In this video we review the use of SPD (Short Path Distillation) to enrich and purify cannabinoids present in a crude oil preparations. We had Alasdair Walton on from CannabiNerds to give us a comprehensive breakdown of SPD and its practical use.

We covered several aspects of properly preparing crude oil (dewaxing, decarboxylation) and how the extraction of crude can have a direct impact on the SPD run. We reviewed the setup of an SPD and discuss nuances related to the vacuum pump and strength, implications related to the boiling flask size. We tackle a comparison between standard 'cold' condensing vs. 'hot' condensing when performing an SPD run. We unpacked terms like the heads, main body and tail when defining fractions in a distillation run. The use of UV spectrophotometer tools to evaluate the stage of an SPD run is also contrasted with operator experience.

Often understanding aspects related to the 1st , 2nd and even potential 3rd run can be challenging for new operators so we unpack this in greater detail to try simply these definitions.

In conclusion we also tackle claims that SPD can be used to split THC and CBD and highlight that this is probably unlikely. If THC remediation is required other technologies like harmonic distillation, THC degradation under ozone and exploiting aspects of cannabinoid nucleation differences can be investigated.

Guest Speaker: Alastair Walton
CannabiNerds
Email: [email protected]

Host: Jeff Verlinden
Mobile: +27 63 291 3334/Local 063 291 3334
Email: [email protected]