Process
For this THC remediation case study, we started with 40 kg of un-winterized, non-decarbed CO2 extract. We heated the material overnight using heat blankets to liquefy the extract for easy pouring. There was a significant amount of water mixed with this batch of extract.
We raised the reactor lid and tilted the reactor forward to make it easier to pour the buckets of extract into the reactor.
The reactor was returned to the upright position, the stirrer attached and the lid secured. The operator started the THC remediation process using the touch screen. Starting material type was selected, extract weight entered, and extract cannabinoid composition entered.
After the operator confirmed the safety checks, automated THC remediation began.
Results
Below is a table of the cannabinoid profile over time during remediation.
| Hour | THCa | THC | CBDa | CBD |
| 0 | 0.3 % | 1.2 % | 22.7 % | 13.8 % |
| 3 | 0.0 % | 1.7 % | 2.9 % | 37.5 % |
| 6 | 0.0 % | 1.7 % | 1.1 % | 38.7 % |
| 9 | 0.0 % | 0.8 % | 0.1 % | 37.5 % |
| 12 | 0.0 % | 0.8 % | 0.1 % | 37.7 % |
| 15 | 0.0 % | 0.5 % | 0.0 % | 34.1 % |
| 18 | 0.0 % | 0.2 % | 0.0 % | 30.8 % |
| 20 | 0.0 % | 0.0 % | 0.0 % | 26.5 % |
| 22 | 0.0 % | 0.0 % | 0.0 % | 26.3 % |
THC is below 0.2% by 18 hours and is non-detect by 20 hours. Automatic operation stopped at hour 22.
Larger batches tend to have less CBD loss. We did not monitor Minor cannabinoids during this study, but typically half of the minor cannabinoids are lost during remediation.
After remediation, the reactor was emptied through the drain in the bottom. The reactor was then cleaned with ethanol before the next batch was started.
THC remediation can be performed on an extract that is winterized or un-winterized. It can also be performed on an extract that is decarbed or non-decarbed. CBD or CBG extracts can be remediated. Distillate and mother liquor can also be remediated.
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