Cannabis THC Remediation Equipment

THC remediation is essential for meeting legal requirements in the production of CBD products, ensuring they contain compliant levels of THC. Root Sciences offers advanced equipment that supports both crystallization and chromatography, the two leading methods for THC remediation, CBD isolation, and the purification of minor cannabinoids.

Crystallization is a fast, scalable method primarily used to isolate CBD from hemp extracts or distillates. This process generates two streams: a highly purified crystalline CBD isolate and a valuable ‘mother liquor’ containing minor cannabinoids. The mother liquor can undergo further purification through chromatography, either enriching its CBD content for additional crystallization rounds or removing THC entirely to produce broad-spectrum distillate. This combined approach maximizes CBD yield and reduces waste.

Root Sciences provides turnkey crystallization packages with processing capacities ranging from a few kilograms to hundreds of kilograms per shift. These packages come complete with pharmaceutical-grade filter reactors, temperature controllers, vacuum ovens, and solvent recovery solutions, offering a comprehensive solution for your THC remediation needs. With these systems, businesses can ensure compliance and deliver high-quality, low-THC products efficiently.

THC remediation works through advanced purification processes that separate or reduce THC levels in cannabis and hemp extracts while preserving other valuable cannabinoids, particularly CBD. The two primary methods used in this process are crystallization and chromatography, which can be used separately or together for more effective results. Here’s how each method works:

1. Crystallization

Crystallization is a highly effective and scalable process used to purify CBD from hemp extracts or distillates. In this method, the crude extract is subjected to controlled conditions, allowing CBD to form pure crystals while the remaining components stay in a liquid phase known as the “mother liquor.”

• Step 1: The hemp extract is dissolved in a solvent and cooled to induce crystallization.
• Step 2: CBD crystals are formed and isolated from the liquid. The resulting CBD isolate is highly pure, typically over 99%.
• Step 3: The remaining mother liquor still contains valuable compounds, such as minor cannabinoids and some residual THC, which can be further processed.

Crystallization is fast, reliable, and can be easily scaled from small to large production runs, making it a preferred choice for producing pure CBD.

2. Chromatography

Chromatography is a more precise technique that separates compounds based on their chemical properties. It’s commonly used to further purify the mother liquor from the crystallization process or to remove THC directly from an extract.

• Step 1: The mother liquor or extract is passed through a column filled with a special media that separates the compounds.
• Step 2: As the extract moves through the column, the THC and CBD are separated based on their different affinities to the media. This allows the CBD-rich fraction to be isolated while the THC is removed.
• Step 3: The purified CBD fraction can either be used directly or go through additional rounds of crystallization for further enrichment.

Chromatography is essential for producing broad-spectrum distillates that are THC-free while retaining other beneficial cannabinoids.

By using both crystallization and chromatography, manufacturers can efficiently reduce THC levels, meet regulatory requirements, and maximize CBD yield. Root Sciences provides equipment for both processes, offering a comprehensive solution for THC remediation tailored to the specific needs of cannabinoid processors.

THC remediation offers several key benefits and advantages, particularly for producers looking to create compliant, high-quality cannabinoid products. Here’s an overview of the most significant advantages:

1. Legal Compliance

One of the primary benefits of THC remediation is ensuring that products meet legal requirements. Many markets, including the U.S., mandate that CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC. THC remediation allows producers to meet these regulatory standards, making their products eligible for sale in various regions.

2. High-Purity Products

Through advanced techniques like crystallization and chromatography, THC remediation produces highly purified cannabinoid products. Crystallization isolates CBD into a nearly pure crystalline form (often over 99% pure), while chromatography can remove THC without affecting other valuable cannabinoids. This results in THC-free or low-THC CBD isolates and broad-spectrum distillates that are both potent and compliant.

3. Preservation of Minor Cannabinoids

One of the key advantages of THC remediation, particularly when using chromatography, is the ability to preserve minor cannabinoids. These compounds, such as CBG, CBN, and CBC, are often sought after for their therapeutic benefits. By carefully removing only THC, the final product retains the natural, full-spectrum profile of the original extract.

4. Scalability

THC remediation technologies, particularly crystallization, are scalable to meet the demands of operations of any size. Root Sciences offers equipment that can process from a few kilograms to hundreds of kilograms per shift, allowing businesses to start small or expand their operations as needed. This scalability makes THC remediation cost-effective and accessible for both small and large producers.

5. Increased Yield and Efficiency

By combining crystallization and chromatography, manufacturers can reduce waste and maximize the yield of CBD from each batch of extract. After the initial crystallization process, the remaining mother liquor, which still contains valuable cannabinoids, can be further processed to capture more CBD. This dual approach ensures that no material goes to waste, increasing overall efficiency and profitability.

6. Consumer Demand for THC-Free Products

Many consumers are looking for THC-free CBD products due to personal preference, health reasons, or job requirements (such as drug testing). Offering THC-free or low-THC products widens a company’s market appeal and ensures that their products can cater to this growing demand.

7. Versatile Applications

THC remediation produces CBD isolates, THC-free broad-spectrum distillates, and other cannabinoid-rich formulations that can be used in a wide range of products, including tinctures, topicals, edibles, and vape products. This versatility enables manufacturers to diversify their product offerings and enter new markets.

In summary, THC remediation ensures compliance with legal standards, produces high-purity cannabinoid products, preserves minor cannabinoids, maximizes yield, and offers scalability for businesses of all sizes. These benefits allow manufacturers to meet market demands while optimizing their production processes.

1. What is THC remediation equipment used for?
   THC remediation equipment is used to reduce or remove THC from cannabis and hemp extracts to meet legal and regulatory requirements. This equipment is essential for producing CBD isolates, THC-free broad-spectrum distillates, and other low-THC cannabinoid products that comply with industry standards.
2. What methods are used in THC remediation?
   The two primary methods used in THC remediation are crystallization and chromatography. Crystallization isolates pure CBD in crystalline form, while chromatography separates THC from other cannabinoids, allowing for THC removal without losing the beneficial compounds in the extract.
3. What are the advantages of using chromatography in THC remediation?
   Chromatography offers precise separation of THC from other cannabinoids, allowing manufacturers to create THC-free products while preserving the full-spectrum profile of minor cannabinoids. This method is highly effective for producing broad-spectrum distillates with little to no THC.
4. How does crystallization work in THC remediation?
   Crystallization works by dissolving CBD-rich hemp extract in a solvent and cooling it under controlled conditions, which causes CBD to form pure crystals. This process is fast, scalable, and results in a highly purified CBD isolate, while the leftover solution, called mother liquor, contains THC and other cannabinoids that can be further processed.
5. What capacity does THC remediation equipment have?
   Root Sciences offers turnkey THC remediation equipment with capacities ranging from a few kilograms to hundreds of kilograms per shift. This scalability allows businesses to start with smaller batches and scale up to meet increased production demands.
6. Can THC remediation equipment be customized to my business needs?
   Yes, Root Sciences offers customized THC remediation solutions based on the specific production requirements of your business. You can choose equipment tailored to the volume, processing method, and cannabinoid profile you’re working with.
7. What solvents are used in the THC remediation process?
   Solvents such as ethanol or heptane are often used in the crystallization process to dissolve the extract and facilitate CBD crystal formation. Chromatography may also use solvents to separate cannabinoids, depending on the type of media and system in use.
8. How long does it take to remove THC using this equipment?
   The time required for THC remediation depends on the method and scale of operation. Crystallization can be completed within hours, while chromatography may take longer depending on the volume being processed. Root Sciences’ turnkey systems are designed for efficiency, helping to minimize downtime.
9. Is THC remediation equipment compliant with industry standards?
   Yes, Root Sciences’ THC remediation equipment is designed to meet cGMP, GLP, and FDA regulations. This ensures that your products are manufactured in compliance with industry safety and quality standards.
10. What types of cannabinoids can be isolated using THC remediation equipment?
    In addition to THC and CBD, THC remediation equipment can also purify and isolate minor cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, and CBC. These compounds can be preserved through careful processing to create full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products.
11. What are the maintenance requirements for THC remediation equipment?
    THC remediation equipment typically requires routine maintenance, including cleaning in place (CIP) and regular monitoring of solvent levels and system performance. Many systems are equipped with alarms and automated features to streamline maintenance and minimize operational interruptions.
12. Can THC remediation equipment be used for both CBD and other cannabinoids?
    Yes, THC remediation equipment can be used for various cannabinoids beyond CBD. The equipment is versatile and can handle different cannabinoid profiles, making it ideal for producing compliant extracts from both cannabis and hemp.
13. Does THC remediation equipment affect product potency?
    No, properly used THC remediation equipment does not reduce the potency of the final product. In fact, it enhances purity by removing unwanted THC and concentrating other cannabinoids, such as CBD, resulting in a higher-quality end product.