Author: DeBacco University
Cannabis Edibles Professor DeBacco ctpharma Special thanks to ctpharma for providing current and publicly available analytical reports and labels for products they produce. The descriptions, options and uses are intended to provide an understanding of some of the end products of the cannabis plant. The Analytical Reports are an important and often missed component that should accompany any product someone is interested in purchasing. Description of Edibles Edibles are either ready to be eaten, or ready to be infused food items, infused with marijuana. Multiple different dosages. Multitude of different food variations Edibles Options CTPharma offers several unique edibles and…
Flowering or Bloom Phase of the Cannabis Growth Cycle Professor DeBacco Flowering Stage Length The flowering stage is the final growth stage of a cannabis plant and is when the buds are produced and maturing. This is typically in the weeks 8-11 of the growth cycle. Most strains flower in 8-9 weeks of the growth phase. Some can take even longer (Ex. Sativa dominate strains) Overall Progression Flowering Stage Outdoor and Indoor Outdoor plants will initiate flowering naturally when the plant receives 12 hours of light or less each day which occurs as summer transitions into fall. Indoor growers can…
Water Based Extraction of Cannabis Professor DeBacco Two Main Water Based Extraction Methods Both use a solvent-free concentrate which customers are often looking for. Cold Water Hot Water Cold Water Extraction 1. Water extraction utilizes a solvent-less method of extraction that submerges finely chopped cannabis plant material in freezing water. 2. The plant is stirred in the cold water causing the trichomes to separate from the plant. 3. Once the trichomes fall off of the plant, it will pass through a series of screens. The end result is a product that has 50% to 70% THC levels. Hot Water Extraction…
Delta 8 THC Compared to Delta 9 THC Professor DeBacco Delta-9 THC Explained As an activator of the CB1 receptor, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol — commonly known as THC is the main intoxicating component of cannabis. THC intoxication has been shown to increase blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain responsible for decision-making, attention, motor skills, and other executive functions. When THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain’s reward system, it can trigger feelings of euphoria. Much of THC’s ability to relieve pain is due to its interaction with CB1 receptors in the midbrain. Delta-8 THC Explained Delta-8-THC…
Alcohol (Ethanol) Based Extraction of Cannabis Professor DeBacco Description of Alcohol Extraction Method Cannabis is thoroughly soaked and rinsed in 95-100% ethanol solution, until sufficient breakdown of solutes has occurred The plant material is then removed from the mixture and the remaining solution can either be used in tinctures or it is heated at a precise temperature until the ethanol has evaporated. Once all of the ethanol has evaporated you are left with a dark tar like substance rich in cannabinoids called Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO). Ethanol Machine Used for Extraction and Distillation Resulting End Product of Alcohol Extraction…
Compounds Produced by Cannabis Cannabis is a complex plant with over 500 chemical entities Trichomes- There are the physical structures that contain the cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)- The psychoactive compound that generates the marijuana high CBD (Cannabidiol)- Non-psychoactive chemical compound (does not get you high). Has many medical benefits such as suppressing seizures, pain relief, improve sleep. THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)- Produces a high that comes about on quick and is often associated with a caffeine rush because it is a high energy compound. CBN (Cannabinol)- Not well documented, but shares some characteristics of CBD with less potency. CBG (Cannabigerol)-…
Cannabis Extraction Options Professor DeBacco Why Extract? Extraction allows for a purified product from the cannabis plant, that is showing increased popularity among consumers. Extracts also offer more consistent dosing. There are different methods of extraction each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Water Based Extraction Advantages Elimination of additional sample clean up Ease of automation Cheap solvent (water) Disadvantages Long residence time of extracts has an increased risk of phytochemical degradation. Rosin Advantages Near pure concentrate produced Relatively simple and easy process with minimal specialized equipment required. Disadvantages High pressure rosin presses can be extremely dangerous if misused It…