Temperature Control in Cannabis Essential Oil Extraction
Discover how temperature influences terpenes and flavorants throughout every stage of the cannabis extraction process.
Terpenes and flavorants make up the essential oil extracted from the cannabis biomass. Terpenes give them unique scents, while flavorants like aldehydes, esters, alcohols, phenols, and sulfuric compounds enhance the flavor profile of cannabis products.
Cannabis terpenes are highly sensitive compounds with low boiling points and readily evaporate or degrade when exposed to ambient conditions like heat, moisture, UV light, and oxygen. Temperature variations or high heat significantly reduce their potency, altering chemical composition, aromatics, and flavor profiles, which can affect the cannabis product's quality.
Studies show that terpene loss begins as soon as the cannabis plant is harvested, and without proper storage, up to 40% of its terpene content can be lost within a week. Maintaining precise temperature control during cannabis extraction and storage is an effective way to protect terpene integrity and preserve the desired sensory profile of the final product.
How to Preserve Terpenes During Extraction
Steam distillation is ideal for extracting cannabis essential oil from the flowers and leaves. If you intend to prevent terpene loss while producing CBD oil or cannabis oil, these tips will be helpful.
Maintain low temperatures during extraction.
Terpenes each have a unique boiling point, and using temperatures above these values during extraction can lead to terpene loss. To preserve their integrity and maximize flavor and aroma, refer to the table below for the boiling points of common cannabis terpenes.
| Terpene | Boiling Point |
|---|---|
| Myrcene | 166-168℃ |
| Beta-Caryophyllene | 119℃ |
| Limonene | 177℃ |
| Pinene | 156℃ |
| Humulene | 106℃ |
| Terpinolene | 186℃ |
| Linalool | 198℃ |
| Eucalyptol | 176℃ |
Select your extraction methods carefully.
If you want to retain high terpene content, avoid ethanol extraction and use these alternative techniques:
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Ice Water Hash - Instead of involving heat and solvent, this method mixes the biomass with near-freezing water to allow the resin-rich trichomes to separate from the plant material.
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Hydrocarbon Extraction - Hydrocarbon functions as a solvent with a low boiling point. It isolates desired compounds without impacting the plant's natural flavor and terpene content.
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Supercritical CO₂ Extraction - Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is preferred when extracting delicate plant compounds. This method dissolves impurities without heat, which is its greatest advantage.
Choose the most suitable extraction technique to ensure terpene stability and the quality, flavor, and therapeutic benefits of cannabis concentrates.
How to Optimize Storage Conditions
Keep cannabis biomass in a freeze dryer.
Proper storage procedures for your biomass must be followed even before extraction. Vacuum seal or freeze-dry it to prevent the buds from degrading and protect them from contaminants. Invest in a quality freeze dryer and vacuum pump to remove moisture and minimize pressure to keep your biomass fresh until it is ready for extraction.
Store extracts in the correct containers.
To preserve their quality, store terpenes and flavorants in airtight, UV-protective glass jars or containers after extraction. Keep them in rooms with temperatures no more than 21℃, away from light and moisture. Avoid opening these jars frequently to limit the exposure of terpenes to oxygen and contaminants. Remember that oxidation and contamination can alter the chemical structure of terpenes.
These practices will help lessen the effects of temperature fluctuations on the quality of terpenes and flavorants, which are necessary for medical applications, cannabis research, pharmaceuticals, and commercial products.
Related FAQs
Is cannabis oil the same as CBD oil?
No. Cannabis oil is extracted from the plant and contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). It has psychoactive properties used for medical and recreational purposes. CBD oil, on the other hand, is extracted from hemp and contains mainly CBD with little to no THC. Unlike cannabis oil, it is non-psychoactive and is commonly used as a dietary supplement.
Meanwhile, cannabis essential oil is extracted from the flowers and leaves of a cannabis plant. It contains high terpene content with low to no THC and CBD and is widely used in perfumes, aromatherapy, and wellness products.
What is a high terpene percentage?
In cannabis, a high terpene percentage typically means terpene concentrations exceed 3% of the plant's dry weight. Strains with 1% or less are considered low in terpenes, while those reaching 4% are very high and rare.
Check out different kinds of vacuum pumps and cannabis extraction supplies at The Lab Depot! Contact our team at 1-800-733-2522, email, or through live chat on our website for expert support.
Sources:
https://us.hollandgreenscience.com/blog/how-to-preserve-terpenes-in-your-cannabis-oil-extraction
https://goldcoastterpenes.com/11-factors-that-affect-terpene-boiling-points-and-temperatures/
https://projectcbd.org/sites/projectcbd/files/downloads/cannabis-terpenes-boiling-points-chart.pdf
https://www.rootsciences.com/blog/best-ways-to-preserve-your-terpenes/