I was actually thinking about that after I posted this. I’ll try to run an experiment and let you know how it turns out
the CBDA would seem more likely to ppt than the minor cannabinoid in the mix (the THCA). I’ve not crystallized CBDA, but my understanding is that it does crystallize. given the relative saturation levels, I would expect it to crash first.
I’m still of the opinion that we may have an oxymoron here…
I don’t have a study or anything on hand but I was under the impression that is does not crystallize.
By oxymoron do you mean that choosing a very low thc strain is the solution?
Yes, that is A solution. Your looking at this from a genetic standpoint, im asking this from a chemical engineering viewpoint… what would our best methods be to isolate thc out of crude efficiently from a production standpoint.
I can’t rely on every grower to source those kind of genetics, not yet at least 
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By oxymoron I mean something that cannot be.
Some might give “military intelligence” as an example…
It is either thc free, or crude…
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The only two methods of isolation I am aware of currently are chromatography and crystallization. The latter seems to have been the preferred route in the hemp industry hence the preponderance of CBD isolate on the market. Fractional distillation can provide a little help sometimes but it can’t do a clean separation unfortunately. At least in my experience anyway. If it’s possible to crash out the THCa before getting to distillation that would be excellent.
It certainly warrants a small experiment to see what happens. I have never seen or heard of CBDa crystallizing but a simple experiment would put the matter to the test. If it doesn’t work then we know that chromatography is the method needed to get THC-free distillate. It would be interesting to hear from some large scale producers to see how they approach this given the difficulties in scaling chromatography up to an industrial scale.
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no experience with it…but certainly hear that CBDA does crystallize. rather surprised THC doesn’t, but that’s probably why I’m not a chemist…
A purified cannabidiol (CBD) extract and/or cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) extract is isolated from industrial hemp and comprises less than 0.5 wt % organic impurities as measured by HPLC and 1H NMR spectroscopy exhibits no detectable peak at 4.07 ppm as measured by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The CBD and/or CBDA extract is in crystalline form.
Have we decided whether post processing crude to be THC free still leaves the OP with “crude”? I can’t see how it does.
Is it relevant? Not sure about that either. @Mendeleaf?!?
maybe it’s thc free Erl?
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So after reading Robert.August’s IG posts it appears that he has adapted his own twist on an old patent to achieve CBDa crystallization. It appears from the chemistry discussion in the IG post referenced in the Future4200 thread that it should crystallize easier than THCa so I wonder why more haven’t commented or noted this experience. If anything it appears elusive to many. I guess the question becomes, which crystallizes easier in practice, THCa or CBDa? Can anyone with experience with this chime in?
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Cbd is easier to crystallize in my opinion. Its obviously more easily crystallized in cbd oil. Crystallizing thc from cbd oil is not feasible.
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Yeah I have seen CBD crystallize with very little coaxing but no experience with CBDa crystallizing.
I think we’re getting caught up over semantics. I now see what you are saying about my definition and i’ll agree that yes since its been processed from its no longer technically crude. I agree I don’t think its relevant either so we can call it Full Spectrum Etoh Extract with thc isolated if that helps clarify things?
Would you elaborate as to why it is not feasible?
Crystallizaitions are exceedingly difficult if the concentration of the compound of interest is too low. Also cbd and thc are so similar in molecular structure it is challenging to crystallize unless one of the two is in a vast difference in concentration, ie One very high, one very low.
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So I guess that leaves chromatography as the only method of isolating CBD/CBDa outside of crystallization. Is that how industrial level facilities are getting it done for their THC-free distillate? If so it’s not surprising that isolate is so popular, much easier to make on a large scale I would think.
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Just wanted to be sure we were attacking the right problem.
Crystallizing the CBDA, or chromatography (over C18? @Shadownaught)
I know it isn’t the only method. I have a trusted source that has told me they don’t do it by chromatography at their facility. They are barred by contract from explaining anything more than that.
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Thats not how i do it. But also this technology other than chromotography is worth alot of money so doubt youd be able to obtain it for free
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neglect tek!
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I wouldn’t expect so!
Can be done with normal phase. It’s probably probabilitive to buy your own unit that can do kg scale. One of these systems can do both normal and reverse phase. Inline solvent recycling systems exist.
Has anyone tried the separation on kilo scale to see if the proper loading? I haven’t had time to read every post.
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The link is too long, can you provide a tiny URL?
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