Extraction

Brian C. Smith, PhD, is Founder, CEO, and Chief Technical Officer of Big Sur Scientific. He is the inventor of the BSS series of patented mid-infrared based cannabis analyzers. Dr. Smith has done pioneering research and published numerous peer-reviewed papers on the application of mid-infrared spectroscopy to cannabis analysis, and sits on the editorial board of Cannabis Science and Technology. He has worked as a laboratory director for a cannabis extractor, as an analytical chemist for Waters Associates and PerkinElmer, and as an analytical instrument salesperson. He has more than 30 years of experience in chemical analysis and has written three books on the subject. Dr. Smith earned his PhD on physical chemistry from Dartmouth College. Direct correspondence to: 

Articles

A discussion on how extractors need to monitor the chemical processes they perform.

The FDA is Coming…Will the Cannabis Industry Be Ready? Part III: Process Control for Extractors

How will the need for increased testing impact extractors?

The FDA is Coming…Will the Cannabis Industry Be Ready? Part II: In-House Testing for Extractors

Lo Friesen is the founder, CEO, and Chief Extractor of Heylo. With a background in chemistry and clinical research, Lo was inspired to explore cannabis as a medicine and to enter the emerging industry. She joined Eden Labs, a leading CO

 extraction equipment manufacturer to support and expand a Research and Development department. There she managed the development of their latest and greatest CO

 extraction system. In 2017, after working with Eden Labs and another cannabis processor, Lo launched Heylo with a mission to help people get more out of life with cannabis.

Here we explore various refinement methods for removal of plant waxes from cannabis extract.

Methods and Advancements in Wax Fractionation from Cannabis Extract

This article explores the pros and cons of grinding cannabis prior to extraction along with the effects of particle size.

To Grind or Not To Grind

Highlights of the challenges facing the cannabis extracts industry and discussion about the need for standardized methods and the role of laboratory accreditation.

Cannabis Extracts: The Need for Standardization and Accreditation in Emerging Industries

A review of the chemical makeup of cannabis extracts and how they affect the human body. From terpenes to cannabinoids, this article takes a deep dive into the chemistry of cannabis extracts.

Exploring the Chemical Makeup of Cannabis Extract by Method

We’d like to know more about the extraction techniques you currently use, the future of extraction, and how you stay up-to-date on the latest information.

Cannabis Science and Technology’s Extraction User Survey

This article explores hazardous location requirements and hazardous area classification as they relate to extraction facility design and construction, specifically diving into the National Fire Protection Association code 497.

Hazardous Location Requirements for Chemical Process Areas in Extraction Facilities

David Hodes has written for many cannabis publications, and organized or moderated sessions at national and international cannabis trade shows. He was voted the 2018 Journalist of the Year by Americans for Safe Access, the world’s largest medical cannabis advocacy organization.

The first installment of this column examines the development of various extraction technologies.

New Extraction Technologies Lining Up to Be Game-Changers

Dr. Markus Roggen discusses his research and what we can expect from his talk “Collaborative Research for Fundamental Insight into Cannabis Production” during the Spring 2020 CANN Virtual Symposium in The Second Annual ElSohly Award session on Wednesday, May 6.

The 2020 ElSohly Award Winners: Dr. Markus Roggen

Jiries Meehan-Atrash discusses his research and what we can expect from his talk “Thermal Degradation of Cannabis Extract Constituents: Mechanistic Insight” during the Spring 2020 CANN Virtual Symposium in The Second Annual ElSohly Award session on Wednesday, May 6.

The 2020 ElSohly Award Winners: Jiries Meehan-Atrash

This study considers the use of ethanol as a co-solvent in a carbon dioxide extraction of cannabinoids and its effects on extraction time and overall raw yield.

Co-Solvent Ethanol Injection Helping CO2 Extraction

A look at some important questions that business owners must consider during the initial design phase when starting an extraction facility.

Extraction Facility Design: Important Factors to Consider Before Selecting Extraction Equipment

Higher Education: It’s Not Just a Pipe Dream Anymore

Dr. Steven Splinter, Radient Technologies, Inc., discusses his role in extraction and manufacturing in Canada.

Talking Extraction: Continuous-Flow  Extraction, Quality Control, Challenges, and More 

John A. MacKay, Synergistic Technologies Associates and Brian C. Smith, Big Sur Scientific offer advice on the most important thing newcomers to cannabis extraction need to learn.

Ask the Experts: Extraction, Part IV: What Is the Most Important Thing that Newcomers to the Field Would Need to Learn?

An overview of some of the ways various temperature and pressure combinations can tune the polarity of CO2, and how analytics can be utilized to monitor chemovar profiles.

Deeper Dive into Extractions: Multiphase CO2 Extractions for Full Spectrum Native Chemical Profiles

Leading extraction scientists and researchers from the cannabis industry-John A. MacKay, Synergistic Technologies Associates and Brian C. Smith, Big Sur Scientific-participate in this round-table discussion series on extraction. This month they offer advice on how to get started for people that are new to cannabis extraction.

Ask the Experts: Extraction, Part III: For People that Are New to Cannabis Extraction, What Is the Best Piece of Advice You Can Offer to Get Them Started?

A look at the capabilities of microwave-assisted extraction and how the cannabis industry can utilize it

Strain-Specific Isolation of Terpenes Utilizing Microwave-Assisted Extraction

The final installment of this series reviews how processing parameters affect yields in extraction.