered not only in the cannabis plant but also in a variety of other flora, including certain fungi and liverworts. These remarkable substances belong to the broader category of cannabinoids—molecules known for their ability to bind to specific cannabinoid receptors throughout the human body. This interaction plays a crucial role in influencing various physiological processes, highlighting the intricate relationship between these compounds and our overall well-being.

Other Cannabinoids

Currently, the only phytocannabinoid known to exist in plants other than Cannabis is β-caryophyllene, which is one of the most abundant components found in plant essential oils. As a significant secondary metabolite in Cannabis essential oil, β-caryophyllene can be regarded as a true selective constituent for CB2 receptors. Throughout mammalian evolution, interactions with plant metabolites that directly activate CB2 receptors, like β-caryophyllene, or with indirect cannabinoid receptor agonists, such as FAAH and MAGL inhibitors present in the diet, may have resulted in previously unrecognized physiological effects.

Extraction Methods

Extraction methods are techniques used to isolate and concentrate the desired compounds from plant material, such as cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis. These methods are employed to produce various cannabis products, including oils, concentrates, edibles, and topicals. Here are some standard extraction methods used in the cannabis industry.

Each extraction method has advantages and disadvantages in terms of safety, efficiency, and the quality of the final product. Factors such as cost, scalability, and regulatory considerations also influence the extraction method used by cannabis producers.

Infographic of compilation of typical solvents utilized in extraction processes along with the prevalent components they dilute from the plant

R134a extraction, also known as aerosol extraction, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) extraction, or refrigerant extraction, is used to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plant material. This technique involves using R134a, a non-flammable hydrofluorocarbon gas, as a solvent to dissolve and extract the desired compounds from the plant material.

R134a extraction is favored for its efficiency and ability to produce high yields of potent extracts. It is non-toxic, non-flammable, and generally recognized as safe for use in food and pharmaceutical applications, making it a suitable solvent for cannabis extraction. Due to the strict solubility of oleoresins, the wax and lipids do not penetrate during extraction. Most extracts obtained through that process do not need to be winterized or overly post-processed.

Hemp extract made with Aerosol Extraction method.

Preserving the active compounds in cannabis extracts is crucial for maintaining their potency, flavor, and therapeutic effects. The aerosol R134a extraction only draws the most valuable actives from cannabis: terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids. That is why in a typical extract with 100% potency, the cannabinoids are usually at 85%, Terpenes at 10%, and flavonoids with other valuable compounds at around 5%. 

Overview

The extraction process described in this paper utilizes a cost-effective single-run aerosol extraction method that operates efficiently at ambient temperature, catering specifically to pharmaceutical applications. With a typical power consumption of just 2kW for a 20-liter low-pressure extractor (LPE), this system is designed for economical use, making it highly suitable for mobile and off-grid setups.

The output includes live resin and hash resin fractions that closely mimic the natural profile of the flower, ensuring a high-quality product. Notably, this extraction method achieves an impressive efficiency rate of up to 97%, demonstrating exceptional reliability and consistency. The selectivity of this innovative approach enhances its performance, providing a level of repeatability that surpasses existing extraction solutions on the market.

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