THC remediation has been on everyone’s lips lately, especially among cannabis industry executives and companies that market CBD-infused goods. Purification and extraction technologies are at the forefront of developments in the cannabis industry. Such techniques, however, necessitate the technical expertise and financial investment of cannabis producers. But first and foremost, why do we require THC remediation?
The natural production of THC by hemp plants is minimal; but, in order to sell legal CBD, manufacturers must reduce the THC component to a minimum level. Ultimately, the goal is to provide CBD products that contain less than 0.3 percent THC, which is the legal limit. However, some states have more stringent laws, which only allow CBD sales if the products contain 0 percent THC or less.
THC remediation is required in this situation. To ensure compliance with state standards in places like Iowa – as well as to meet the needs of people who want to use CBD but are concerned about testing positive for THC – such as truck drivers, police officers, factory workers, and others who work in positions where safety is critical – THC remediation is necessary. The term “THC Remediation procedures” refers to a variety of techniques that can be used to reduce THC levels and achieve purity levels close to 99.9 percent.
THC REMEDIATION IS SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND
As a result of the extraction and distillation operations, we can obtain three different types of CBD-based products: CBD isolates, CBD distillates, and full-spectrum CBD. The purest form of CBD is isolate, which is obtained from hemp and cannabis plants and does not include THC. CBD distillate is obtained from marijuana plants that contain higher THC levels, while full-spectrum CBD contains only a trace amount of THC.
So let’s take a look at the most popular THC remediation options available today for producers who want to ensure that their goods are totally compliant.
THE USE OF CHROMATOGRAPHY IN THC REMEDIATION
Chromatography has long been recognized as the most widely used THC cleanup method available. It is the process of separating molecules or substances into their constituent parts, and it can be carried out using a variety of methods.
What is the procedure for chromatography?
High-tech lab equipment with automated systems is always required for chromatography, and the equipment is typically quite expensive.
The science that goes into a successful repair process. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Chromatography Techniques and Procedures
In the United States, reverse-phase chromatography (RPC) is frequently employed for THC remediation of CBD distillate. It is a widely utilized technology that has the potential to significantly boost the final value of the product.
CounterCurrent Chromatography (CC) is a technology that offers a variety of advantages over traditional chromatography. With its liquid-liquid format, this method decreases waste while also eliminating the need to purchase equipment for the stationary phase in the process of chromatography.
CHROMATOGRAPHY AND ITS COMPETITIVE OPTIONS
Today, further approaches are being developed in the field of chromatography, which are referred to as conversion methods. When converting THC into CBN (cannabinoid), for example, producers can choose from three different approaches: chemical conversion in solvent systems, ultraviolet light degradation, and heat oxidation. Both THC and CBD, on the other hand, can deteriorate as a result of conversion.
If manufacturers want to avoid the degradation of molecules as a result of these extraction procedures, they should choose more forward-thinking, modern technologies.
Molecular Engineering is a branch of science that studies the structure and function of molecules.
Sixth Wave technology is the most recent advancement in the field of THC cleanup. The approach is based on nanotechnology and is focused on CBD THC isolates and distillates hemp processes, as well as other hemp-related products.
What kinds of difficulties does this technology help people with?
The Sixth Wave realized that producers required a more cost-effective technique of production that was alternative. Affinity is a process improvement tool that seeks to address a variety of challenges that have arisen in the past with traditional chromatography. For example, when it comes to chromatography, it is difficult to scale up to big production levels. It is expensive to purchase and maintain the chromatographic technology equipment, and it demands highly trained scientific personnel.
Sixth Wave’s Affinity technology produces a higher yield with smaller footprints, and the entire process is completely automated and operated in a closed-loop, reducing waste and increasing productivity. As a result of affinity, producers can operate on a wider scale (from raw materials to isolated products) while incurring fewer losses. The entire cost of the procedure is much lower than the cost of most other chromatographic techniques combined.
The total procedure makes it easier for THC remediation to take place, and the numerous benefits it provides make it a good alternative for producers when compared to chromatographic and extraction techniques.
THREE-THC PRODUCTS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND.
Despite the fact that THC is gaining popularity and losing its negative connotations, the demand for THC-free goods is only going to grow. There are a few companies out there, such as Front Range Biosciences, that are working on selective breeding and advanced propagation to develop a strain of hemp that produces no THC at all. However, in order to truly create a THC-free hemp or cannabis product, manufacturers must rely on these advanced methods of THC remediation.