EXTRACTION OF CANNABINOIDS, FLAVONOIDS AND TERPENES FROM CANNABIS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for preparing an extract from Cannabis comprising an extraction step of treating the Cannabis with carbon dioxide at a temperature of between 0° C. to 15° C. and a pressure between 1250 psi and 1600 psi to obtain an extract; and centrifuging the extract between 20° C. to 40° C.

Claims

1. A process for preparing an extract from Cannabis comprising an extraction step of treating the Cannabis with carbon dioxide at a temperature of between 0° C. to 15° C. and a pressure between 1250 psi and 1600 psi to obtain an extract; and centrifuging the extract between 20° C. to 40° C.

2. The solvent-free process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extraction step is followed by decarboxylation step before the centrifugation.

3. The solvent-free process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the centrifuging is carried out multiple times at an RPM of between 5000-12000.

4. The solvent-free process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the centrifuging is followed by a manual separation.

5. The solvent-free process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extract comprises cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.

6. A Cannabis extract comprising cannabinoid in a range of 30-75%, terpenes 5-35% and flavonoids.

7. The Cannabis extract as claimed in claim 6, wherein the extract is used as concentrate in medicament, pharmaceutical product, cosmetic product and food additive, herbal preparations and supplements.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention is directed towards a process for preparing an extract from Cannabis and the extract prepared therefrom, wherein the extract is a high-purity refined Cannabis concentrate which is rich in cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and provides a broad-spectrum of the original plant-based compounds. This process ensures the most minimal degradation of volatile plant-based compounds.

[0012] In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for preparing an extract from Cannabis comprising [0013] an extraction step of treating the Cannabis with carbon dioxide at a temperature of between 0° C. to 15° C. and a pressure between 1250 psi and 1600 psi to obtain an extract; and [0014] centrifuging the extract between 20° C. to 40° C.

[0015] In this regard, extraction step is followed by a decarboxylation step preferably between 115° C. to 14o° C. and then centrifugation at 16° C. to 27° C. These parameters allow for a comprehensive spectrum of the cannabinoid, terpenoid and flavonoid profiles of the plant matter to be concentrated effectively without the de-naturing that takes place at higher temperatures and pressures. Also, the extraction process that occurs under these parameters leaves much of the waxes and lipids behind in the plant matter and does not include them in the resultant concentrate, thus facilitating future refinement.

[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, the centrifuging is conducted in a refrigerated centrifuge resulting in a mechanical separation of the components of the concentrate. Lipids, waxes and moisture will separate from the desired concentrate material without de-naturing the aromatic profile, as long as the temperatures are strictly controlled. In this regard, the centrifuging typically takes place over a series of cycles through the centrifuge with RPM's between 5,000 and 12,000 and durations between 30 minutes and 6 hours. The temperature range of between 20° C. and 40° C., ideally utilizes increasing temperature and pressure in subsequent cycles, once the more easily separated components are removed to minimize their exposure to higher temperatures.

[0017] By carefully controlling the temperature and pressure below the super-critical temperature and pressure, it has been possible to separate out specific fractions rich in cannabinoids along with the terpenes and flavonoids which can be separated relatively easily to obtain an extract which contains the desirable components in an acceptable form.

[0018] Furthermore, very good batch-to-batch reproducibility can be obtained between batches and unwanted constituents, such as waxes, resins or other undesirable compounds which may be present to varying extents in the raw material, can be left behind in the exhausted material.

[0019] In another aspect, the invention also relates to a Cannabis extract comprising cannabinoid in a range of 30-75%, terpenes 5-35% and flavonoids.

[0020] In an embodiment, the Cannabis extract is obtained in an yield by mass of 6-20%.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the extract may be used in a wide range of applications and can be added as a concentrate in pharmaceuticals, foods, herbal preparations, supplements.

[0022] Advantageously, the process as a whole is a set of processes whose significance lies in their combination and specificity, resulting in a refined Cannabis extract. The extract is obtained through a single stage of extraction, as opposed to conventional practices including multiple-stage process, and without the use of a secondary solvent based winterization process. Thus, the extract provides a high degree of medically significant plant extract in a stable form.

EXAMPLES

[0023] The following experimental examples are illustrative of the invention but not limitative of the scope thereof:

[0024] Cannabis plant material was cultivated under the medical Cannabis laws of the State of California.

[0025] The plant material was subjected to pre-extraction processes and prepared to specifications, which included the removal of the non-flower plant components, appropriate moisture level, appropriate process temperature control, etc. Subsequently, the plant material, preferably the flowering part, was ground and loaded into a CO2 extraction machine. The machine was operated within a specific set of parameters which allowed for concentration to take place, and there was an accumulation of “crude” concentrate which was removed from the collection chamber. This material was then loaded into centrifuge tubes, and passed through an initial process of centrifugation, at the beginning of the centrifuge protocol designated. From here, there was a manual separation process to remove the purified oils from the lipids, waxes and water contaminants. Then, further steps of the centrifugation protocol were utilized to more thoroughly and completely refine the concentrate until the process was complete. The resultant concentrate was utilized as per product development goals.

[0026] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since the modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to the person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the disclosure.