Efficient extraction of terpenes from hemp and cannabis

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This partnership between UVic Researchers and Keirton is intended to further the understanding of processes for extracting terpenes and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from hemp or cannabis biomass and evaluating different technologies for carrying out the process. Terpenes carry the flavor of cannabis products, while the medical effects are related to cannabinoids. The common extraction processes are solution based, where terpenes are dissolved in volatile solvents, and then isolated by evaporation of the solvent. These processes destroy as much as 30-50% of terpenes. Moreover, the solvents yield low quality product (e.g., cloudy liquid, unpleasant smell). The project will examine the use of freeze drying technologies for extraction of terpenes and VOC to replace solution based techniques. The proposed research will identify or develop physics models for each stage of the extraction process and interface them to obtain a full knowledge of the extraction process so Keirton can optimally apply and commercialize the technology into new products made in Canada. Design of the processes, and their control relies on understanding of the physics of the process, which will be a result of the research. The system architecture will need information about the characteristics and requirements of the different methodologies. Determining the best working conditions requires insight from thermodynamics. Legalization of cannabis is progressing worldwide. Canada is at the frontier in legalization, and is positioned to become a leader and provider of cannabis industry related technologies. There currently is no industrial technology on the market for extracting cannabis derived terpenes and VOC's. Following the project completion, Keirton will apply the knowledge obtained through this project to commercialize this technology by designing and developing products for a growing global cannabis market. Developing this technology will put Canada at the forefront of the industry and help to grow the Canadian cannabis sector.