August 2018

Extraction Operator David Fitzsimmons loads a batch of plant material inside an extraction unit at Organa Brands in Denver. Photo by Matthew Staver ¬ t’s one thing to add botanically derived terpenes to your vape cartridges or infused products, but to extract highly volatile terpenes from cannabis requires a deft hand and attention to detail. “The extraction of terpenes is not just a science, it’s an art,” said Jay Spall, lead extractor for San Diego-based Cannabiniers. Spall uses a steam generator to extract the terpene molecules that have a high vapor pressure, meaning a low boiling point, to keep the molecules intact. “They are very delicate molecules,” he added. This method works for another reason: After the terpene extraction process, the cannabis can be dried, then extracted again for cannabinoids, including THC or CBD. No Harsh Chemicals, Temperatures Spall has been perfecting his method of cannabis extraction for about 10 years, drawing on a background in chemistry and biochemistry at the Uni- versity of California, San Diego. He quickly learned that his process must be gentle, because terpenes are fragile. “You cannot use harsh chemicals,” he said. “You cannot use harsh temperatures.” Terpenes are hydrocarbons, which means they’re volatile and will start to break down if heated.When they begin to break down they emit a foul odor, which will affect the flavor, smell and effect. During extraction for THC, it’s com- mon to smell bad aromas wafting from the cannabis. “That’s usually the terpenes breaking down,” according to Spall. At Cannabiniers, employees work with all types of cannabis flower, includ- ing plants grown indoors, outdoors or in a greenhouse. Amber Hue is Key But the most important characteristic is that the flower has a lot of trichomes, August 2018 • Marijuana Business Magazine • 65