Abstract
Despite its use by humans for thousands of years, the technology of cannabis usage and extraction is still evolving. Given that the primary pharmacological compounds of interest are cannabinoid and terpenoids found in greatest abundance in capitate glandular trichomes of unfertilized female inflorescences, it is surprising that older techniques of hashish making have received less technological advancement. The purpose of this study was to employ organically grown cannabis and to isolate pure trichomes from freshly picked flowers via exposure to vapor from solid CO2, commonly known as “dry ice”, followed by their isolation via sifting through a 150 µ screens while maintaining the cold chain. Biochemical analysis was undertaken on fresh flower, frozen-sifted flower by-products, treated trichomes (Kryo-Kief™), dried flower, dried sifted flower by-product and dried kief. The dry ice process successfully concentrated cannabinoid content as high as 60.7%, with corresponding concentration and preservation of monoterpenoids encountered in fresh flower that are usually lost during the conventional cannabis drying and curing process. The resulting dried sifted flower by-product after dry ice processing remains a usable commodity. This approach may be of interest to pharmaceutical companies and supplement producers pursuing cannabis-based medicine development with an eye toward full synergy of ingredients harnessing the entourage effect.
Highlights
Phytocannabinoids and cannabis terpenoids are the primary medicinal components for most cannabis-based medicines
Phytocannabinoids and cannabis terpenoids are produced in greatest abundance in the capitate glandular trichomes of unfertilized female inflorescences
Given the volume of a sphere as 4/3πr3, a 150 μ diameter capitate glandular trichome on the bract of a cannabis inflorescence would have a volume of 1.77 × 10−3 mm3 as compared to a 30 μ diameter sessile trichome on a leaf with a volume of 1.41 × 10−5 mm3, which is a two order of magnitude difference
Summary
Phytocannabinoids and cannabis terpenoids are the primary medicinal components for most cannabis-based medicines. Heretofore, cannabis extraction and processing has generally operated under the assumption that the material would be smoked. In modern times, this approach of drying and curing is outmoded and counterproductive, adding unnecessary steps, costs and reducing monoterpenoid content while retaining extraneous components. Phytocannabinoids and cannabis terpenoids are produced in greatest abundance in the capitate glandular trichomes of unfertilized female inflorescences. Given the volume of a sphere as 4/3πr , a 150 μ diameter capitate glandular trichome on the bract of a cannabis inflorescence would have a volume of 1.77 × 10−3 mm as compared to a 30 μ diameter sessile trichome on a leaf with a volume of 1.41 × 10−5 mm , which is a two order of magnitude difference.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
