Temperature and time are two key elements of maceration that are tightly entwined with cannabis extraction efficiency, as defined by yield and cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. A study from Thailand sought to pin down the values at which these two elements provide the optimal condition for cannabis extraction using ethanol. [1]
The tested values of temperature and time ranged between 40 and 80oC and 30 and 90 minutes, respectively, making up 10 circumscribed central composite conditions. The extracts were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), “validated to ensure the reliability of the analysis.”
Results
Yield
The yield range across the 10 conditions was between 18.63 and 22.39%. The best result was on condition 8 — 60oC for 90 minutes, whereas the worst result was condition 5 — 40oC for 60 minutes.
CBD Content
CBD content varied between 6.98% and 8.10%. The best and worst conditions were Condition 5 and Condition 8, respectively.
THC Content
THC content ranged between 25.90% and 30.67%, with the optimal and least optimal conditions being the same as the ones for CBD — 5 and 8, respectively.
Results Discussion
What those results mean is that while extracted CBD and THC content have a highly positive correlation with one another, they both have a negative correlation with yield.
The authors took these findings further with a desirability approach restrained to CBD and THC content. They concluded that using ethanol for macerating at a low temperature for a short period of time — 40o C and 30 minutes, respectively, provided the highest desirability value for maximizing CBD and THC. An increase in the value of those parameters would lead to a decrease in CBD and THC content. [1]
Reference:
- Monton C, et al. “Optimal Condition of Cannabis Maceration to Obtain the High Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Content.” An Acad Bras Cienc, 91, no. 3, 2019. Journal Impact Factor = 1.024; Times Cited = N/A
Image Credits: V&P Scientific
