Key insights

• ⚗️ Understanding and controlling terpenes and cannabinoids in cannabis production is crucial for product quality and consistency.
• 🔬 Visualization method demonstrates changes in molecular makeup during drying, curing, extraction, and post-processing, emphasizing the complexity of the process.
• 🌿 Drying process impact on terpene and cannabinoid profiles requires better control and tracking methods in cannabis production.
• 💧 Drying cannabis reduces water content to prevent mold and bacteria growth, with slower drying resulting in higher terpene levels.
• 📦 Curing involves storage to preserve quality, and different packaging atmospheres influence terpene and cannabinoid concentrations.
• 🌱 Milling cannabis affects terpene levels and extraction efficiency, with smaller particle size and loose packing leading to better recovery.
• 🔍 Supercritical CO2 extraction is effective for separating THC and CBD fractions, with higher density providing better solubility for extraction.
• 📊 Variation in cannabinoid and terpene ratios in cannabis extracts based on extraction and processing methods, with ongoing research on the effects of post-processing.
• ⚠️ Challenges in identifying and understanding the molecular makeup of cannabis products and the need for extensive research and testing.

Q&A

• What challenges were discussed regarding cannabis products?

  The speaker discussed the challenges of identifying and understanding the molecular makeup of cannabis products. They emphasized the complexity of different cannabis strains and production methods.

• How can the composition of cannabis extracts be manipulated?

  The composition can be controlled by varying extraction and processing methods. Factors such as cannabinoid and terpene ratios, decarboxylation, and distillation can be adjusted.

• How effective is supercritical CO2 for extracting THC and CBD fractions?

  Supercritical CO2 extraction is effective for separating THC and CBD fractions, with higher density leading to better solubility.

• What was observed in the experiment on CO2 extraction of cannabis?

  The experiment showed the impact of particle size on terpene and cannabinoid concentration in different fractions.

• What is the influence of milling cannabis flowers on extraction?

  Milling affects terpene levels and extraction efficiency. Particle size and packing density influence extraction outcomes.

• How does curing affect cannabis?

  Curing involves storage to preserve quality. Different packaging atmospheres influence terpene and cannabinoid concentrations.

• What is the impact of drying on cannabis flowers?

  Drying reduces water content to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Slower drying results in higher terpene levels.

• 00:00 Dr. Marcus Hagen discusses the importance of understanding and controlling terpenes and cannabinoids in cannabis production. He presents a visualization method to demonstrate the changes in molecular makeup during drying, curing, extraction, and post-processing. The presentation highlights the variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other molecules in cannabis flowers, emphasizing the need for further research. Dr. Hagen also explores the drying process and its impact on terpene and cannabinoid profiles, advocating for better control and tracking methods in cannabis production.
• 07:34 Drying cannabis flowers reduces water content to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Slower drying results in higher terpene levels. Curing cannabis involves storage to preserve quality. Different packaging atmospheres influence terpene and cannabinoid concentrations. Milling cannabis flowers affects extraction outcomes but does not destroy THC or terpenes.
• 15:37 Milling cannabis affects terpene levels and extraction efficiency. Particle size and packing density influence extraction outcomes. Smaller particle size and loose packing lead to better terpene and cannabinoid recovery. Experiment on CO2 extraction of cannabis showed the impact of particle size on terpene and cannabinoid concentration in different fractions.
• 23:01 Experiments show that supercritical CO2 is more effective for extracting THC and CBD fractions, with higher density leading to better solubility. THC extracts faster than THC acid, and CBD is more soluble in CO2 than THC. Email for further questions. Bonus point: CBD acid decarboxylates slower than THC acid.
• 30:21 The composition of cannabis extracts can be manipulated by varying extraction and processing methods. Factors such as cannabinoid and terpene ratios, decarboxylation, and distillation can be controlled to produce specific extract characteristics. Real-time monitoring using IR spectroscopy allows for precise decarboxylation. Distillation may lead to the transformation of THC, and further research is ongoing.
• 37:37 The speaker discusses the challenges of identifying and understanding the molecular makeup of cannabis products. They present a real-life example of how changing production processes affected a patient's response to a CBD tincture. The speaker emphasizes the complexity of different cannabis strains and production methods, highlighting the need for extensive research and testing.