ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN PHARMACEUTICAL & COSMETIC REVIEW – MARCH 2025
The cannabis industry’s growth has propelled the need for efficient processing techniques in laboratories, catering to expanding applications in healthcare. This article provides lab professionals with a detailed walkthrough of cannabis processing, highlighting the techniques and equipment used at every stage.
1. EXTRACTION METHODS
The first and crucial step in cannabis processing is the extraction of cannabinoids from the plant material. Several methods can be used, each with unique benefits and applications:
• Supercritical CO2 extraction allows for the dissolution of trichomes, where cannabinoids and terpenes are stored, under precise temperature and pressure conditions. This method ensures the selective extraction of desired compounds with minimal residue.
• Hydrocarbon extraction involves solvents like butane and propane to effectively strip cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. This method is ideal for producing extracts with high terpene content. It is crucial to carry out the process in a controlled environment to ensure safety.
Buchi extraction systems, available in South Africa from Labotec, are designed to control temperature and pressure settings. They ensure maximum yield and purity, safeguarding the integrity of sensitive cannabinoids.
2. CONCENTRATION OF EXTRACTS
Following extraction, concentration is essential to refine the extract by removing excess solvents. To ensure cannabinoids are not degraded during concentration, it is important for the laboratory to precisely control
parameters like temperature. Rotary evaporators take centre stage in this step, employing vacuum and low heat to distil solvents while retaining cannabinoid integrity. Buchi’s Industrial Rotavapor R-220SE offers safe and efficient industrial distillation by intuitive operation and handling.
3. CANNABINOID SEPARATION
Once concentrated, cannabinoids require further separation to isolate specific compounds like THC and CBD. Advanced techniques include:
• Flash chromatography, which is a rapid method crucial for isolating cannabinoids. It uses a stationary phase supported by mobile phases to achieve purification.
• Preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which is necessary when higher purity or precision is required. This technique allows for the exact separation of cannabinoids and the removal of impurities, ensuring product safety and compliance.
For this step, Labotec offers the Pure range of chromatography instruments, which are extremely compact and ensure high level safety.
These state-of-the-art flash chromatography and preparative HPLCs with UV detectors facilitate both aforementioned separation processes, yielding cannabinoid purities ranging from 92% to 98%.
4. SOLVENT RECYCLING AND POST-SEPARATION CONCENTRATION
Maximising efficiency, solvent recycling is an integral part of the purification process. Rotary evaporators in the Rotavapor series not only
concentrate cannabinoids but also ensure solvent recovery for subsequent use. Systems like the Rotavapor R-220 SE offer continuous operation capabilities, enhancing output while minimising manual intervention.
5. WINTERISATION
This represents a vital refinement phase aimed at removing fats, waxes and lipids post-extraction. By dissolving cannabis extracts in ethanol and subjecting them to low temperatures, winterisation ensures the purity and consistency of the isolate. Filtration systems used in winterisation must be highly efficient and capable of operating at low temperatures to effectively separate unwanted compounds without compromising cannabinoid quality.
6. QUALITY CONTROL AND ASSURANCE
It is essential to ensure medical cannabis products meet stringent quality standards. Labotec’s near-infrared spectroscopy equipment and the Novasina LabMaster NEO offer quick and precise analysis of cannabinoid content, moisture levels and water activity.
A PARTNER IN PROCESSING EQUIPMENT
By employing the advanced lab solutions sold in South Africa by Labotec, laboratories can navigate the complexities of cannabis processing with greater efficacy and precision.
Each step – from extraction to quality control – relies on specialised equipment and knowledge, underpinning the production of cannabis products that meet regulatory and consumer expectations.
WHITEPAPER : DOWNLOAD THE FORMULATION ADVISOR FOR CANNABIS OIL SAMPLES – How to encapsulate and spray dry CBD & THC
