A brand new methodology developed by Colombian researchers may mark a turning level for firms making hemp-derived cannabinoid merchandise, providing a quicker, scalable strategy to eradicate THC whereas preserving CBD and different precious compounds.
The just lately revealed work introduces a sensible path to one of many hemp trade’s holy grails – and hardest technical challenges.
The researchers, from the Nationwide College of Colombia, used centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) to separate cannabinoids with out the warmth or harsh solvents that usually injury extract high quality. Utilizing a particular mixture of heptane, ethanol and water, the crew developed a course of that removes practically all THC – all the way down to 0.02% – from full-spectrum hemp extracts, whereas sustaining as a lot as 85% CBD and different cannabinoids.
Higher margins forward?
The research was revealed within the Journal of Chromatography A, a number one peer-reviewed journal targeted on separation and purification science revealed by Elsevier, the Netherlands-based world science and well being writer.
In trials scaled as much as near-industrial ranges, the analysis crew processed 800 grams of extract in underneath ten hours and recovered greater than 600 grams of purified materials. For hemp companies, that form of yield – mixed with authorized compliance – may translate into higher margins, new market entry, and extra dependable provide chains.
What units the tactic aside is its versatility, in response to the researchers. It may be used to scrub up byproducts just like the “mom liquor” – the leftover resolution after CBD is crystallized from an extract. It can be used to purify extremely potent, extremely pure THC concentrates for the pharmaceutical market. The system additionally helps higher high quality management, particularly in formulations that should meet tight tolerances for THC content material in stricter world markets, the report observes.
Saving CBC, CBG
Importantly, the analysis additionally discovered that the CPC course of doesn’t degrade minor cannabinoids, which means it may additionally assist protect compounds like CBC, CBG and others gaining traction for wellness and medical makes use of.
CBC (cannabichromene) and CBG (cannabigerol) are non-intoxicating cannabinoids which have drawn growing curiosity for his or her potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and neuroprotective properties. Although nonetheless underneath early-stage research, each are being explored for purposes starting from temper regulation to pores and skin well being to ache aid, making their preservation in extracts an added benefit for firms creating next-generation wellness and therapeutic merchandise.
Whereas the method explored in Colombia requires comparatively excessive solvent use, the researchers say this may be mitigated by way of restoration programs in industrial setups.
Colombia’s evolution
Colombia is quickly evolving into greater than only a low-cost hashish exporter—it’s rising as a world hub of innovation in hemp and hashish purification. In 2024, Bogotá launched a significant government-backed initiative with an funding of 5 billion pesos (~US $1.3 million) to develop the hashish and hemp industries, specializing in utilized analysis, specialised coaching for 3,000 staff, and co-funding for at the least 30 pilot initiatives spanning all the pieces from cosmetics and nutraceuticals to medicinal merchandise and industrial bio-inputs.
That aligns with personal sector strikes: biotech corporations like Biointropic and FCM International are partnering with universities and using cutting-edge chromatography and emulsion applied sciences—reminiscent of CPC and water-soluble SōRSE emulsions—to construct commercial-scale infrastructure for superior extraction, remediation, and formulation.
On the regulatory entrance, Colombia adopted a forward-looking, two-tier THC restrict for hemp: 0.3% for fiber and seed makes use of, and as much as 1.0% for flower. CBD rises in hemp crops in proportion to THC, so the 1.0% ceiling for flowers means extra environment friendly CBD manufacturing in Colombia than in many of the remainder of the world, the place a 0.3% THC barrier for all types of hemp is noticed.
Rising
The Colombian Ministry of Justice estimated final 12 months that greater than 57,000 hectares are underneath authorized hashish crops within the nation, and greater than 3,000 licensees are lively for farming and manufacturing. The Ministry of Commerce has stated that the hashish industries may generate as much as 44,000 jobs in Colombia by 2030.
Whereas the nation faces challenges – together with adapting genetics to native climates and navigating world worth competitors – it has attracted as a lot as $500 million in international funding in hemp and hashish, in response to 2024 estimates.
