Optimization of the supercritical extraction and decarboxylation process of industrial hemp

Abstract

Cannabinoids are the main active ingredients of Cannabis sativa L., obtained by a suitable extraction method and decarboxylation, in which the acid forms of the cannabinoids are converted into active forms. Supercritical CO₂ extraction method and decarboxylation process were optimized for 7 cannabinoids (CBD, CBDA, THC, THCA, CBGA, CBN and CBC). The optimal extraction conditions for all cannabinoids were determined at a temperature of 60 °C and a pressure of 300 bar to 550 bar. At higher temperatures and reaction times, a significant depletion of neutral cannabinoids was observed. The optimal conditions of the decarboxylation process varied depending on the component. For the CBD component, which could be measured in the highest concentrations (560 mg/g), the optimal conditions were 140 °C and 10 min. The study can be an important model for predicting the behavior of cannabinoids under certain parameters.