GLGc GUILD

WRITTEN BY DUSTIN POWERS @FUTURE4200 &

KYLE A. JONES @ILLNYETHESHATTERGUY AND TEAM @FUTURECOMPOUNDS
DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION BY HANNAH STABLER @CREATEDBYBUTTER
 HASH
GOOD: FOOD
PEOPLE

GOODLIFEGANG.TECH
i WELCOME
CONTENTS 01 INTRODUCTION

02
3
LAB SAFETY

PPE
3 Definition
3 Types
3 Lab coat
3 Gloves
3 Eye Protection
3 Usage

04 CHEMICAL SAFETY

5 Ethanol
5 Gaseous Hydrocarbons
5 Liquid Hydrocarbons
5 Powdered Media Safety

06
7
Extraction Science and
Terminology

What Is Extraction
8 Ethanol
9 Ethanol Extraction (Process)
10 Hydrocarbon
10 Hydrocarbon Extraction (General)
11 Hydrocarbon Extraction (Process)
12 Co2 (Carbon Dioxide)
12 CO2 Extraction
13 Solventless
ii CONTENTS
CONTENTS 14 15
POST PROCESSING

Winterization
16 Filtration
17 Membrane Filtration
18 Decarboxylation
19 Solvent Purging
20 Solvent Recovery
21 Rotary Evaporator (RotoVap)
22 Falling Film Evaporator (FFE)
23 Distillation
24 Short Path
25 Wiped/Thin Film Distillation

27
26 Crystallization

CANNABINOID SCIENCE

28 Cannabinoids and Conversions

28 Cannabinoids
29 Cannabinoid Conversions
29 Common Cannabinoids
30 Conversions
30 Decarboxylation
31 Metabolic

33
32 Synthetic

ANALYTICAL SCIENCE

35 36
CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Solvent-Based Extracts (Concentrates)

40
37 Solventless Extracts
38 Vape Cartridges
39 Edibles
39 Infused Pre-Rolls GLOSSARY

iii CONTENTS
 Introduction
In the first 20 years of the 21st century, Cannabis processing has seen a revolution.
With widespread medical use first paving the way, followed by legalization bringing the
field into the mainstream, a multi billion dollar industry has risen up out of the garage and
into the professional laboratory and factory settings. Due to legal restrictions and the nature
of prohibition, the knowledge of processing was a closely guarded secret until the late 20
teens. However, with websites like Future4200.com, and professional groups like the Good
Life Gang, the informational barriers to enter the Cannabis processing industry have been
lowered, and in some cases removed entirely.

The GLGc (Good Life Gang Certified) Processors Guild has been put into place to
help people interested in working in the cannabis processing industry linked with
employers looking for qualified employees. The Guild will facilitate this by providing a base
level of knowledge, and annual competency tests, in conjunction with certification through
other educational resources and classes.

The following literature is intended to act as a crash course in general cannabis

processing. We will attempt to cover as much relevant information as possible without
getting too deep into the technical details. This handbook, in conjunction with the GLG
SOPs, shall act as a definitive educational base for any would be extractor.

USE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS REFERENCE FOR THE

GLGc INTRO CERTIFICATION TEST

01 INTRODUCTION
LAB SAFETY

The cannabis processing laboratory is a relatively safe

space as far as laboratories go. However, there are known
risks, of which anyone working in the lab should know about,
be protected from, and be educated on how to prevent and
avoid.
 PPE
DEFINITION
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is any type of gear
worn by the individual with the express intent and purpose of
protecting the wearer from potential harm.

TYPES
A wide variety of PPE is worn in the Cannabis Lab. At the very
least, closed toed shoes, pants, long sleeves, gloves and eye
protection are required for most tasks.

Eye Protection
In the lab, standard safety glasses or goggles are acceptable

Lab coat
A knee length lab coat can be worn over street clothing, and
is often chosen to be stain and fire resistant. Black is typically
preferred, as cannabis processing is messy but not patho-
genic, so stains which white would highlight for safety
reasons in a medical environment are less of a concern.

Gloves
For most procedures, latex or vinyl surgical gloves are
acceptable. When handling hot or cold equipment, insulated
gloves may be necessary.

Usage
https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/intro_osha/7_employee_ppe.pdf

03 LAB SAFETY
CHEMICAL SAFETY

Ethanol,
Gaseous Hydrocarbons,
Liquid Hydrocarbons,
Powdered Media Safety.
 Chemical
Safety
Ethanol Ethanol Safety Information (PubChem)

Gaseous & Liquid Health and Safety Risks for Workers Involved in Manual Tank
Hydrocarbons Gauging and Sampling at Oil and Gas Extraction Sites (NIOSH-OSHA)

Powdered Media
Safety

Silica Gel Silica Gel Safety (FisherSci) , Silica Gel 60A Safety (Carbon Chemistry)

Bentonite Clay T5 Bentonite Clay Safety (T5) (Carbon Chemistry)

Bentonite Clay B80 Bentonite Clay Safety (B80) (Carbon Chemistry)

T-41 T-41 Safety (Carbon Chemistry)

Activated Alumina Activated Alumina Safety (Carbon Chemistry)

Activated Activated Hardwood Carbon Safety (Carbon Chemistry)

Hardwood Carbon

MagSil PR MagSil PR Safety (Carbon Chemistry)

05 CHEMICAL SAFETY
EXTRACTION
SCIENCE AND
TERMINOLOGY
What Is Extraction?
Ethanol,
Ethanol Extraction (Process),
Hydrocarbon,
Hydrocarbon Extraction (General),
Hydrocarbon Extraction (Process),
Co2 (Carbon Dioxide),
CO2 Extraction,
Solventless.
 What is
extraction?
Extraction is the action of separating out something from a chemical mixture or compound.
The solution of these dissolved compounds is referred to as the extract. Many forms of
extraction are used throughout the cannabis processing industry utilizing different solvents,
methods and equipment.

Equipment Image courtesy of BizzyBee

07 EXTRACTION
 Ethanol
Ethanol Is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid which is
produced by the natural fermentation of sugars. Ethanol, also
called ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, or alcohol, and is a
member of a class of organic compounds that are given the
general name alcohols.

Ethanol extraction is commonly used for large scale

extraction of hemp or THC-rich biomass via a centrifuge for
the production of crude oil.

Equipment Images
courtesy of
Delta Separations

08 EXTRACTION
 Ethanol
Extraction
PROCESS
Ethanol is an extraction process generally used for large scale processing of hemp and
THC-rich biomass. The most common method of ethanol extraction is conducted with an
industrial centrifuge. In cannabis extraction, the centrifuge design uses cold ethanol (at a 1:1
-2:1)(solvent:biomass ratio) to extract/wash compounds from large amounts of biomass and
collect the solvent/oil solution for further refinement. This is achieved by spinning the cold
ethanol and biomass at high speeds within an explosion proof, stainless steel container under
cryogenic temperatures. Thereby separating compounds of different densities and polarities
from the biomass. The ethanol/oil solution is then transferred out of the centrifuge to a collection
vessel where the solution will be stored and/or prepared for filtration, then solvent recovery.
The spent biomass is then removed from the centrifuge, discarded, and the centrifuge is then
prepped for the next extraction. The collected ethanol/oil solution will then be filtered via
industrial filters to further refine the solution. The solution must now be transferred to a solvent
recovery machine to collect the solvents and separate the oils from the ethanol. The most
common solvent recovery machines used for this process are rotary evaporators and
falling/rising film evaporators. Depending on the volume of the solution that needs to be refined,
different solvent recovery equipment is used to ensure that the solvent recovery phase will
maintain an efficient work flow without becoming a bottleneck to the overall operation. The
solvent is then recovered for reuse while the oils are collected for further post-processing and
refinement. The most common use for ethanol extraction is for the production of hemp or THC
crude oil. The crude oil is then further refined via distillation and isolation to create bulk
distillates or isolates on a large scale.

CENTRIFUGE SOLVENT
RECOVERY

09 EXTRACTION
 Hydrocarbon
A hydrocarbon is a molecule whose structure includes only hydrogen and carbon atoms.
Compounds such as butane, propane, pentane and hexane are all hydrocarbons.
Hydrocarbons are commonly used in cannabis extraction to create many forms of
solvent-based concentrates and crude oils.

EXTRACTION
Hydrocarbon extraction is a process that utilizes hydrocarbon gases and liquids to
extract valuable terpenes and cannabinoids from cannabis or hemp biomass via a closed-loop
system (CLS). The most common hydrocarbons used for this extraction process are nButane,
nPropane, Isobutane, and a blend of several hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon extraction is a
versatile method that allows the operator to create a wide array of finished products commonly
referred to as butane hash oil (BHO). BHO or solvent-based extracts have many finished
products such as; shatter, sugar, badder, crumble, diamonds, sauce, crude oil and many other
consistencies depending on the input biomass and specific post-processing techniques. When
an extraction is conducted in a closed-loop system, the majority of these hydrocarbons are
condensed and recovered for reuse. There is a
common misconception that BHO has an
unsafe amount of residual solvents in the
end-product. While this can be true; in most
cases, with the proper post-processing
techniques, equipment, and combined with 3rd
party testing… little to no residual solvents
remain in the finished product. This goes for all
forms of extraction with the exception of
solventless extraction methods. Hydrocarbon
extraction is one of the most common and
versatile methods used to create a multitude of
finished consistencies from fresh/flash-frozen
and cured/dried biomass.

Equipment image courtesy of

ExtractionTek Solutions.

10 EXTRACTION
 Hydrocarbon
Extraction
PROCESS
The hydrocarbon extraction process utilizes hydrocarbons to extract valuable terpenes
and cannabinoids via a CLS. Fresh/flash-frozen or cured/dry biomass is tightly packed into the
material column(s) of the CLS. The hydrocarbon solvent(s) are then injected into the material
column(s) where the cannabis or hemp biomass is located. The introduced hydrocarbon
solvents then extract or “wash” the terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids from the biomass
while leaving the spent biomass in the material columns. The mixture of solvents, terpenes,
resins, and other extracted compounds are then collected in the collection vessel. The
collection vessel is then heated, forcing the hydrocarbon solvents to evaporate while the oil
remains in the collection vessel. The evaporated hydrocarbons, which are now in a gaseous
phase, flow through a pressure-rated/explosion proof pump and are directed into the
condensing coil. The condensing coil or heat exchanger is cooled to the proper temperature
allowing the gaseous hydrocarbon to condense back into a liquid phase and is then collected
into the recovery tank for reuse. Once the majority of the hydrocarbon solvents have been
recovered, the system is then vented of any remaining pressure and the remaining oils in the
collection vessel are removed from the system. The remaining bulk oils are then sent to
post-processing for further refinement (See Post-Processing for further details). The
material/biomass is then removed from the Closed Loop System, the system is cleaned and
prepped for the next extraction run.

RECOVERY
TANK

COLLECTION
CLS COLUMN VESSEL

11 EXTRACTION
 CO2
CO2 (carbon dioxide) is a colorless, odorless, incombustible gas. CO2 is present in the
atmosphere and formed during respiration. Commercially, it is usually obtained from coal or
natural gas by combustion, from carbohydrates by fermentation, by reaction of acid with
limestone or other carbonates, or naturally from springs. CO2 extraction is commonly used for
subcritical terpene extraction and/or supercritical extraction of crude oil for further refinement.

EXTRACTION
CO2 extraction is the process of extracting cannabis oils and terpenes via
subcritical or supercritical fluid extraction. CO2 extraction is a high
pressure method of extraction that requires sufficient equipment to safely
process and extract cannabis biomass. CO2 extraction runs will generally
take 1-12 hours depending on the size of the equipment and parameters
set.

Courtesy of Apeks

Images courtesy of Vitalis Extraction

12 EXTRACTION
 Solventless
Solventless resins or concentrates that are extracted without
the use of chemical solvents. Commonly used techniques for
solventless extraction are done via cold fluid agitation with
filtered water and ice, mechanical screw presses, and heat
induction presses.

There are multiple styles of equipment used for solventless

extraction that generate different types of finished products
while maintaining a solventless methodology for extraction.
Common solventless consistencies are Rosin, Dry Sift, Bubble
Hash, Full Melt. All forms of extraction that don’t utilize
chemical solvents for extraction are referred to as solventless.

13 EXTRACTION
POST PROCESSING

Winterization,
Membrane Filtration,
Decarboxylation,
Solvent Purging via Vacuum Chamber/Oven,
Solvent Recovery,
Rotary Evaporator (RotoVap),
Falling Film Evaporator (FFE),
Distillation,
Short Path,
Wiped/Thin Film Distillation,
Crystallization.
 Winterization
Winterization is the process of separating unwanted lipids
from an extract by taking advantage of the difference in
freezing points of lipids and the target cannabinoids.
Typically performed in an ethanol solution, the lipid rich
mixture is cooled (typically -80f) and then filtered to remove
the coagulated lipids.

Winterization is commonly utilized during the production of

crude oils for further refinement via distillation.

ETHANOL
SOLUTION
(-80f)

LIPID FILTER

15 POST PROCESSING
 Filtration
Filtration is the process of separating suspended solid matter from a liquid via a
porous substance or filter. Filtration is commonly used in the lab for filtering unwanted
substances such as lipids or clays from an oleoresin or solution. There are multiple methods
and different equipment used for filtration within the lab. Each device has unique properties
and design styles for separating matter from a solution via different filter papers, filter stacks,
cartridges, bags, and media. These filtration designs often incorporate vacuum pumps and
gravity to assist the flow. A mixture of solvents and extracts are mechanically pumped or
manually poured into the filtration device allowing the desired compounds to flow through
the filter medium for collection while the undesired solids are captured and discarded. The
collected, filtered solution is then further refined with other post-processing techniques.
Some of the most commonly used devices for filtration are buchner, cartridge, bag,
membrane, and lenticular designs.

Büchner (Glass or Ceramic) is a glass Lenticular is a stainless steel, cylindrical

fritted or ceramic conical filter attached to container with multiple layers of media
a Büchner flask and a vacuum pump to plates or filter stacks.
aid in the flowrate of filtration.
Image courtesy of CT Garagiste

16 POST PROCESSING
 Membrane
Filtration
Membrane filtration is a physical separation method that separates molecules of different
sizes and characteristics using pressure and elongated microporous barriers (filters).
Membrane filtration is an efficient, mechanical method for filtering cannabis solutions for
separation and fractionation.

Microfiltration Ultrafiltration Nanofiltration Reverse Osmosis

[50-500 nm] [2-50 nm] [<2 nm] [.3-.6 nm]

Viruses Ions
Colloidal Organic Matter
Oil

Suspended Particles Small Compounds

Macromolecules
Bacteria

17 POST PROCESSING
 Decarboxylation
As outlined in the “Cannabinoids & Conversions” section of
this handbook; Decarboxylation is the process of heating up
THCa rich oils to convert said molecules into the more active,
psychoactive compound Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9THC).

Decarboxylation is commonly used in the cannabis industry

to aid in the further refinement of THC crude oils for
distillation allowing the process of distillation to occur more
rapidly. Decarboxylation of biomass is commonly used to aid
in the process of CO2 extraction by minimizing the potential
crystallization of THCa during supercritical fluid extraction
and reducing the moisture content of the biomass prior to
extraction.

OH O
THCa
OH

OH
H D9THC
H
O

18 POST PROCESSING
 Solvent Purging
VIA VACUUM
CHAMBER/OVEN
Vacuum chambers/ovens use elevated temperatures and vacuum pumps to remove
unwanted, volatile solvents from cannabis oils. Most commonly used for solvent purging and
post processing of concentrates for safe consumption. Upon the collection of extracted oils,
residual solvents are present in the solution and need to be separated from the oils via a
vacuum chamber. Extended heat, vacuum depths and resonance times are used to produce
a solvent-free finished product. The oil is placed in the vacuum chamber at a set
temperature while the vacuum pump is used to evacuate all evaporating solvents and
volatiles. After the desired time of vacuum purging, the chamber is then vented, allowing
the operator to open the chamber and remove the solvent-free oil.

All states that allow the production of licensed cannabis oils have specific regulations
as to how many “parts per million” (PPM’s) of solvent a finished product can contain. Refer to
the designated “State Regulations” in your region to identify the exact amount of allowable
residual solvents for each specific solvent-based concentrate. Vacuum chambers and pumps
allow the technician to properly create a safe, consumable finished product. All licensed
facilities must have products tested via 3rd party analytics and meet the state requirements
for residual solvents before the product can be distributed and sold to consumers.

Images courtesy of Cascade Sciences

19 POST PROCESSING
 Solvent
Recovery
Solvent Recovery is the process of separating and collecting clean solvent(s) from a
homogenous or blended solution with different boiling points utilizing elevated
temperatures and reduced pressures. Most common solvent recovery methods in the
cannabis industry are used for Ethanol recovery of an Ethanol:Crude Oil solution via Rotary
Evaporator or Falling Film Evaporator. There are many different apparatuses used for
solvent recovery depending on the specific application, resins and solvents.

Images courtesy of Delta Separations

20 POST PROCESSING
 RotoVap
A Rotary Evaporator (RotoVap) is a machine used in laboratories for the efficient and gentle
removal of volatile solvents from cannabis oils by means of evaporation. A rotary evaporator
is commonly used for the recovery of ethanol from a winterized and filtered crude solution
before further refinement via distillation. The ethanol:crude oil solution is pulled via vacuum
assistance or placed into the rotation flask which is then submerged in the hot bath of the
apparatus. Heating of the solution causes a phase transition of the desired solvent(s) under
vacuum, evaporating and separating solvents/volatiles from the extract. The rotation flask
will rotate at the set, desired rotations per minute (RPM) to distribute the solution across a
larger surface area of the rotation flask. The hot bath is set to the desired temperature to
boil and evaporate the desired solvent which is to be collected while the less volatile crude
oil will remain in the rotation flask for further refinement. While the desired solvent is being
evaporated from the solution it will flow in a gaseous phase until it reaches the vertical,
cooled condenser of the rotary evaporator. The gaseous solvent will then be condensed
back into a liquid phase upon proper cooling and will be recovered into the collection flask
of the apparatus allowing for a clean solvent recovery and separation of solvent(s) and crude
oil. This process of solvent recovery allows the operator/facility to utilize less overall
solvent(s) that will need to be stored within the laboratory at any given time while safely
recovering expensive solvents for reuse.

Images courtesy of Across International Click to see full detail

21 POST PROCESSING
 FFE
A Falling Film Evaporator (FFE) is a vertically oriented shell and tube heat exchanger that is
used to separate two or more substances with different boiling point temperatures. Falling
Film Evaporators are commonly used for high throughput solvent recovery ranging from
100 - 1000 Lph (liters per hour). Similar to a rotary evaporator, a FFE utilizes heat to
evaporate the solution and a cooling source to condense the solution for recovery. The
homogeneous solution is pumped into the vertical heating column of the FFE and quickly
vaporizes the solvents. The dense, less volatile oil will flow down the vertical heating column
and be collected while the gaseous solvents will flow to the secondary cooling column to be
condensed back into a liquid phase and recollected. Falling Film Evaporators are used for
large scale solvent recovery needs due to it’s high volume throughput. FFE’s are commonly
used in industrial applications where large amounts of hemp or cannabis biomass are
extracted.

Images courtesy of Delta Separations

22 POST PROCESSING
 Distillation
Distillation is the process of separating the components or substances from a liquid
mixture by using selective boiling and condensation. The crude oils are placed in a boiling
flask or feed tank and heated until in a homogenous, liquid phase. Each compound will
boil/evaporate at specific temperatures, vacuum depths and will transition into a gaseous
phase before condensing. The evaporated compounds will then be condensed back into
a liquid phase for collection. The main apparatuses used for distillation are Short Path
Distillation (SPD), Wiped Film or Thin Film Distillation (WFD/TFD) and a combination of
both like a BR Instruments (Spinning Band) apparatus which uses parts styled from SPD
and WFD.

The commonly produced end-product of cannabis distillation is a cannabinoid rich

distillate. These distillates are used as an input material for edibles, tinctures, vape pens,
gel capsules, infused pre-rolls and many other infused products within the industry. There
are also other forms of distillation used in the cannabis industry such as Steam Distillation
of flower for Terpene extraction, etc.

Image courtesy of Delta Separations

23 POST PROCESSING
 Short Path
Short Path utilizes a boiling flask placed in a heating mantle, distillation head with
condenser, receiving flask(s), cold trap(s) and a vacuum pump(s) to create the “shortest
path” of flow from boiling flask to receiving flask(s). Short Path Distillation is commonly
used for smaller scale batches with a very selective amount of variables and design set-ups
allowing the operator to fraction or separate compounds efficiently. Short Path Distillation
apparatuses generally come in sizes of 2, 5, 10, 12, 20, 22, and 50 liter boiling flasks and
mantle designs. There are many different SPD styles of distillation heads and condensers
including unique designs allowing for faster flow rates and more selective
fractionation/separation of different compounds and solvents.

Rule of thumb: Short Path is mainly used for a more selective fractionation of compounds
and is usually more labor intensive in the sense of system set-up, breakdown and cleaning
compared to a Wiped or Thin Film Distillation apparatus. SPD’s are commonly cheaper to
purchase compared to a WFD apparatus.

Images courtesy of
LabSociety

24 POST PROCESSING
 Film Distillation
WIPED / THIN FILM
Wiped/Thin Film Distillation utilizes a feed tank, a vertical evaporator and condenser with
a motorized wiper or roller, discharge collection ports, cold trap(s) and a vacuum pump(s) to
create a generally quicker, less labor intensive process from starting to finished product.
Wiped/Thin Film Distillation is commonly used for larger batches with quicker distillation run
times, less physical labor, and more automation. This allows an operator to easily and
quickly conclude a large batch distillation run. Common Wiper sizes are based on the
diameter of the vertical evaporator and will come in a variety of sizes including 2, 4, 6, 8, 10,
15, 18, 20 inch condensing units. WFD utilizes the elevated temperature of the vertical
jacketed vessel/evaporator, a lower temperature on the internal condenser, the speed of the
motorized wiper, vacuum depth and density of the compounds to fraction and separate the
compounds for collection. Continuous feed 2 & 3 stage WFD/TFD apparatuses are available
for more selective fractionation and separation of compounds/solvents while maintaining an
efficient run time. These units are more costly compared to a Short Path Distillation
apparatus and can be purchased in either glass or stainless steel models.

Image courtesy of LabSociety

25 POST PROCESSING
 Crystallization
Crystallization the natural or induced process by which a solid forms, where the atoms or
molecules are highly organized into a structure known as a crystal. Some of the ways by
which crystals form are by precipitating from a solution, freezing, or by depositing directly
from a gas. Crystallization is a commonly used technique for the production of CBD isolate
and THCa crystals/diamonds. THCa Diamonds are generally formed in a pressure rated
vessel/miner or a tightly sealed jar. The cannabinoid and terpene saturated solution builds
pressure by introducing nitrogen or from the solvents/volatiles that are evaporating which
aids in the bonding and precipitation of similar compounds. The bonding of like-molecules
will naturally occur in the correct environment and parameters.

Image by @ballzy_jones

Image courtesy of BizzyBee

26 POST PROCESSING
CANNABINOID
SCIENCE
Cannabinoids and Conversions:
Cannabinoids,
Cannabinoid Conversions,
Common Cannabinoids,
Conversions,
Decarboxylation,
Metabolic,
Synthetic.
 Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds that are found within cannabis. Cannabis
contains roughly 120 identifiable cannabinoids ranging from psychoactive to
non-psychoactive. Some of the most commonly known cannabinoids are
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic-acid (THCa), and cannabidiol
(CBD). Cannabinoids interact with the body’s central nervous system (CNS) by binding to
specific cannabinoid receptors located in the brain and spinal cord. The central nervous
system controls most functions of the body and mind. The two main receptors are the CB1 &
CB2 cannabinoid receptors and are referred to as the endocannabinoid system.
Cannabinoids provide euphoria, pain relief and many other valuable reactions within the
body and mind.

Delta-9-
tetrahydrocannabinol
OH
H

H
O

Cannabidiol

28 CANNABINOIDS + CONVERSIONS
 Cannabinoid
Conversions
A Cannabinoid Conversion is the process of converting one or more cannabinoids into
another cannabinoid(s) via the use of synthetic chemistry, naturally occurring metabolic
conversion within the body, oxidation/degradation and other techniques. The most
common conversions that take place in the lab are decarboxylation and synthetic reactions.

COMMON
CANNABINOIDS
THC(a) = Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid

CBD(a) = Cannabidiolic acid

CBG(a) = Cannabigerolic acid

THC(D9) = Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol

CBN = Cannabinol

29 CANNABINOIDS + CONVERSIONS
 Conversions:
DECARBOXYLATION

Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group from a carbon chain
which activates certain compounds within cannabis. The most common example of
decarboxylation in cannabis is the oxidation and degradation of
tetrahydrocannabinolic-acid (THCa) which is converted into Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol
(D9THC) by means of elevated temperatures and heat resonance times. The process of
decarboxylation occurs when you introduce heat to THCa rich flower/trim/oils for an
extended period of time, allowing the release of the associated carboxyl group, and
activating the THC.

THCa needs to be heated to 2200F/104.40C for an extended period of time to conclude the
process of decarboxylation. Once THCa is decarboxylated/converted into D9THC the
compound is activated, bioavailable, and psychoactive in the body and mind. The most
simple example of decarboxylation is when you ignite your THCa rich flower or concentrate
for inhalation.

30 CANNABINOIDS + CONVERSIONS
 Conversions:
METABOLIC

Metabolic Conversion is the process of converting cannabinoids with enzymes in the liver.
These converted, psychoactive metabolites then travel through the bloodstream reaching
the cannabinoid receptors within the central nervous system (CNS); referred to as the
endocannabinoid system, causing effects within the body and mind. The most common
example of a metabolic conversion with cannabis is through ingestion of Δ
9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9THC) which converts and metabolizes into
11-hydroxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-Hydroxy-THC) and then metabolizes into
11-Nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-COOH-THC or THC-COOH). The naturally
occurring process of a metabolic conversion has been touted to increase the effectiveness
and intensity of the cannabinoids ingested. Metabolic conversions occur in the body upon
ingestion (not in the lab) but are important to understand the mechanics and how
cannabinoid conversions play a huge role in the cannabis industry.

31 CANNABINOIDS + CONVERSIONS
 Conversions:
SYNTHETIC

Synthetic Conversion is the process in which one or more substances, also called reactants,
are converted to one or more different substances via reagents and a chemical reaction.
Commonly practiced conversions in the lab are:

Cannabidiol > Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol

(CBD > D9THC)

Cannabidiol > Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol

(CBD > D8THC)

Cannabigerol > Cannabichromene

(CBG > CBC)

Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol > Cannabinol

(D9THC or D8THC > CBN)

32 CANNABINOIDS + CONVERSIONS
ANALYTICAL
SCIENCE
 Analytical
Science
Analytical Science is the science that seeks ever improving means of measuring the
chemical composition, structure and morphology of natural and man-made substances
(solids, fluids, gases), or entities (cells, complex materials) combined with the interpretation
of the data obtained.

Analytical chemistry studies and uses instruments and methods to separate, identify,
and quantify matter. Analytical labs use different machines and methodologies to analyze
these compounds. In practice, separation, identification or quantification may constitute the
entire analysis or be combined with another method.

Cannabis analytical labs must follow specific methods of testing that the state has
recognized to be accurate methods for analysis which are commonly referred to as an
“International Organization for Standardization Certified Method” (ISO Certified). Analytical
labs also use different machines for specific analysis of different compounds. Common
machines are; High Performance Liquid Chromatograms (HPLC), Gas Chromatograms (GC),
Mass Spectrometers (MS), and/or combined together for an even more precise analysis.
Analytical chemistry is used in the cannabis industry to identify and quantify cannabinoids,
terpenes, pesticides, residual solvents, heavy metals and more. Cannabis production
facilities must have samples of each individual batch tested by a 3rd party analytical lab
before that specific product is legally allowed to leave the facility in any capacity. All finished
products that can be purchased from a licensed retail location/dispensary must undergo
testing from a 3rd party analytical lab and must pass all state specific requirements for
consumption before sale. Upon completion of testing, each individual batch is given a
“certificate of analysis” which is commonly referred to as a “CoA”. If a product fails testing,
the production facility and the state cannabis board are notified and the product is deemed
unsafe for sale, transfer or consumption. Failed products can either be destroyed under
state approval, the production facility can request to have a retest performed and the state
cannabis board will appoint a new analytical lab, or the production facility can submit a
request to the state’s cannabis compliance board for re-extraction of the failed product for
remediation. Analytical chemistry and testing plays a crucial role in the progression of the
cannabis industry and ensures that consumers are receiving a safe, consumable product
every time.

34 ANALYTICS
CONSUMER
PRODUCT
Solvent-Based Extracts ,
Solventless Extracts,
Vape Cartridges,
Edibles,
Infused Pre-Rolls.
 Consumer
Products
SOLVENT-BASED
EXTRACTS (CONCENTRATES)
Shatter: is a cured resin THCa Diamond(s): is a
@ballzy_jones

concentrate that is stable cured resin or live resin

@ballzy_jones

and brittle to the touch. concentrate that is a solid

Hence the nomenclature of formation(s) of THCa.
shatter.
@illnyetheshatterguy
@illnyetheshatterguy @cannabiotix_vegas

Badder: is a cured resin or High Terpene Extract (HTE):

live resin concentrate that is a fluid, terpene rich
resembles the look and fraction which has been
texture of “cookie batter”. separated from the majority
Generally a more moist, of the cannabinoids from
soft, pliable consistency. which it was extracted.

Crumble: is a cured resin THCa Crystalline: is a

@extractsacademy

concentrate that is pulverized and powder

dehydrated and will form of THCa.
“crumble” when handled.

Sauce: is a term used to describe

THCa diamonds submerged in
Sugar: is a cured resin or terpenes (HTE). Many will use
@ballzy_jones

live resin concentrate that this term to describe a concen-

@ballzy_jones

has small granular trate that has a high amount of

cannabinoid formations. fluid terpenes present. Can be
used with both cured resin and
live resin concentrates that have
a fluid phase/fraction present.

36 CONSUMER PRODUCTS
 Consumer
Products
SOLVENTLESS EXTRACTS

Rosin: is a cured resin or live resin that was extracted from

cannabis flower or hash using heat and pressure.

Bubble Hash: is a cured resin or live resin extracted from

cannabis flower via ice, agitation and mesh screens.

Kief/Dry Sift: is the trichomes from the cannabis flower from

which it was extracted resembling the appearance of pollen.

All images courtesy of @foxtracts

37 CONSUMER PRODUCTS
 Consumer
Products
VAPORIZER CARTRIDGES
Distillate & terpenes (standard): is a homogeneous mixture of
distillate and terpenes. Botanical terpenes (extracted from
non-cannabis plants) and Cannabis Derived terpenes are mixed with
distillate to create a standard vape cartridge.

Live Resin: is a vape cartridge that contains all live resin or a mixture of
live resin + distillate, live resin + distillate + terpenes (botanical or
cannabis derived). Many variations of “live resin” vape cartridges are
available and the consumer should consult with the brand for full
transparency on what that brand classifies as a “live resin” vape cartridge.
Cannabis culture nomenclature may classify these variations as a “sauce
cart”.

Cured Resin: is a vape cartridge that contains a mixture of cured resin

+ distillate, cured resin + distillate + terpenes (botanical or cannabis
derived). Many variations of “cured resin” vape cartridges are available
and the consumer should consult with the brand for full transparency
on what that brand classifies as a “cured resin” vape cartridge.
Cannabis culture nomenclature may classify these variations as a
“sauce cart” as well.
High Terpene Extract (HTE): is a vape cartridge that contains all HTE or a
mixture of HTE + distillate. Many variations of “HTE” vape cartridges are
available and the consumer should consult with the brand for full
transparency on what that brand classifies as an “HTE” vape cartridge.
Full HTE Vape Cartridges will also contain small amounts of cannabinoids
from which the terpene fraction was separated from.

38 CONSUMER PRODUCTS
 Consumer
Products
EDIBLES
Cannabis edibles come in many forms of consumable
products like gummies, hard candies, chocolates, and baked
goods. Arguably the most popular edible consistency is in a
gummy form. Modern cannabis edibles are commonly
infused with high potency THC distillate, CBD distillate, or a
combination of both. High potency distillates are mainly
used to ensure that an edible is properly dosed upon
formulation and to also alleviate any “plant” smell or taste
that a flower infused edible may exude. The average dose of
an individual edible serving can range from 5-25mg’s
depending on state regulations, input THC/CBD ratios, and
specific brand formulations. Edibles generally take a bit
longer for an individual to feel the psychoactive effects due
to the fact the ingested product must be metabolized.

INFUSED PRE-ROLLS
Infused Pre-rolls are a formulation of cannabis flower and one
@illnyetheshatterguy

or more forms of cannabis extract. The most common IPR’s

are a blend of crumble/honeycomb and cannabis flower.
Other cannabis extracts are also used as input materials like
THCa Crystalline, solventless hash, high potency distillates,
and kief. IPR’s; being infused with cannabis extracts, will have
a higher final potency than a standard cannabis flower
pre-roll. Average THC potency of an infused pre-roll can range from 30-60% THC depending on
the ratio of extract:flower and their starting potencies. IPR’s are created by homogenizing cannabis
extracts with ground cannabis flower and rolling/filling the pre-roll papers with the homogeneous
blend. Once the cannabis flower is infused with an extract the product is officially classified as a
production/processing item within the lab, the state tracking system, and at a retail location.

39 CONSUMER PRODUCTS
GLOSSARY
 Concentrates,
End Products
BHO A class of solvent-based extracts, made using Butane in a CLS.
(Butane Hash / Honey / Oil)

Butter (Budder) A class of extracts that resembles a soft cookie batter.

GLOSSARY

/ Batter (Badder)

Bubble Hash A class of solventless extracts, made with ice & water.

Crude The yield from an extraction intended to be distilled.

Crystals (Diamonds) A solid formation(s) of THCa.

Distillate The condensed vapor from a distillation (SPD or WFE) of crude.

Live Resin A class of extracts, extracted from fresh, flash frozen cannabis.

RSO Originally made with Naphtha, now typically made with

(Risck Simpson Oil) Ethanol. Intended to be a full fat, acidic cannabinoid rich, full
spectrum consumable.

Sauce A class of extracts that resembles a more liquidly consistency.

Shatter A stable, fully purged, BHO extract. Formed in a vacuum oven.

Tincture Extract dissolved in an ethanol or glycerin base.

Wax A generalized nomenclature for cannabis oils.

41 GLOSSARY
 Processing Terms
Bag Filter A filter that removes particulates from a gas or liquid.

Beaker A cylindrical glass container for laboratory use

Broad Spectrum Cannabis oil containing MOST of the compounds found in the
biomass it was extracted from.

Buchner Funnel Laboratory equipment used for filtration

Cartridge Filter An enclosed filter

Centrifuge A device that uses centrifugal force to separate various com-

pounds within a fluid.

CLS Extraction equipment that holds all the solvents within the
GLOSSARY

(Closed Loop System) system without exposure to open air.

Distillation The process of separating substances via heat and cooling

Decarboxylation A reaction that removes a carboxyl group

Evaporation The process of turning a liquid into a vapor

Extraction The process of separating compounds via force or solvents

Extractor The machine or equipment used for extraction

Falling Film A device used to separate compounds, specifically solvents

from a solution

Flashpoint The lowest temperature at which a volatile substance evapo-

rates to form an ignitable mixture

Flasks A glass bottle for laboratory use

Fractional Distillation Separation of a mixture into fractions differing in boiling points

Freezers A refrigerated compartment, cabinet, or room used for preser-

vation of goods in a cooled atmosphere

Fritted Glass Finely porous glass which liquids or gasses may pass through

Full Spectrum Cannabis oil containing ALL of the compounds found in the
biomass it was extracted from
42 GLOSSARY
 Gas An expanded substance or matter having no fixed shape or
volume

Gas Ballast A controller that allows gas and air to be introduced into a
vacuum pump

GCMS A combination of Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry

used for analysing compounds in a laboratory

Glassware A variety of glass equipment used in laboratories

Ground Glass Joints Tapered, textured glass fittings used to join and seal multiple
glass instruments within a laboratory

Hot Plate A flat heated surface used for conduction

HPLC High Performance Liquid Chromatography; A device used for

the analysis of compounds
GLOSSARY

Hydrocarbon (including conjugated) A compound of hydrogen and carbon

Hydrosol An aqueous product of hydrodistillation (Steam Distillation)

Joint Grease Lubricant used on glass joints to seal and prohibit ceasing of
said joints

Keck Clamp Fastening devices used to hold ground glass joints

KF-16 / KF-25 / etc. Flanged metal connections for vacuum hose lines

Lenticular Filter A media filled device for separating and filtering

Liquid Liquid Extraction A form of solvent extraction and partitioning used to separate
compounds based on immiscibility and polarity

Microns (vacuum) A unit of measurement referring to total absolute pressure

within a vacuum

Microns (pore size) (μm)(micrometer) A measurement used to describe sizes of

very small objects typically in reference to filter pore size

Miscible Forming a homogeneous mixture when added together

Mobile Phase The solvent carrying different substances that flows through a
filter or media

Molecular Distillation (mean free path molecular flow) The flow of molecules in a
gaseous phase

43 GLOSSARY
 Naphtha Flammable oil containing various hydrocarbons

Oleoresin A natural or artificial mixture of essential oils and a resin

Phase Transition The physical processes of transition between the basic states of
matter

Pirani Sensor A sensor that measures chemical and physical properties of

materials

Polarity The separation of an electric charge which leads a molecule to

have a positive or negative end

Polymer Materials made of long, repeating chains of molecules.

Propane A three-carbon alkane used for extraction

PTFE A synthetic fluoropolymer used for adhesion of threaded pipes

or joints
GLOSSARY

Purging The act or instance of eliminating contamination from a

substance

Reactors A glass or metal device used to mix a solution in a contained

atmosphere

SPD A glass apparatus used to separate compounds by boiling point

(Short Path Distillation) by evaporation and condensation

Silica Gel An amorphous & porous form of silicon dioxide used for filtration

Solubility The ability for a given substance, the solute, to dissolve in a

solvent

Solvent Recovery The process of extracting useful materials from waste or

by-product solvents generated during manufacturing.

44 GLOSSARY
 SOURCES
IMAGES USED WITH PERMISSION FROM AND THANKS TO:

Across International

Apeks

BizzyBee

Cascade Sciences

CT Garagiste

Delta Separations

ExtractionTek Solutions

Lab Society

Vitalis Extraction

@ballzy_jones

@cannabiotix_vegas

@extractsacademy

@foxtracts

@illnyetheshatterguy

@futurecompounds

45 SOURCES
 CONNECT WITH THE GLGc FOR CERTIFICATIONS AT
GLGCERTIFICATION.COM

46 ADIOS