Effect of Hemp Extraction Procedures on Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Composition

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacognosy

Background:

• Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) phytochemicals are valuable for research and consumption.
• Common extraction methods include supercritical CO2, hydrodistillation, and ethanol extraction.
• These methods may differentially impact the final phytochemical composition, affecting product quality and effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of hemp extracts obtained via three primary commercial methods.
• To analyze the chemical composition resulting from supercritical CO2, hydrodistillation, and ethanol extraction.
• To understand how extraction techniques influence hemp's chemical makeup.

Main Methods:

• Hemp inflorescence from a CBD/CBG dominant cultivar was extracted using supercritical CO2, hydrodistillation, and ethanol.
• Terpene content was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
• Cannabinoid content was quantified using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Main Results:

• Hydrodistilled extracts showed the highest terpene diversity and abundance, with beta-caryophyllene being most concentrated.
• Supercritical CO2 extracts yielded the most diverse and abundant cannabinoids, with CBD levels ranging from 12.8-20.6 mg/g.
• Ethanol extracts contained the highest levels of acidic cannabinoids, such as CBDA (3.2-4.1 mg/g), and minimal terpenes.

Conclusions:

• The choice of hemp extraction method significantly influences the resulting cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
• Different extraction processes lead to distinct chemical compositions, potentially affecting the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of hemp products.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for optimizing hemp product development and application.