Welcome to the Canna Labs Consulting Cannabis Chemistry Glossary — your authoritative reference for extraction, distillation, post-processing, and laboratory terminology used across the cannabis and hemp industry. This glossary is updated weekly with new terms.
A
Activated Carbon
A highly porous form of carbon used as a filtration medium in cannabis post-processing to remove unwanted pigments, pesticides, and impurities from crude oil. Activated carbon is commonly employed in Color Remediation Chromatography (CRC) columns and inline filtration systems. Its effectiveness depends on particle size, activation method, and contact time with the oil.
Analyte
A specific chemical substance being identified or measured during laboratory testing. In cannabis testing, common analytes include individual cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBN), terpenes, residual solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals. Accurate analyte quantification is critical for Certificate of Analysis (COA) generation and regulatory compliance.
B
BHO (Butane Hash Oil)
A cannabis concentrate produced through hydrocarbon extraction using butane as the primary solvent. BHO extraction dissolves cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material within a closed-loop extractor, producing concentrates such as shatter, wax, budder, and crumble. Proper purging of residual butane is essential for consumer safety. Related: BHO vs Ethanol Extraction
Boiling Point
The temperature at which a substance transitions from liquid to vapor at a given pressure. In cannabis distillation, understanding boiling points is critical for separating cannabinoids (THC ~157°C at 1 mmHg) from terpenes, fatty acids, and other compounds. Operating under vacuum significantly lowers boiling points, preventing thermal degradation. Related: Cannabis Distillation Theory
Broad Spectrum
A cannabis extract that contains multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds but has had THC selectively removed or reduced below detectable limits. Broad spectrum products offer an “entourage effect” without THC exposure, making them popular in hemp-derived CBD products and markets with strict THC regulations.
C
Cannabinoid
A class of chemical compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Cannabis produces over 100 known phytocannabinoids, including THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG. Each cannabinoid has a unique molecular structure, boiling point, and pharmacological profile, making selective extraction and isolation a core focus of cannabis processing.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
The second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis and the dominant cannabinoid in hemp. CBD is non-intoxicating and is widely used for wellness applications. It serves as a precursor for converting to other cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC through isomerization. CBD can be isolated into crystalline form (CBD isolate) at purities exceeding 99%.
CBN (Cannabinol)
A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid formed through the oxidation and degradation of THC over time or via controlled conversion processes. CBN is associated with sedative properties and is increasingly popular in sleep-focused cannabis products. It can be produced intentionally by exposing THC to heat, light, or oxygen under controlled conditions.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Often called the “mother cannabinoid,” CBG is the chemical precursor from which other cannabinoids are biosynthesized in the cannabis plant. CBGa (the acid form) is converted by enzymes into THCa, CBDa, and CBCa. CBG-rich hemp cultivars are gaining popularity for producing CBG isolate and broad spectrum CBG products.
Closed-Loop Extractor
A sealed extraction system used for hydrocarbon extraction where solvents like butane and propane are contained, recovered, and recycled within the system — never exposed to the atmosphere. Closed-loop extractors are required by virtually all state cannabis regulations for safety and environmental compliance. They range from small tabletop units to industrial-scale systems processing hundreds of pounds daily. Related: What Is Cannabis Extraction?
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
An official document issued by an accredited third-party laboratory detailing the chemical composition and safety profile of a cannabis product. COAs typically report cannabinoid potency, terpene profiles, residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contamination. A valid COA is required for legal sale in all regulated cannabis markets.
CO2 Extraction (Supercritical)
An extraction method that uses carbon dioxide under supercritical conditions (above 31°C and 1,071 psi) where CO2 behaves as both a liquid and gas, dissolving cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. CO2 extraction is considered clean and tunable — adjusting pressure and temperature allows selective extraction of different compounds. It typically produces a waxy crude requiring further refinement. Related: Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Extraction
CRC (Color Remediation Chromatography)
A post-extraction filtration technique that passes cannabis oil through a column packed with adsorbent media — typically activated carbon, silica gel, bentonite clay, and diatomaceous earth — to remove dark pigments, chlorophyll, and certain impurities. CRC improves the visual appeal of concentrates but does not increase potency. Improper use can strip terpenes or leave behind filter media contaminants. Related: How to Separate & Purify Cannabinoids
Crude Oil (Cannabis)
The raw, unrefined extract produced immediately after the initial extraction process. Cannabis crude oil contains cannabinoids, terpenes, fats, waxes, lipids, chlorophyll, and other plant compounds. Crude typically tests between 50–70% total cannabinoids and requires further processing — such as winterization, degumming, and distillation — to achieve higher purity.
D
Decarboxylation
The chemical process of removing a carboxyl group (–COOH) from cannabinoid acids, converting them into their neutral, active forms (e.g., THCa → THC, CBDa → CBD). Decarboxylation occurs through the application of heat and is essential for producing psychoactive edibles and activated extracts. Precise temperature and time control prevents degradation into unwanted byproducts like CBN. Related: Devolatilization & Decarboxylation Before Distillation
Degumming
A refinement step that removes phospholipids, gums, and other polar impurities from cannabis crude oil, typically using water, citric acid, or phosphoric acid at elevated temperatures. Degumming improves downstream processing efficiency, reduces foaming during distillation, and produces a cleaner final product. It is especially important when processing ethanol-extracted crude, which tends to contain more polar contaminants.
Delta-8 THC
A naturally occurring cannabinoid isomer of Delta-9 THC with the double bond at the 8th carbon position instead of the 9th. Delta-8 produces milder psychoactive effects and is commonly manufactured through isomerization of CBD using acid catalysts. Its regulatory status varies by jurisdiction, and proper purification is critical to remove reaction byproducts.
Devolatilization
The process of removing volatile compounds — including residual solvents, water, and light terpenes — from cannabis crude oil prior to distillation. Devolatilization is typically performed using a rotary evaporator or thin-film system under reduced pressure. Thorough devolatilization prevents bumping and improves separation efficiency in subsequent distillation passes. Related: Devolatilization & Decarboxylation Before Distillation
Distillation
A thermal separation technique that purifies cannabis oil by exploiting differences in boiling points between compounds. Under vacuum, cannabinoids vaporize at reduced temperatures, condense on a cooled surface, and are collected as distillate — typically 85–95%+ purity. Common types include short path and wiped film distillation. Related: Cannabis Distillation Theory
E
Ethanol Extraction
An extraction method using food-grade ethanol (typically 190–200 proof) to dissolve cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis biomass. Cold ethanol extraction (performed at −40°C or colder) minimizes co-extraction of chlorophyll, fats, and waxes. Ethanol is highly scalable and FDA-approved as a processing solvent, making it popular for large-volume hemp CBD operations. Related: BHO vs Ethanol Extraction
Entourage Effect
The theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabis compounds work synergistically to produce enhanced therapeutic effects compared to isolated compounds alone. The entourage effect is the scientific rationale behind full spectrum and broad spectrum product formulations.
F
Full Spectrum
A cannabis extract that retains the complete profile of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds naturally present in the source plant, including trace amounts of THC. Full spectrum products are valued for maximizing the entourage effect. Achieving true full spectrum requires gentle extraction and minimal post-processing to preserve delicate volatile compounds.
G
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
A system of quality assurance standards governing the production, testing, and handling of consumer products. In cannabis processing, GMP compliance ensures consistent product quality, proper documentation, sanitary facilities, trained personnel, and traceable processes. As the cannabis industry matures, GMP certification is becoming a baseline requirement for processors seeking wholesale and interstate commerce opportunities.
H
Heavy Metal Remediation
The process of removing toxic heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) from cannabis extracts using adsorbent media, typically during CRC or post-processing filtration. Heavy metals can bioaccumulate in cannabis plants from contaminated soil or water. Remediation is critical for consumer safety and regulatory compliance, with limits defined by state cannabis programs.
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)
A semi-synthetic cannabinoid produced by hydrogenating THC or delta-8 THC using a catalyst (typically palladium or platinum) under pressure. HHC has similar psychoactive effects to delta-9 THC but with greater stability and shelf life due to the absence of double bonds. The process converts THC into HHC through catalytic reduction.
Hydrocarbon Extraction
A solvent-based extraction method using butane, propane, or blends of light hydrocarbons to isolate cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis biomass. Performed in closed-loop systems to prevent vapor release, hydrocarbon extraction produces high-terpene, full-spectrum concentrates like live resin, shatter, and sauce. Lower boiling points preserve volatile terpenes better than ethanol or CO2. Related: BHO vs Ethanol Extraction
Hydrogenation
A chemical process that adds hydrogen atoms to unsaturated organic molecules (like THC) using a metal catalyst under pressure. In cannabis processing, hydrogenation converts THC to HHC by saturating carbon-carbon double bonds, increasing molecular stability and altering psychoactive properties.
I
Ice Water Hash
A solventless concentrate produced by agitating frozen cannabis in ice water to separate trichome heads from plant material, then filtering through micron bags. Also called bubble hash, this method relies on temperature and mechanical action rather than chemical solvents. High-grade ice water hash can be pressed into rosin or consumed directly.
Isolate
A pure, crystalline cannabinoid powder (typically CBD or THC) refined to 95%+ purity through distillation and crystallization. Isolates contain only a single cannabinoid with no terpenes, flavonoids, or other plant compounds. They’re used in formulations where precise dosing and neutral flavor are required, or for converting one cannabinoid into another.
Isomerization
A chemical process that rearranges the molecular structure of one cannabinoid into another (isomer) without changing its molecular formula. Common examples include converting CBD into delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, or THCP using acid catalysts. The process reorganizes atom positions while maintaining the same elemental composition.
J
Jacketed Vessel
A double-walled container with a hollow space (jacket) between inner and outer walls, allowing heated or cooled fluid circulation for precise temperature control. In cannabis processing, jacketed reactors are used for winterization, crystallization, degumming, and solvent recovery. The jacket provides even heating/cooling without direct flame or immersion elements.
L
Lewis Acid
A chemical compound that accepts electron pairs, used as a catalyst in cannabinoid conversion reactions. In cannabis chemistry, Lewis acids (like aluminum chloride or boron trifluoride) facilitate isomerization of CBD into delta-8 or delta-9 THC by accepting electrons from the cannabinoid molecule and enabling structural rearrangement.
Limonene
A monoterpene with a citrus aroma, one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis. Limonene has a boiling point around 176°C (349°F) and is known for uplifting effects and potential anti-anxiety properties. It’s easily lost during high-heat extraction or distillation, making gentle processing methods critical for limonene preservation.
Lipids
Fatty compounds (waxes, fats, phospholipids) naturally present in cannabis plant material. During extraction, lipids are co-extracted with cannabinoids and must be removed through winterization or degumming to produce clean, stable concentrates. Excess lipids cause cloudiness, clogging in vape cartridges, and degradation over time.
Live Resin
A cannabis concentrate made from fresh-frozen plant material (never dried or cured) using hydrocarbon extraction at sub-zero temperatures. The freezing process preserves volatile terpenes and cannabinoids that would otherwise degrade during drying. Live resin is prized for high terpene content (often 10-20%) and superior flavor compared to concentrates made from cured material.
Liquid-Liquid Extraction
A separation technique that uses two immiscible solvents (like hexane and water) to partition cannabinoids from undesirable compounds based on differential solubility. In cannabis processing, liquid-liquid extraction can isolate THC from CBD, remove chlorophyll, or separate acidic cannabinoids from neutral forms during pH-adjusted extraction.
M
Mantle (Heating)
A hemispherical fabric heating element that wraps around round-bottom flasks during distillation or solvent recovery. Heating mantles provide even, flameless heat for rotary evaporation and short path distillation. They’re preferred over hot plates for glassware-based cannabis processing due to uniform temperature distribution and safety.
Micron Bag
A mesh filter bag with specific pore sizes (measured in microns) used to separate trichome heads by size during ice water hash production or to filter particulates from extracts. Common sizes range from 25 to 220 microns. Smaller microns capture finer particles and produce higher-grade hash; larger microns allow more plant material through.
Myrcene
A monoterpene with an earthy, musky aroma, the most common terpene in many cannabis strains. Myrcene has a boiling point around 167°C (332°F) and is associated with sedative, relaxing effects. It’s highly volatile and easily lost during processing, making low-temperature extraction and careful distillation essential for myrcene-rich products.
N
Nano Emulsion
A formulation process that breaks cannabis oil into ultra-small droplets (10-200 nanometers) suspended in water using surfactants and high-shear mixing or ultrasonication. Nano emulsions increase bioavailability and onset speed in edibles and beverages by improving absorption through mucous membranes. The small particle size creates water-soluble cannabinoid products.
Nucleation
The initial formation of solid crystals from a supersaturated solution, triggered by agitation, seeding, or temperature change. In cannabis processing, controlled nucleation is critical during THCa diamond mining: slow nucleation produces large, high-quality crystals, while rapid nucleation creates small, irregular crystals. Seeding with existing crystals can improve consistency.
O
Oligomerization
An unwanted chemical reaction where cannabinoid molecules link together to form larger, less bioavailable compounds (oligomers). Oligomerization occurs during high-heat distillation, extended exposure to oxygen, or acidic conditions. It reduces potency, darkens oil color, and increases viscosity. Proper distillation parameters and inert atmosphere storage prevent oligomerization.
Open Blast
An illegal, dangerous extraction method where butane or propane is run through cannabis material in an open environment without recovery equipment. Open blasting releases flammable vapors into the air, causing explosions and fires. It’s prohibited in all legal cannabis markets and has been replaced by closed-loop systems that recapture solvents safely.
Oxidation
A chemical degradation process where cannabinoids react with oxygen, altering molecular structure and potency. THC oxidizes to CBN over time when exposed to air, heat, or light. Oxidation also darkens oil color and degrades terpenes. Prevention includes inert gas blanketing (nitrogen or argon), vacuum sealing, and cool, dark storage.
P
Pesticide Remediation
The process of removing or reducing pesticide residues from cannabis extracts to meet state compliance limits. Common methods include activated carbon filtration, CRC (Color Remediation Chromatography), and heat-assisted degradation. Pesticide remediation is critical for products failing COA testing, particularly for myclobutanil and other systemic fungicides that concentrate during extraction.
Polarity
A chemical property describing the distribution of electrical charge across a molecule. Polar solvents (ethanol, water) dissolve polar compounds like chlorophyll and sugars, while non-polar solvents (butane, propane) preferentially extract cannabinoids and terpenes. Understanding polarity is fundamental to selecting the right extraction method and post-processing strategy.
Post-Processing
Any purification or refinement step performed after initial extraction, including winterization, degumming, decarboxylation, devolatilization, distillation, and chromatography. Post-processing transforms crude oil into refined concentrates suitable for retail products like vape cartridges, edibles, and dabs.
Propane Extraction
A hydrocarbon extraction method using propane as the solvent, often blended with butane to achieve optimal selectivity and flow. Propane has a lower boiling point (-42°C) than butane (-0.5°C), allowing for lower extraction temperatures and improved terpene preservation. Propane-rich blends (70/30 propane/butane) are popular for live resin production.
pTSA (p-Toluenesulfonic Acid)
A Brønsted acid catalyst commonly used in cannabinoid isomerization reactions, including the conversion of CBD to delta-8 THC or delta-9 THC. pTSA is preferred over Lewis acids in some protocols due to easier removal and lower metal contamination risk. Proper neutralization and washing are required to prevent residual acid in final products.
Purge
The process of removing residual solvents from extracted cannabis oil, typically performed in a vacuum oven or vacuum chamber. Purging involves applying heat and vacuum to volatilize trapped solvents until residual levels meet state compliance limits (often <500 ppm total solvents). Proper purging is essential for product safety and shelf stability.
R
Reflux
A distillation technique where vapors are condensed and returned to the boiling flask, allowing for repeated cycles of vaporization and condensation. Reflux improves separation efficiency and is used in fractional distillation setups to achieve higher cannabinoid purity. Short path distillation typically operates without reflux, relying on single-pass separation.
Residual Solvents
Trace amounts of extraction or processing solvents remaining in the final cannabis product, measured in parts per million (ppm). State regulations set strict limits on residual solvents (typically <500 ppm total, with lower limits for Class 1 solvents like butane). Residual solvent testing is mandatory on COAs for most legal markets.
Rosin
A solventless cannabis concentrate produced by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower, hash, or kief. Rosin extraction does not require hydrocarbon or ethanol solvents, making it popular among consumers seeking “clean” products. Rosin presses range from small manual units to industrial hydraulic systems capable of processing pounds per hour.
Rotary Evaporator (Rotovap)
A laboratory device used to remove solvents through evaporation under vacuum and controlled heat. The rotating flask increases surface area and prevents bumping, allowing efficient ethanol or solvent recovery during winterization, degumming, and post-extraction processing. Rotovaps are essential equipment in cannabis extraction labs for solvent reclamation and crude oil concentration.
S
Saturation
The state where a solution contains the maximum amount of dissolved solute at a given temperature and pressure. In cannabis processing, saturation is relevant in winterization (lipid precipitation), crystallization (THCa diamond formation), and chromatography (media capacity). Exceeding saturation leads to precipitation or nucleation.
Shatter
A translucent, glass-like cannabis concentrate with a brittle texture that “shatters” when broken. Shatter is typically produced through hydrocarbon extraction followed by vacuum purging at controlled temperatures to achieve a stable, non-nucleated molecular structure. Proper decarboxylation control and minimal agitation prevent shatter from “buttering up” into a wax or budder consistency.
Short Path Distillation (SPD)
A single-pass distillation method using a short condenser path to separate cannabinoids by boiling point under high vacuum. SPD is the most common distillation technique in cannabis labs, producing distillate with 85-95%+ cannabinoid purity. Typical operating conditions: 150-180°C head temperature, <1 mbar vacuum, with multiple passes used to achieve higher purity.
Silica Gel
A porous, amorphous form of silicon dioxide used as a desiccant and chromatography media. In cannabis processing, silica gel is commonly used in CRC columns to remove color, pesticides, and residual waxes. Different mesh sizes (60-200) and activation treatments (dehydrated vs. hydrated) affect polarity and adsorption capacity.
Solubility
The maximum concentration of a substance that can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature and pressure. Solubility governs extraction efficiency, winterization effectiveness, and crystallization outcomes. Cannabinoid solubility increases with temperature and varies dramatically between polar (ethanol) and non-polar (butane) solvents.
Solvent Recovery
The process of reclaiming and reusing extraction solvents (ethanol, butane, propane) through distillation or condensation. Solvent recovery reduces operating costs and environmental impact. Ethanol recovery is typically performed with rotary evaporators or falling film evaporators, while hydrocarbon recovery occurs within closed-loop systems during the extraction cycle.
Solventless Extraction
Extraction methods that do not use chemical solvents, relying instead on mechanical separation, heat, and pressure. Common solventless methods include rosin pressing, ice water hash (bubble hash), and dry sift. Solventless products are marketed as “clean” and command premium prices, though yields are typically lower than solvent-based methods.
Supersaturation
A metastable state where a solution contains more dissolved solute than it can hold at equilibrium. Supersaturation is the driving force behind crystallization, including THCa diamond formation. Controlled cooling, evaporation, or seeding induces nucleation and crystal growth from supersaturated solutions.
T
Terpene
Aromatic hydrocarbons produced by cannabis and other plants, responsible for scent, flavor, and potential entourage effects. Common cannabis terpenes include myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, and pinene. Terpenes are volatile and degrade at temperatures above 150°C, requiring careful extraction and processing to preserve terpene profiles.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, responsible for the intoxicating “high.” THC exists in raw cannabis primarily as THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), which converts to THC through decarboxylation when heated. THC potency is the most common metric on COAs and product labels.
THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
The non-psychoactive acidic precursor to THC, naturally abundant in raw cannabis. THCa converts to THC when exposed to heat (decarboxylation) through smoking, vaping, or processing. THCa is also the target compound in diamond mining and crystallization due to its low solubility in hydrocarbon solvents at low temperatures.
THCa Diamonds
Large, crystalline structures of pure THCa, typically grown through controlled crystallization from live resin or high-terpene extracts. Diamond mining involves maintaining supersaturated solutions at low temperatures for days to weeks, allowing THCa to nucleate and grow into visible crystals. Diamonds are often sold with high-terpene sauce for dabbing.
V
Vacuum
Reduced atmospheric pressure, measured in millibars (mbar), torr, or microns of mercury. Vacuum lowers boiling points, enabling distillation and evaporation at lower temperatures to preserve heat-sensitive cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabis processing commonly uses vacuum in distillation (<1 mbar), solvent recovery, and purging (25-29 inHg).
Vacuum Oven
A heated chamber operating under vacuum, used to purge residual solvents from cannabis extracts. Vacuum ovens allow low-temperature drying and degassing, preventing cannabinoid degradation while removing trapped solvents. Typical purge conditions: 90-110°F, -29 inHg vacuum, 24-72 hours depending on extract consistency and solvent type.
W
Wax
A soft, opaque cannabis concentrate with a waxy, crumbly texture caused by cannabinoid crystallization (nucleation) during purging. Wax is typically produced through hydrocarbon extraction followed by agitation or temperature fluctuations that promote nucleation. The consistency ranges from budder (creamy) to crumble (dry), depending on lipid content and processing conditions.
Wiped Film Distillation (WFE)
A continuous-feed distillation method that uses a rotating wiper to spread cannabis oil into a thin film on a heated internal surface. Compared to short path distillation, WFE offers higher throughput and better thermal efficiency, making it ideal for large-scale operations. The thin film minimizes heat exposure time, reducing cannabinoid degradation.
Winterization
A post-extraction process that removes fats, waxes, and lipids from cannabis crude oil by dissolving the oil in cold ethanol and freezing it at -20°C to -40°C. The lipids precipitate out and are filtered away, leaving a cleaner oil ready for distillation. This step is critical after hydrocarbon extraction or when processing trim and biomass.
Y
Yield
The mass of extracted cannabinoids or final product obtained from starting material, typically expressed as a percentage. For example, a 15% yield from 100g of biomass means 15g of extract was recovered. Yield depends on extraction method, material quality, and process efficiency.
Z
Zeolite
Microporous aluminosilicate minerals used in CRC columns and as desiccants. They adsorb moisture, residual solvents, and some impurities from cannabis oil. Zeolites are often combined with silica gel and activated carbon in filtration media stacks.
Additional Essential Terms
Adsorbent
A material that attracts and binds impurities, color compounds, or moisture to its surface. Common adsorbents in cannabis processing include activated carbon, silica gel, bentonite clay, and zeolites. They are used in CRC and filtration to improve oil purity and appearance.
Batch Processing
Running a fixed quantity of material through an extraction or distillation cycle before starting the next batch. This contrasts with continuous processing (like wiped film distillation). Batch methods include closed-loop extraction, short path distillation, and rotary evaporation.
Biomass
Raw plant material—flower, trim, or shake—used as the starting feedstock for extraction. The quality, moisture content, and cannabinoid profile of the biomass directly impact extraction yield and final product quality. Cured, dry biomass is preferred to minimize water and chlorophyll extraction.
Butane
A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) hydrocarbon solvent used in BHO extraction. Its low boiling point (−0.5°C) and high selectivity for cannabinoids and terpenes make it ideal for producing live resin, shatter, and wax. Butane is flammable and must be used in closed-loop systems in C1D1-rated environments.
Carrier Gas
An inert gas (typically nitrogen or helium) used to transport vaporized analytes through analytical instruments like gas chromatography (GC) during COA testing. In extraction, nitrogen is sometimes used as a blanket gas to prevent oxidation during distillation.
Centrifuge
A device that separates phases by spinning material at high speeds, using centrifugal force to separate liquids of different densities. In cannabis labs, centrifuges are used during winterization to remove precipitated lipids and after liquid-liquid extraction to separate water and oil layers.
Chromatography
A separation technique that uses differences in polarity, size, or affinity to separate compounds. In cannabis, CRC (color remediation chromatography) uses packed columns with adsorbents to filter crude oil. Analytical chromatography (HPLC, GC) is used for COA testing to quantify cannabinoids and terpenes.
Column
A vertical vessel packed with filtration media or adsorbents, used in chromatography, CRC, and closed-loop extraction. In CRC, columns are packed with silica gel, activated carbon, and other media to remove color and impurities. In extraction, material columns hold biomass while solvent flows through.
Dewaxing
Another term for winterization—the removal of plant waxes and lipids from cannabis oil. The term is often used in hydrocarbon extraction when inline dewaxing columns are chilled to precipitate waxes before the solvent reaches the collection vessel.
Emulsion
A mixture of two immiscible liquids (like oil and water) where one is dispersed as tiny droplets in the other. In cannabis, nano emulsions are created to make cannabinoids water-soluble for beverages and fast-acting edibles. Emulsions can also form unintentionally during liquid-liquid extraction and must be broken for proper phase separation.
Falling Film Evaporator (FFE)
A type of continuous evaporator where liquid flows as a thin film down the inside of heated tubes under vacuum. In cannabis processing, FFEs are used for large-scale solvent recovery and ethanol extraction operations, offering faster throughput than rotary evaporators.
First Pass Distillation
The initial distillation run of crude oil, producing a ~70-85% cannabinoid distillate. The first pass removes residual solvents, terpenes, and light impurities. A second pass is often performed to reach 90%+ purity.
Fractional Distillation
A more precise form of distillation that uses multiple distillation stages (plates or packing) to separate compounds with similar boiling points. In cannabis, fractional distillation can isolate individual cannabinoids (like THC from CBD) or separate terpene fractions.
HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
An analytical chromatography technique used in cannabis testing labs to quantify cannabinoids and contaminants. Unlike gas chromatography, HPLC does not require heat, so it can measure acidic cannabinoids like THCa and CBDa directly. Results appear on COAs.
Hydrogenation
A chemical reaction that adds hydrogen atoms to cannabinoid molecules, converting THC or CBD into HHC (hexahydrocannabinol). The process uses hydrogen gas and a metal catalyst (like palladium) under pressure. HHC is more stable than THC and resistant to oxidation.
Immiscible
Two liquids that do not mix and will separate into distinct layers. Water and oil are immiscible due to differences in polarity. This property is exploited in liquid-liquid extraction to separate cannabinoids from water-soluble impurities.
Lecithin
A natural emulsifier derived from soy or sunflower, used in edibles and nano emulsions to help cannabinoids mix with water-based ingredients. It improves bioavailability and texture in gummies, chocolates, and beverages.
Matrix
In analytical chemistry, the matrix refers to all components in a sample other than the target analyte—plant waxes, chlorophyll, terpenes, etc. In CRC, “matrix” can also refer to the packed filtration media inside the column.
Percolation
The slow passage of solvent through packed biomass in a column, allowing the solvent to dissolve cannabinoids and terpenes. This method is used in ethanol extraction and some closed-loop systems. Percolation time, temperature, and solvent flow rate all affect yield and selectivity.
Pyrolysis
The thermal decomposition of organic material at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. In cannabis, unintended pyrolysis can occur during decarboxylation if temperatures exceed safe limits (~150°C+), degrading cannabinoids into byproducts like CBN and benzene. Pyrolysis is NOT a desired process in extraction.
Reflux Ratio
The ratio of condensed vapor returned to the distillation column versus the amount collected as distillate. Higher reflux ratios improve separation in fractional distillation but slow throughput. In cannabis distillation, reflux is less common but can be used for precise cannabinoid separation.
Second Pass Distillation
A repeat distillation of first pass distillate to achieve higher purity—typically 90-95%+ cannabinoid content. The second pass removes residual color, impurities, and minor cannabinoids. Some labs run third passes for pharmaceutical-grade isolates.
Slurry
A thick mixture of solid particles suspended in liquid. In cannabis, slurries form during winterization when fats and waxes precipitate in cold ethanol, and during CRC when adsorbents are pre-mixed with solvent before packing the column.
Stripping (Terpene Stripping)
The deliberate removal or accidental loss of terpenes during processing. Over-heating during distillation or aggressive vacuum purging can strip terpenes, leaving flavorless distillate. To preserve terpenes, many processors collect them separately during devolatilization and reintroduce them later.
Viscosity
A measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow—how “thick” it is. Cannabis crude oil has high viscosity, making it difficult to pump and filter at room temperature. Heating the oil reduces viscosity, enabling easier handling during distillation, winterization, and CRC.
This glossary has been completed by Canna Labs Consulting. Currently featuring 100 terms covering extraction methods, post-processing techniques, distillation, chromatography, cannabinoids, terpenes, equipment, and regulatory compliance.
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