AU2021221750A1 - Extraction process and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of extracting two or more different products from cannabis. The method includes the steps of placing the cannabis in a container and separately extracting two different products using two different solvents. The method may use steam as one of the solvents and may also involve the subsequent drying of the cannabis for consumption. Advantageously, the method can be used with fresh or non-dehydrated cannabis. The cannabis can also be maintained in the container throughout the multiple extracting steps. Apparatus is also disclosed for use in performing the methods described.

Description

EXTRACTION PROCESS AND APPARATUS

Background of the Invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for extracting products from cannabis.

Prior Application

[0002] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Application No. 2020904037 titled "Extraction Process and Apparatus" as filed on 5 November 2020, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Description of the Prior Art

[0003] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0004] Cannabis plants are currently grown in different environments including indoors, greenhouses, and also outdoors. Once a plant has been grown it is ready to be harvested and the post-harvest production process can start. Harvest is generally done in a traditional fashion by hand. Where machinery is used it has generally been adapted by a farmer who grows other plants.

[0005] The first post-harvest stage in a traditional process is drying. The plants are usually hung to dry in specialty clean/dry rooms, which have accurate temperature and humidity controls. Drying/curing generally can take 10-21 days. Even with these expensive and sophisticated rooms and equipment, there are still serious risks when drying plants, including mould, pest and disease. The reason is that those pests/diseases remain from the growing cycle and as the plant becomes weak it cannot defend itself.

[0006] After drying, the plants are now ready for the next stage of processing. The next step involves removing the flower bud which contains the target chemicals from the fibrous stem. This can be done by hand with scissors or by a machine known as a debudding machine. The stem is fed through a small hole which pulls the stem though and strips the bud.

[0007] Once a flower bud has been removed it will contain outer leaves (known as sugar leaves) and a tighter internal bud. Tight buds are considered more attractive and fetch a higher price on the smoking market. The sugar leaves have fewer cannabinoids but high terpene levels. As the drying process has seen a loss of the highly volatile chemicals to the atmosphere and the next extraction process will often destroy any remaining terpenes, the current extraction systems see outer leaves as inefficient for extraction.

[0008] The three main types of extraction systems include C02, Ethanol and Hydrocarbon, with the names being based on the solvent used in the process.

[0009] The C02 extraction system is a useful and common method for extracting cannabis oil, however this oil includes waxes, lipids, fats, and other material, which needs further processing with ethanol systems. C02 extraction systems also typically have a small capacity and don't scale well for commercial production. It also requires high pressures and extremely low temperatures, so sophisticated equipment is necessary.

[0010] The Ethanol extraction system is the most popular method and the second stage of nearly all C02 extraction processes. This system is very effiecent at extracting cannabinoids, but the solvent also extracts other chemicals which are undesirable, which typically need to be removed using another method.

[0011] The Hydocarbon extraction system uses a mix of one or more of butane, propane and methane as the solvent. It is often faster than C02 extraction, but it also requires specialised equipment and safety precautions due to the flammable nature of the solvent. This system can separate terpenes and cannabinoids, but care must be taken to ensure none of the solvent is left in the final product.

Summary of the Present Invention

[0012] According to one broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of extracting multiple products from cannabis, the method comprising the steps of: providing cannabis in a container; introducing a first extraction solvent into the container and maintaining the cannabis in contact with the first extraction solvent so as to promote extraction of a first product from the cannabis into the first extraction solvent and produce solvent extracted cannabis; removing from the container the first extraction solvent comprising the extracted first product while retaining the solvent extracted cannabis in the container; and introducing a second extraction solvent into the container that is different from the first extraction solvent and maintaining the solvent extracted cannabis in contact with the second extraction solvent so as to promote extraction of a second product from the cannabis into the second extraction solvent, wherein the second product has a different composition to the first product.

[0013] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing a third extraction solvent into the container that is different from the first extraction solvent and the second extraction solvent; and maintaining the solvent extracted cannabis in contact with the third extraction solvent so as to promote extraction of a third product from the cannabis into the third extraction solvent, wherein the third product has a different composition to the first product and the second product.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first extraction solvent is steam.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first extraction solvent is a liquid solvent selected from the group comprising ethanol, ethyl acetate, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and ethyl lactate.

[0016] In an embodiment, the second extraction solvent is a liquid solvent selected from the group comprising ethanol, ethyl acetate, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and ethyl lactate.

[0017] According to another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of producing a dried cannabis product, the method comprising the steps of: providing cannabis in a container; introducing steam into the container and maintaining the cannabis in contact with the steam so as to promote extraction of a first product from the cannabis into the steam and produce steam extracted cannabis; and drying the steam extracted cannabis to produce the dried cannabis product.

[0018] In an embodiment, the steam extracted cannabis is dried by freeze-drying.

[0019] In an embodiment, the dried cannabis product is processed into a powder.

[0020] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first product is blended with the dried cannabis product.

[0021] In an embodiment, the dried cannabis product is contained within an edible capsule.

[0022] In an embodiment, the cannabis is provided in the container in a substantially fresh or non-dehydrated state.

[0023] In an embodiment, the cannabis is frozen immediately following harvesting and the cannabis is stored in a frozen state until it is subsequently placed into the container.

[0024] According to another broad form of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for extracting multiple products from cannabis, the apparatus comprising: a container configured for receiving the cannabis to be extracted; a steam line for introducing steam into the container to enable steam extraction of the cannabis and the production of steam extract; a liquid solvent line for introducing liquid solvent into the container to enable liquid solvent extraction of the cannabis and the production of liquid solvent extract; and an outlet in the container for releasing the steam extract and liquid solvent extract; wherein the container is detachable from the apparatus.

[0025] In an embodiment, the container comprises a mesh through which the steam and liquid solvent must pass before being released through the outlet.

[0026] In an embodiment, the container is configured to be optionally sealed when detached from the apparatus.

[0027] In an embodiment, the steam line and the liquid solvent line are connected to a base, wherein the base can connected to and detached from the container.

[0028] In an embodiment, the outlet is part of an end cap, wherein the end cap can be connected to and detached from the container.

[0029] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a condenser selectively in fluid communication with the outlet.

[0030] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a decantation device in fluid communication with an outlet of the condenser.

[0031] In an embodiment, the container is constructed substantially from stainless steel and is substantially cylindrical.

[0032] In an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to optionally receive multiple containers.

[0033] According to another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for processing plant-based material that is harvested from one or more cannabis plants, the method comprising the steps of: placing the material in a container; and performing a processing operation on the material, wherein the material remains within the container throughout the processing operation; wherein the processing operation comprises a plurality of stages.

[0034] In an embodiment, each of the stages of the processing operation comprises the steps of: coupling a processing head with the container; performing a processing action; and decoupling the processing head from the container.

[0035] In an embodiment, the container is sealed when there is no processing head coupled with the container.

[0036] In an embodiment, the processing operation is automated.

[0037] In an embodiment, one or more of the stages of the processing operation comprises extracting one or more components of the material from the container.

[0038] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises a decarboxylation stage.

[0039] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises a steam distillation stage.

[0040] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises a column chromatography stage.

[0041] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises a high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) stage.

[0042] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises a percolation stage.

[0043] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises an ethanol extraction stage.

[0044] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises an extraction stage that uses ethyl lactate for at least a portion of a solvent.

[0045] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises a dry heating stage.

[0046] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises the following order of discrete stages: a steam distillation stage; a dry heating stage; a freezing stage; and an ethanol extraction stage.

[0047] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises the following order of discrete stages: a distillation stage which removes terpenes and essential oils; a decarboxylation stage; and a drying stage; wherein the material is then encapsulated for consumption.

[0048] In an embodiment, the material is freeze dried prior to being encapsulated for consumption.

[0049] In an embodiment, the removed terpenes are combined with ethanol and freeze dried, before then being blended with the material prior to being encapsulated for consumption.

[0050] In an embodiment, different plants are blended with the material prior to being encapsulated for consumption.

[0051] In an embodiment, the material is placed into the container without having been dehydrated.

[0052] In an embodiment, the material is placed into the container immediately following harvesting of the material.

[0053] In an embodiment, the material is frozen immediately following harvesting of the material and the material is stored in a frozen state until it is subsequently placed into the container.

[0054] According to another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for processing plant-based material, the method comprising the steps of: harvesting the material from one or more cannabis plants; and performing a processing operation on the material without first performing a dehydration step.

[0055] In an embodiment, the processing operation is performed after placing the material in a container and wherein the material remains within the container throughout the processing operation.

[0056] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises a plurality of stages.

[0057] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises one or more stages chosen from the group of: a decarboxylation stage; a steam distillation stage; a column chromatography stage; a high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) stage; a percolation stage; an ethanol extraction stage; an extraction stage using ethyl lactate; and a dry heating stage.

[0058] According to another broad form of the invention, there is provided a container for use in processing plant-based material that is harvested from one or more cannabis plants, the container being configured for receiving the material in an internal cavity, wherein the container comprises a port that enables coupling to external equipment such that a processing operation comprising a plurality of discrete stages can be performed without removing the material from the container.

[0059] In an embodiment, the container comprises a mesh base.

[0060] In an embodiment, the container is configured to receive a solid base that substantially seals the container.

[0061] In an embodiment, the container is constructed substantially from stainless steel.

[0062] In an embodiment, the container is substantially cylindrical.

[0063] According to another broad form of the invention, there is provided apparatus for processing plant-based material that is harvested from one or more cannabis plants, that apparatus comprising a container substantially as defined herein, the apparatus further comprising a plurality of processing heads that effect the processing operation, wherein each of the processing heads is configured to: couple with the port of the container; perform a stage of the processing operation; and decouple from the container.

[0064] In an embodiment, each of the processing heads performs a different stage of the processing operation.

[0065] In an embodiment, the container is sealed when there is no processing head coupled with the container.

[0066] In an embodiment, the processing operation is automated.

[0067] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a carousel for holding the container and transferring between processing heads.

[0068] In an embodiment, a temperature of the container can be regulated anywhere in the range of-100°C to 110°C.

[0069] In an embodiment, the container can be rocked, agitated, and/or shaken.

[0070] In an embodiment, one or more of the processing heads can apply pressure to the internal cavity of the container.

[0071] In an embodiment, one or more of the processing heads can apply vacuum to the internal cavity of the container.

[0072] In an embodiment, one or more of the stages of the processing operation comprises extracting one or more components of the material from the container.

[0073] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises one or more stages chosen from the group of: a decarboxylation stage; a steam distillation stage; a column chromatography stage; a high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) stage; a percolation stage; an ethanol extraction stage; an extraction stage using ethyl lactate; and a dry heating stage.

[0074] In an embodiment, the processing operation comprises the following discrete stages: a steam distillation stage; a dry heating stage; a freezing stage; and an ethanol extraction stage.

[0075] In an embodiment, the container is configured to receive the material immediately following harvesting of the material.

[0076] In an embodiment, the container is configured to receive material that is frozen immediately following harvesting of the material and stored in a frozen state until it is subsequently placed into the container.

[0077] According to another broad form of the invention, there is provided apparatus for use during harvesting of plant-based material from one or more cannabis plants, the apparatus comprising a trolley that comprises: a deflowerer; a mill; and a container; wherein the container is substantially as defined herein.

[0078] In an embodiment, the trolley is configured to perform the following steps: receive a portion of a cannabis plant; remove desired material from unwanted material; mill the desired material; and supply the desired material to the container.

[0079] In an embodiment, the trolley performs the steps without any manual handling of the material.

[0080] It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention and their respective features can be used in conjunction and/or independently, and reference to separate broad forms is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that features of the method can be performed using the system or apparatus and that features of the system or apparatus can be implemented using the method.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0081] Various examples and embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0082] Figure 1 is a cross sectional side view of a container according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0083] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a method according to another example embodiment of the invention;

[0084] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an apparatus layout according to another example embodiment of the invention;

[0085] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the apparatus layout from Figure 3 illustrating a steam extraction stage;

[0086] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the apparatus layout from Figure 3 illustrating a liquid solvent extraction stage; and

[0087] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the apparatus layout from Figure 3 illustrating a liquid solvent collection step.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0088] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0089] In the Figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the Figures.

[0090] An example of a method for processing cannabis according to one embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0091] Throughout the specification the terms "cannabis", "cannabis material", "hemp" or simply "material" being processed or extracted is intended to broadly relate to any plant or part thereof in the cannabis and/or related families, including but not limited to cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, or cannabis ruderalis. Depending on the particular application and/or method being used, the desired component(s) may be a product extracted from the cannabis, the remaining portion of the cannabis material itself, or some combination.

[0092] A "product" or "products" extracted from cannabis as described herein is intended to mean a compound or a mixture of different compounds. In accordance with the invention an extracted product produced in one extraction has a different composition to the extracted product produced in a subsequent extraction. For example, the first extraction product has a different composition to the second extraction product, or the second extraction product has a different composition to the third extraction product, etc. By having a "different composition" is intended to mean a given extraction product contains one or more different compounds compared to those contained in a subsequent extraction product, and/or where a given extraction product contains a different ratio of one or more compounds compared to those contained in a subsequent extraction product. Extracted products produced in accordance with the invention may include, but are not limited to, terpenes, cannabinoids, waxes, fatty acids, sugars, flavonoids, essential oils, and chlorophyll.

[0093] The method includes the steps of placing the cannabis in a container and performing a processing operation on the cannabis. The cannabis can remain in the container throughout the processing operation, even when the processing operation has a plurality of discrete stages.

[0094] This method is advantageous because it can reduce or even remove the need for manual handling of the cannabis during the processing operation. Reducing manual handling can make the processing operation much safer and may also result in much cleaner and/or higher purity extracts from the processing operation. Traditional production processes have inherent risks due to the amount of contact between people and the plant material, which can carry pests and pathogen risks. By retaining the cannabis in the container throughout the processing operation, however, these risks can be reduced or even removed.

[0095] Additionally, efficiency may be increased and the process may also be more easily scaled when compared to traditional methods.

[0096] Another advantage of the method is that by leaving the cannabis in the container throughout the processing operation, the loss of volatile components of the cannabis can be reduced. For example, there is normally significant loss of highly volatile terpenes to the atmosphere and loss of trichomes through physical contact/damage during traditional cannabis processing operations, whereas the present process may reduce this loss, resulting in a more complete product and/or higher yields of desired extracts.

[0097] One advantageous application of the method can allow extraction of more volatile and less prominent compounds. It is understood that possible adjuvant affects may be realised from some full spectrum, whole plant medicines, including those based on cannabis plants. The present method may be used to produce a complete plant extract that could allow access to such desirable properties. It is by retaining the cannabis in the container throughout the processing operation that inadvertently losing the volatile components can be avoided. The process may also be applied to alter the relative proportions of components in an extract or to isolate some of them for fortification of other extracts. The process also may allow efficient extraction of phytochemicals from other tissues/organs including leaf.

[0098] Some particular example forms of the invention will now be described.

[0099] In one particularly advantageous form, the processing operation is automated. That is, each of the processing stages and even the transition between the stages can be completed automatically or autonomously, without any intervention being necessary or any manual processing steps or operations.

[0100] One or more of the stages of the processing operation may involve extracting one or more components of the cannabis from the container. These components may be waste products, useful extracts, or a combination of the two that requires further processing. Other stages of the processing operation may only process the cannabis without extracting any components, but may cause some physical and or chemical change to the makeup of the cannabis.

[0101] These various processing operations that may be performed will now be described in more detail. It will be appreciated that different embodiments of the invention may use one or more of the operations, but that the different embodiments may use different operations depending on the particular extract(s) that is desired, and/or the exact makeup of the input material.

[0102] One of the processing operations may be a decarboxylation stage. This is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group from cannabinoid acids and releases carbon dioxide, thereby forming corresponding neutral cannabinoids, which include primary cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)and cannabidiol (CBD). This step is useful when it is desired for the final product because the products typically have a different biological activities and effects. For example, decarboxylation of THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is required to produce the known psychoactive effects of cannabis often associated with smoking the dried form of the plant. While THCA is generally present in the plant THC is usually not present in the fresh form of the plant or if so only at small levels, however, which is why this step may be desirable.

[0103] Accordingly, the apparatus may be capable of raising the temperature of the cannabis for a given period of time, thereby providing the necessary conditions for decarboxylation to occur. For example, the temperature may be raised to 85°C for a period of 30-60 minutes. In other examples, the temperature may be raised to 85°C-90°C, 90°C-100°C, 100°C-110°C, or to any other temperature or temperature range as may be suitable. Similarly, the duration of the raised temperature may also be varied as necessary due to the particular temperature and various other factors.

[0104] The processing operations may include one or more separation processes, such as a steam distillation stage or some other fractionation process. The steam distillation process involves providing water in liquid form or steam to the container and distilling the water together with components of the cannabis in the container. In this process, the contents of the container are heated and steam from the boiling water carries the vapor of the components to a condenser. Here, both the steam and the components are cooled and return to liquid or solid state, while other residues remain in the container. In this way, particular components of the cannabis can be extracted. Fractions of volatiles may be collected separately at different times during this process to alter the composition of volatiles for isolation and/or subsequent addition to the subsequent ethanol extract.

[0105] An ethanol extraction stage may be used in situations where it is desirable to separate cannabinoids. In this process, after initial distillation or a wash the contents of the container will have ethanol added to the container where it dissolves these or other target components. The ethanol solution can then be removed from the container and the target compounds separated from the ethanol using known methods.

[0106] In some embodiments, the ethanol may be partially or completely replaced by ethyl lactate. Use of ethyl lactate is advantageous for use as an environmentally friendly, non-toxic solvent for extraction and isolation/fractionation that is easy to remove. For example, the extraction stage may use anything in the range of 0-100% ethanol, with the remainder being made up of ethyl lactate, in one or more extraction steps.

[0107] Between one or more of the stages described, it may be desirable for a dry heating stage to be used to remove any excess moisture. This step of course can still be achieved without removal of the cannabis from the container being required. The use of load cells on machinery is possible to ascertain the moisture variance during the steam distillation phase before entering the solvent stage.

[0108] In one specific example, the processing operation may involve stages in the order of a steam distillation stage, a dry heating stage, a freezing stage, and an ethanol extraction stage. As discussed above, however, many variations to this particular example are possible.

[0109] In another example, the processing operation involves a steam distillation stage which removes terpenes and essential oils, while also serving as a decarboxylation stage due to the temperatures experienced due to the use of steam. The processing operation then involves a drying stage, before then crushing or otherwise reducing the remaining cannabis material to a powder and optionally encapsulating for consumption. The cannabis material may also be freeze dried prior to being turned into a powder and/or encapsulated.

[0110] In yet another example, the removed terpenes could be combined with ethanol and freeze dried, before then being blended with the cannabis material prior to being turned to powder and/or encapsulated for consumption. Different plants, such as herbs or seeds, may also be blended with the cannabis material for consumption.

[0111] An example of a method for processing cannabis according to another embodiment of the invention will now be described. The method includes the steps of harvesting the cannabis from one or more cannabis plants and performing a processing operation on the cannabis without first performing a dehydration step.

[0112] This method is advantageous because it removes one or more processing steps when compared to traditional methods, which may result in cost savings, improve product quality and/or reduce the risk of pest and disease that can occur during traditional drying processes, for example.

[0113] Traditional production methods require significant labour to manually harvest and trim the plants before manually attaching them to drying racks, where the cannabis flower is then typically dried for ten days or more in a large specialised room. The humidity and temperature of the room must be controlled to achieve the optimum drying rate and to achieve the desired moisture content.

[0114] This dehydration stage in a traditional process sees a loss of highly volatile compounds to the atmosphere. The dehydration stage also has risks around the development and growth of mould. Highly controlled and biologically secure rooms are often used in an effort to address this risk, however the product can still spoil. If mould, pests, or pathogens are found then generally the crop must be destroyed, which is of course very costly.

[0115] In contrast, the present method processes fresh cannabis with no initial dehydration process. This means that the highly volatile compounds are extracted to the final product rather than being lost. The manual trimming and drying of the traditional process are not required at all, which may also allow an opportunity to mechanise and automate harvesting. This in turn could allow for a large scale up when more significant markets become available.

[0116] Throughout the specification, the terms "fresh" or "non-dehydrated" may be used to indicate that traditional dehydration or drying processes have not been performed. For example, fresh cannabis may be used where the cannabis is harvested directly into the container for processing. While some level of dehydration may inevitably occur, the term "fresh" indicates that at least 50% of the moisture content of the unharvested plant remains. Similarly, "non dehydrated" may refer to cannabis that has not been recently harvested, but still has a high moisture content, such as at least 50% of the moisture content of the unharvested plant. For example, the harvested cannabis may be stored in a sealed container or potentially frozen, so that there is not significant loss of moisture or other volatile components during the storage.

[0117] In some particular example forms of the invention, this method may optionally be combined with any one or more of the methods described previously. For example, the processing operation may be performed after placing the cannabis in a container and retaining the cannabis in the container throughout the processing operation. In another example, the processing may involve a plurality of stages. However, in each of these cases, there is still no dehydration stage prior to placing the cannabis in the container.

[0118] In some applications of the present method, the cannabis may be placed into the container immediately following harvesting of the cannabis. This is advantageous as it provides for the least chance of any desirable components being lost and also allows for preserving the cannabis in order to prevent contamination or pests. Alternatively, however, the cannabis may be frozen immediately following harvesting and the cannabis then stored in a frozen state until it is subsequently placed into the container. This may be more suitable in high volume situations, for example, where it is not practical to supply the required number of containers.

[0119] An example of a container for use in processing cannabis according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0120] The container has an internal cavity for receiving the cannabis to be processed. The container also has a port that enables coupling to external equipment so that a processing operation can be performed. This processing operation can include a plurality of discrete stages, which can be performed sequentially without removing the cannabis from the container.

[0121] The container is suitable for use in performing at least some of the methods described previously and provides for many of the same advantages. For example, the container allows for reducing or even removing the need for manual handling of the cannabis during the processing operation. It may also allow for efficiency to be increased and for the process to be more easily scaled when compared to traditional apparatus.

[0122] Another advantage of the container is that by leaving the cannabis in the container throughout the processing operation, the loss of volatile components of the cannabis can be reduced. It can allow extraction of more volatile and less prominent compounds, allowing production of a more complete plant extract, for example.

[0123] Some particular example forms of the container will now be described.

[0124] In one example, the container may have a mesh base. This mesh could be interchangeable for particle size and can be used for allowing liquids to pass through while retaining solid components in the container. Such a container may optionally also be configured to receive a solid base that substantially seals the container.

[0125] The container may be constructed substantially from stainless steel, preferably of a food grade or better. It will be appreciated, however, that a range of other materials may alternatively be used, as may be appropriate in a particular circumstance and as will be understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0126] Preferably, the container is substantially cylindrical. This may provide a number of advantages, such as ease of cleaning and the ability to contain pressure. However, it is conceivable that other shapes may also be possible.

[0127] An example of apparatus for use in processing cannabis according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described. Advantageously, the container as previously described forms part of this apparatus.

[0128] The apparatus has a plurality of processing heads that effect the processing operation. Each of the processing heads is configured to couple with the port of the container in order to perform a stage of the processing operation. Once the stage is complete, the processing head can then decouple from the container.

[0129] Preferably, the container is sealed when there is no processing head coupled with the container. This ensures that any volatile compounds are retained in the container between processing steps, ensuring a more complete final product and/or improved efficiency of extraction of these compounds.

[0130] Advantageously, the processing operation may be completely automated. It will be appreciated, however, that in some embodiments only some stages are automated while certain manual interactions will still be necessary.

[0131] A carousel may be used for holding the container and transferring between processing heads. Such a system can further automate the process and increase the speed and efficiency, while reducing any safety risks by removing operators. The carousel can also allow for inline processing of a large number of containers, making the processing highly automated and efficient.

[0132] Different processing heads and/or sections of the apparatus may be used to produce a temperature of the container that can be regulated anywhere in the range of -15°C to 85°C, or more preferably in the range of -100°C to 110°C. This can be achieved by heating/cooling the outside of the container as well as injecting fluids of a particular temperature into the container. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments this temperature range may be modified as necessary for the required processing stages.

[0133] One or more of the processing heads may also be capable of applying pressure to the internal cavity of the container. High pressures can be useful for some of the processing stages described previously and the containers can also be designed to accommodate such high pressures. Similarly, one or more of the processing heads may be capable of applying a vacuum to the internal cavity of the container.

[0134] One or more of the processing heads can be used to extract one or more components of the cannabis from the container, using one or more of the stages as described in detail in relation to the methods above. Also as described above, the container may be configured to receive the cannabis immediately following harvesting of the cannabis or alternatively the container may be configured to receive cannabis that is frozen immediately following harvesting of the cannabis and stored in a frozen state until it is subsequently placed into the container.

[0135] An example of apparatus for use during harvesting of cannabis from one or more cannabis plants according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0136] Advantageously, the container as previously described forms part of this apparatus. The apparatus also includes a trolley incorporating a deflowerer and a mill or grinder of any suitable form, such as a knife mill.

[0137] The flower of a cannabis plant is harvested using this trolley to assist. Branches of the plant are deflowered using the deflowerer, milled to a desired particle size using the knife mill, and delivered directly to the cylinder. The cylinder can then carry the flower through the processing operation stages as described previously, ultimately producing a final extract and/or other products.

[0138] This trolley may provide even further cost savings and improved efficiencies by further automating the process and reducing manual labour, as drying and trimming are not required. The plant can be harvested at the base of the stem and then the stem simply fed into the deflowerer of the trolley. The bud and leaves can fall directly into the mill, which will in turn provide the cannabis into the container once at the required size. The cannabis may then stay in the container for the complete extraction process, requiring no more handling.

[0139] An example of a method of extracting multiple products from cannabis according to one embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0140] This method is useful for extracting and/or isolating useful products from the cannabis. The method includes providing cannabis in a container, as has been discussed previously. A first extraction solvent is introduced into the container and the cannabis is maintained in contact with the first extraction solvent so as to promote extraction of a first product from the cannabis into the first extraction solvent and produce solvent extracted cannabis. The first extraction solvent is removed from the container, along with the extracted first product, while retaining the solvent extracted cannabis in the container. Next a second extraction solvent is introduced into the container, with the second extraction solvent being different from the first extraction solvent. The second extraction solvent is now maintained in contact with the solvent extracted cannabis so as to promote extraction of a second product from the cannabis into the second extraction solvent. The use of a different solvent for the second extraction solvent results in the second product having a different composition to the first product.

[0141] The steps can optionally be continued with a third extraction solvent to promote extraction of a third product from the cannabis into the third extraction solvent. Again, the third extraction solvent is different to the first and second extraction solvents, and the third product has a different composition to the first product and the second product. This could also continue with further extraction solvents to produce further different products.

[0142] The first extraction solvent may be steam, or it may alternatively be a liquid solvent such as ethanol, ethyl acetate, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, ethyl lactate, or any other suitable solvent as will be known to those skilled in the art. The second extraction solvent (and/or any other subsequent solvents) may also be a liquid solvent such as ethanol, ethyl acetate, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, ethyl lactate, or any other suitable solvent as will be known to those skilled in the art.

[0143] An example of another method according to another embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0144] This example method is suitable for producing a dried cannabis product, rather than the focus being on the extracts as in the previously described method. However, the extracts in this method can still be collected and may also still have a useful purpose.

[0145] The method again involves providing cannabis in a container. Steam is first introduced into the container and the cannabis is maintained in contact with the steam so as to promote extraction of a first product from the cannabis into the steam, producing steam extracted cannabis. This steam extracted cannabis can then be dried to produce the dried cannabis product.

[0146] This method is advantageous because the steam can extract terpenes, which can be responsible for flavours and smells, but simultaneously also decarboxylate the cannabis. Therefore, this method can produce a dried product with little smell or flavour that is suitable for consumption, yet does not require further heating processes such as smoking or cooking, as the cannabinoids have already been activated.

[0147] The steam extracted cannabis is preferably dried by freeze-drying. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments alternative drying techniques may be used, as will be known to those skilled in the art.

[0148] The dried cannabis product may be processed into a powder, such as by cutting, grinding or crushing, for example. The dried cannabis product may be used in this powder form, or may be encapsulated to produce an edible capsule.

[0149] The method and the previously described method are advantageous because they allow for the cannabis to be provided in the container in a substantially fresh or non-dehydrated state. This may be soon after harvesting, or alternatively the cannabis may be frozen immediately following harvesting and stored in a frozen state until it is subsequently placed into the container.

[0150] An example of an apparatus suitable for extracting multiple products from cannabis according to one embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0151] The apparatus includes a container that is configured for receiving the cannabis to be extracted. A steam line is used to introduce steam into the container to enable steam extraction of the cannabis and the production of steam extract. Meanwhile, a liquid solvent line is also provided for introducing liquid solvent into the container to enable liquid solvent extraction of the cannabis and the production of liquid solvent extract. The container has an outlet for releasing the steam extract and liquid solvent extract.

[0152] Advantageously, the container is detachable from the apparatus. This allows for the container to be filled with cannabis at some location away from the remainder of the apparatus and then provided in an already filled form. In this way, multiple containers can be used and swapped out once the cannabis has been extracted.

[0153] Preferably, the container has a mesh through which the steam and liquid solvent must pass before being released through the outlet. This ensures the solid matter is largely retained in the container, rather than being carried with one of the solvents. Despite this mesh, however, it may be possible seal the container when it is detached from the apparatus. For example, a lid may be provided that covers the mesh, or the mesh may be removed and replaced with a lid.

[0154] The steam line and the liquid solvent line may be connected to a base or end cap, with the base being configured to be connected to and detached from the container. Similarly, the outlet is part of another end cap, wherein the end cap can be connected to and detached from the container.

[0155] In one example, the apparatus may be configured to optionally receive multiple containers. For example, cylindrical containers may be connected end to end, creating a single long chamber through which the solvents may pass, with end caps being connected at each end of the series.

[0156] An example embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0157] Referring to Figure 1, an apparatus 10 has a substantially cylindrical vessel 12 and a container 13 housed therein that is suitable for receiving cannabis to be extracted. A closure 15 is removable for removal of the container 13 so that it can be filled with the cannabis and inserted back into the vessel 12.

[0158] It will be appreciated that there could be a plurality of containers 13 each filled with cannabis, allowing a container 13 to be removed after the cannabis is extracted and a different container 13 with fresh cannabis inserted into the vessel 12. The container 13 has a mesh face 18 at an upper end and a mesh face 19 at a lower end. However, caps or lids may be provided so that the containers 13 can be sealed when outside the vessel 12. This means that the containers 13 could be filled with cannabis at the time of harvesting the cannabis, for example, but then sealed and transported and/or stored prior to being extracted.

[0159] A vapour solvent inlet 20 is provided towards a lower end of the vessel 12 as a means of introducing a solvent to the vessel 12 that is in a substantially vapour or gaseous form. Preferably, this solvent is steam, but it will be appreciated that other vapour solvents may alternatively be used.

[0160] A liquid solvent inlet 22 is also provided at the lower end of the vessel 12 as a means of introducing a solvent to the vessel 12 that is in substantially liquid form. For example, this solvent may be ethanol, but it will be appreciated that other liquid solvents may alternatively be used.

[0161] A solvent outlet 16 is provided towards an upper end of the vessel 12 as a means of allowing flow of the solvents out of the vessel 12. In this way, flow of the solvent from either of the inlets 20, 22 at the bottom of the vessel 12 passes into the container 13 via the lower mesh face 19, where it contacts the cannabis and promotes extraction of a product from the cannabis, before carrying this product with the solvent out through the upper mesh face 18 and then the outlet 16.

[0162] Depending on the solvent being used, it may be directed to an appropriate apparatus after flowing through the outlet 16, or may be recirculated back into the vessel 13, as described in further examples below. Once the extraction is complete, any remaining solvent in the vessel 13 may be drained via the liquid solvent inlet 22.

[0163] An example embodiment of a method according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 2. In this figure, a method for processing cannabis that is harvested from one or more cannabis plants is shown. The method involves initially placing the cannabis in a container, where it remains throughout the process.

[0164] A processing operation step is next performed on the cannabis, which may involve an output, such as a useful extract, a waste product, or mixture that requires further processing. The cannabis remains within the container during any required number of further processing steps, each of which may have some output.

[0165] Another example embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6.

[0166] Referring first to Figure 3, a vessel 112 houses a container 113 that holds cannabis to be extracted. As described previously, this container 113 can be filled with cannabis prior to be placed inside the vessel 112. In this embodiment, rather than placing the container inside the vessel, the vessel 112 is partially formed by the container 113, with end caps 114 being removably fitted to each end of the container 113.

[0167] The vessel 112 has a vapour solvent inlet 120 and a liquid solvent inlet 122 at a lower end thereof. A solvent outlet 116 is connected to a condenser 130 and to a solvent balance tank 140, with a condenser valve 131 and a balance tank valve 141 determining whether a solvent can flow to these components.

[0168] Figure 4 illustrates the operation of a steam extraction stage. A steam generator 150 supplies steam that flows via a steam line 151 with a pressure indicator 152, through a valve 153 that is open in this stage and into the vessel 113 through the vapour solvent inlet 120. While the vessel 113 is capable of containing a certain level of pressure, a pressure relief valve 154 is also provided on the steam line 151, along with a condensate trap 155.

[0169] The steam together with a first product extracted from the cannabis flows out through the solvent outlet 116 and through the condenser valve 131 that is open (balance tank valve 141 is closed). The steam and first product pass into the condenser 130 before flowing as a liquid to a first collection vessel 156.

[0170] The liquid collected will typically be two or more immiscible liquids, allowing simple separation by known means such as decantation or similar. A chilled water supply 158 is used to operate the condenser 130. Any valves in the system not mentioned above are assumed to be closed during this stage.

[0171] Figure 5 illustrates the operation of a liquid solvent extraction stage. The solvent used may be ethanol, ethyl acetate, propylene glycol, or another solvent as may be known in the art or as suitable for extracting a particular product as desired for a given purpose. The solvent is provided to the solvent balance tank 140 and circulated using a pump 160.

[0172] In this stage, a liquid solvent inlet valve 161 is opened, allowing the liquid solvent to flow into the vessel 113 via the liquid solvent inlet 122 (solvent drain valve 172 is closed). The balance tank valve 141 is now open while the condenser valve 131 is closed, allowing the solvent carrying a second extracted product to flow from the solvent outlet 116 back to the solvent balance tank 140. This circulation of the solvent may continue for any necessary length of time, with the solvent potentially passing through the vessel 113 multiple times.

[0173] Figure 6 illustrates a final portion of the liquid solvent extraction stage. Here, a balance tank drain valve 171 is opened, allowing the solvent and the second extracted product in the solvent balance tank 140 to flow to a second collection vessel 170. The solvent drain valve 172 can also be opened, allowing any solvent remaining in the vessel 112 to also drain to the second collection vessel 170.

Examples

Method Example 1

[0174] An example of a method performed in accordance an embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0175] In this example, 200g of fresh hemp flower was collected and chopped to a particle size range of 5-10mm. The material was packed into an extraction vessel and the extraction vessel was placed into the extraction apparatus.

[0176] The material was steam distilled for 1 hour. A temperature probe measured the steam coming from the generator at 99°C. The steam travelled through the extraction vessel and through a condenser. The hydrosol and essential oils were collected in a separator. After 1 hour the steam distillation process was stopped. The valves were closed on the steam lines and valves were opened on the solvent lines.

[0177] The apparatus was flooded with 800ml of 94% ethanol solvent which was recirculated up through the biomass for 2 hours via a solvent balance tank. After 2 hours of the solvent wash the process was stopped and the solvent was drained from the apparatus by closing the circulation valves and opening the solvent drain valves.

[0178] The essential oil is not miscible in the hydrosol and floated to the top of the hydrosol where it was collected via a pipette. The solvent prior to the extraction process was clear and colourless. After the process the solvent was a very dark green colour and opaque.

[0179] To test the efficiency of the extraction to remove the cannabinoids from the biomass, the biomass was tested before being placed into the apparatus and also the spent charge after the solvent wash was tested.

[0180] 20g ofunused biomass was sent to the testing lab where they used 7.3g and found there was a total of 7.28% cannabinoids tested present. After the extraction process 100g of spent charge was sent to the testing lab where they used 95g and found there was a total of 0.64% cannabinoids tested present. This equates to a successful extraction of cannabinoids post steaming in the same vessel of 91.21%.

Method Example 2

[0181] Another example of a method performed in accordance an embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0182] 200g of fresh hemp flower was collected and chopped to a particle size range of 5 mm. The material was packed into an extraction vessel and the extraction vessel was placed into the extraction apparatus.

[0183] The material was steam distilled for 1 hour. A temperature probe measured the steam coming from the generator at 99°C. The steam travelled through the extraction vessel and through a condenser. The hydrosol and essential oils were collected in a separator. After 1 hour the steam distillation process was stopped. The valves were closed on the steam lines and valves were opened on the solvent lines

[0184] The apparatus was flooded with 800ml of ethyl acetate solvent which was recirculated up through the biomass for 2 hours via a solvent balance tank. After 2 hours of the solvent wash the process was stopped and the solvent was drained from the apparatus by closing the circulation valves and opening the solvent drain valves.

[0185] The essential oil is not miscible in the hydrosol and floated to the top of the hydrosol where it was collected via a pipette. The solvent prior to the extraction process was clear and colourless. Post the process the solvent was a very dark green colour and opaque.

[0186] To test the efficiency of the extraction to remove the cannabinoids from the biomass the biomass was tested before being placed into the apparatus and also the spent charge after the solvent wash was tested.

[0187] 20g of unused biomass was sent to the testing lab where they used 12.4g and found there was a total of 6.95% cannabinoids tested present. After the extraction process 100g of spent charge was sent to the testing lab where they used 95g and found there was a total of 1.02% cannabinoids tested present. This equates to a successful extraction of cannabinoids post steaming in the same vessel of 85.32%.

Method Example 3

[0188] Another example of a method performed in accordance an embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0189] 200g of fresh hemp flower was collected and chopped to a particle size range of 5 mm. The material was packed into an extraction vessel and the extraction vessel was placed into the extraction apparatus.

[0190] The material was steam distilled for 1 hour. A temperature probe measured the steam coming from the generator at 99°C. The steam travelled through the extraction vessel and through a condenser. The hydrosol and essential oils were collected in a separator. After 1 hour the steam distillation process was stopped. The valves were closed on the steam lines and valves were opened on the solvent lines.

[0191] The apparatus was flooded with 800ml of propylene glycol solvent which was recirculated up through the biomass for 2 hours via a solvent balance tank. After 2 hours of the solvent wash the process was stopped and the solvent was drained from the apparatus by closing the circulation valves and opening the solvent drain valves.

[0192] The essential oil is not miscible in the hydrosol and floated to the top of the hydrosol where it was collected via a pipette. The solvent prior to the extraction process was clear and colourless and very viscous. Post the process the solvent was a very dark green colour and opaque.

[0193] To test the efficiency of the extraction to remove the cannabinoids from the biomass the biomass was tested before being placed into the apparatus and also the spent charge after the solvent wash was tested.

[0194] 20g of unused biomass was sent to the testing lab where they used 15.6g and found there was a total of 8.00% cannabinoids tested present. After the extraction process 100g of spent charge was sent to the testing lab where they used 95g and found there was a total of 1.97% cannabinoids tested present. This equates to a successful extraction of cannabinoids post steaming in the same vessel of 75.38%.

Notes

[0195] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. As used herein and unless otherwise stated, the term "approximately" means 20%.

[0196] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.

Claims (19)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1) A method of extracting multiple products from cannabis, the method comprising the steps of: i) providing cannabis in a container; ii) introducing a first extraction solvent into the container and maintaining the cannabis in contact with the first extraction solvent so as to promote extraction of a first product from the cannabis into the first extraction solvent and produce solvent extracted cannabis; iii) removing from the container the first extraction solvent comprising the extracted first product while retaining the solvent extracted cannabis in the container; and iv) introducing a second extraction solvent into the container that is different from the first extraction solvent and maintaining the solvent extracted cannabis in contact with the second extraction solvent so as to promote extraction of a second product from the cannabis into the second extraction solvent, wherein the second product has a different composition to the first product.

2) The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: i) providing a third extraction solvent into the container that is different from thefirst extraction solvent and the second extraction solvent; and ii) maintaining the solvent extracted cannabis in contact with the third extraction solvent so as to promote extraction of a third product from the cannabis into the third extraction solvent, wherein the third product has a different composition to the first product and the second product.

3) The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first extraction solvent is steam.

4) The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein thefirst extraction solvent is a liquid solvent selected from the group comprising ethanol, ethyl acetate, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and ethyl lactate.

) The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second extraction solvent is a liquid solvent selected from the group comprising ethanol, ethyl acetate, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and ethyl lactate.

6) A method of producing a dried cannabis product, the method comprising the steps of: i) providing cannabis in a container; ii) introducing steam into the container and maintaining the cannabis in contact with the steam so as to promote extraction of a first product from the cannabis into the steam and produce steam extracted cannabis; and iii) drying the steam extracted cannabis to produce the dried cannabis product.

7) The method according to claim 6, wherein the steam extracted cannabis is dried by freeze drying.

8) The method according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the dried cannabis product is processed into a powder.

9) The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least a portion of the first product is blended with the dried cannabis product.

)The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the dried cannabis product is contained within an edible capsule.

11) The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cannabis is provided in the container in a substantially fresh or non-dehydrated state.

12)The method according to claim 11, wherein the cannabis is frozen immediately following harvesting and the cannabis is stored in a frozen state until it is subsequently placed into the container.

13)An apparatus for extracting multiple products from cannabis, the apparatus comprising: a) a container configured for receiving the cannabis to be extracted; b) a steam line for introducing steam into the container to enable steam extraction of the cannabis and the production of steam extract; c) a liquid solvent line for introducing liquid solvent into the container to enable liquid solvent extraction of the cannabis and the production of liquid solvent extract; and d) an outlet in the container for releasing the steam extract and liquid solvent extract; wherein the container is detachable from the apparatus.

14)The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the container comprises a mesh through which the steam and liquid solvent must pass before being released through the outlet.

)The apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the container is configured to be optionally sealed when detached from the apparatus.

16) The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the steam line and the liquid solvent line are connected to a base, wherein the base can be connected to and detached from the container.

17)The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the outlet is part of an end cap, wherein the end cap can be connected to and detached from the container.

18)The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising a condenser selectively in fluid communication with the outlet.

19)The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a decantation device in fluid communication with an outlet of the condenser.

)The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the apparatus is configured to optionally receive multiple containers.

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