The Role of Temperature in CBDA and CBGA Extraction

For years, consumers have turned to cannabinoid-based products as a means of promoting their health and wellness. Initially, most were only familiar with CBD. However, there has been a growing interest in other cannabinoid products, particularly those containing acidic cannabinoids, such as CBDA and CBGA. These compounds are increasingly sought after for their numerous benefits and advantages over their neutral counterparts. As demand for acidic cannabinoids continues to rise, global solution providers are moving away from traditional extraction methods and finding new technology to extract acidic cannabinoids on a larger scale. In this article, we will explore the role of temperature in the extraction of CBDA and CBGA and identify the optimal approach for producing high-purity extracts of these compounds.

Acidic cannabinoids convert to their neutral counterparts when decarboxylated. Decarboxylation occurs when acidic cannabinoids are exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period of time, converting CBDA to CBD and CBGA to CBG. While CBD and CBG are valuable cannabinoids, this conversion eliminates the possibility of the consumer experiencing the vast number of unique benefits acidic cannabinoids have to offer.

To extract high-purity extracts of CBDA and CBGA, it is crucial there are no prolonged high temperatures used in the extraction process. There are two primary extraction methods utilized by the industry, those that use a chemical solvent, and others that use a natural solvent. Let’s explore the two methods.

Chemical solvent extraction uses solvents, such as butane or ethanol, to extract cannabinoids from the plant material. This method has been widely used for many years but can come with an array of risk. Additionally, processes within the process can make it difficult to extract acidic cannabinoids at a mass scale.

To begin, dehydration of the hemp plant is often required for efficient extraction when using a chemical solvent. However, this exposes the acidic cannabinoids to heat, converting a majority of them to their neutral forms. Additionally, when using solvents like butane or ethanol, remediation is required to rid the extract of volatile solvents that are harmful for human consumption. This once again exposes the extract to heat. When using chemical solvents, it is possible to create extracts with trace amounts of acidic cannabinoids but crafting high-purity CBDA and CBGA extracts would be extremely difficult, time consuming, and costly.

Natural solvent extraction is an up-and-coming extraction technique that utilizes water to leach cannabinoids from the hemp plant. Rather than using chemical solvents, water-as-solvent technology uses water, an inorganic solvent that is accessible and all natural. By using water, there is no need for heat, harsh chemicals, or hydrocarbons, thus eliminating the need for high heat remediation. Water-as-solvent technology allows for the extraction of high-purity acidic cannabinoids at a mass scale.

When formulating products with acidic cannabinoids, it is important to speak with cannabinoid experts to ensure the right temperatures are used when manufacturing the product. Just like with extraction, high temperatures during manufacturing can also limit the amount of CBDA or CBGA that is left for consumers to enjoy.

Isolate is the ideal choice for infusing acidic cannabinoids into formulations. Isolate is a high-purity extract, typically with 98% or higher purity. Both CBDA isolate and CBGA isolate are available in an odorless and tasteless extract that can be easily infused into existing products. Here are some of the most sought after products made with CBGA and CBDA:

Both CBGA and CBDA make excellent additions to skincare products, such as facewash, moisturizer, and toners. This is because both acidic cannabinoids possess potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can support and restore skin health.

CBGA has been increasingly popular in oral healthcare products. Research has discovered CBGA reduces dental plaque and supports oral health greater than traditional toothpaste, and consumers are raving about the benefits they are experiencing.

Tinctures and capsules are made by infusing CBDA or CBGA into a carrier oil. They offer a convenient and discreet way to gain the benefits acidic cannabinoids have to offer.

The cannabinoid beverage and edible market has been on the rise with consumers enjoying the tasty and discreet way to consume hemp products. When crafting edibles and beverages, always consult your cannabinoid extract provider to ensure the proper steps are taken to avoid a conversion of the acidic cannabinoids.

As more consumers reach for hemp-based products to support their health, there is increasing demand for products with minor and acidic cannabinoids to leverage the benefits hemp can deliver. Extraction techniques are changing to meet this demand, helping to deliver to the market a vast number of products with CBGA, CBDA, and more to enjoy.