Processes for solvent extraction of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids from biomass
In alternative embodiments, provided are industrial processes and methods for extracting or removing cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes from plant materials such as trichomes. In alternative embodiments, the cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes are extracted or removed from the plant materials using a non-polar, organic solvent, or a mixture of non-polar, organic solvent and polar, organic solvent.
1. A method of isolating tetrahydrocannabinol, a terpene, or cannabidiol from hemp or cannabis , the method consisting essentially of:
a) extracting hemp or cannabis with a solvent selected from the group consisting of propanol, isopropanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol, and octanol to produce an extract consisting essentially of an extracted hemp or cannabis consisting essentially of tetrahydrocannabinol, a terpene, or cannabidiol;
b) evaporating the solvent portion of the extract to generate a substantially solvent-free extract consisting essentially of the tetrahydrocannabinol, terpene or cannabidiol;
c) distilling the substantially solvent-free extract to isolate the tetrahydrocannabinol, the terpene or the CBD, and
d) crystallizing the distilled, isolated tetrahydrocannabinol, terpene or cannabidiol to produce a crystallized, isolated tetrahydrocannabinol, terpene or cannabidiol.