Abstract:
A method is provided, comprising steps: (a) harvesting  Cannabis  plant matter predetermined time; (b) grinding the  Cannabis  plant matter; (c) inserting the ground  Cannabis  plant mater into a mesh filter bag; (d) pressing the mesh filter bag via a hydraulic press at a first speed and a first pressure, wherein the ground  Cannabis  plant matter is separated into  Cannabis  pulp and  Cannabis  juice; and (e) collecting the  Cannabis  juice for consumption.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    N/A 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to method of juicing  Cannabis  plant matter, and more particular a method of juicing  Cannabis  plant matter using a hydraulic cold-press machine. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]      Cannabis  as a health supplement has been practiced for over 1,000 years. Traditionally  Cannabis  is heated to release cannabinoids, primary tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids are known to have many therapeutic and medical benefits. Additionally,  Cannabis  in its natural form is a nutrient rich supplement comprising essential fatty acids, aminoacids, fibers, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. Furthermore,  Cannabis  in its natural form comprises tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) and cannabidiol acid (CBDA), which are non-psychoactive cannabinoids providing anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-emetic, and anti-proliferative properties. Consequently, there is a need for an efficient and optimal method for allowing the intake of  Cannabis  in its natural form to gain the benefits without providing a psychoactive effect. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one embodiment of the present invention a method is provided, comprising steps (a) harvesting  Cannabis  plant matter at a predetermined time; (b) grinding the  Cannabis  plant matter; (c) inserting the ground  Cannabis  plant mater into a mesh filter bag; (d) pressing the mesh filter bag via a hydraulic press at a first speed and a first pressure, wherein the ground  Cannabis  plant matter is separated into  Cannabis  pulp and  Cannabis  juice; and (e) collecting the  Cannabis  juice for consumption. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, in step (a), the  Cannabis  plant matter comprises organically grown leafy  Cannabis  including  Cannabis  leaves and  Cannabis  stems. In one embodiment, the predetermined time is before the  Cannabis  flowers form. In another embodiment, the organically grown leafy  Cannabis  is harvested as a single plant to reduce handling and minimize oxidation prior to step (b). In one embodiment, in step (b), the  Cannabis  plant matter is ground using a grinder having a blade length of ¼″, wherein the blade is rotated at a maximum speed of 2400 revolutions per minute to avoid the  Cannabis  plant matter from being heated to a predetermined temperature. In yet another embodiment, the  Cannabis  plant matter comprises tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA), and the predetermined temperature is below a temperature threshold preventing the tetrahydrocannabinol acid from being converted into tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and minimizing nutrient degradation. In one embodiment, in step (c), the mesh filter bag comprises openings having a size of 400 to 600 microns. In one embodiment, in step (d), the ground  Cannabis  plant matter comprises tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA), and the first speed is set to a first maximum level and the first pressure is set to a second maximum level to avoid the ground  Cannabis  plant matter from reaching a temperature threshold preventing the tetrahydrocannabinol acid from being converted into tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and minimizing nutrient degradation. In another embodiment, the second maximum level is 1800 pounds per square inch. In yet another embodiment, a further step is provided, wherein the  Cannabis  pulp is mixed in the mesh filter bag and the mesh filter bag is pressed again to extract additional  Cannabis  juice from the  Cannabis  pulp. In one embodiment, in step (e), the consumption of the  Cannabis  juice does not cause a psychoactive effect. 
         [0008]    In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided, comprising steps (a) harvesting  Cannabis  plant matter, wherein the  Cannabis  plant matter comprises  Cannabis  leaves and  Cannabis  stems; (b) washing and rinsing the  Cannabis  plant matter; (c) grinding the  Cannabis  plant matter; (d) inserting the ground  Cannabis  plant mater into a mesh filter bag; (e) pressing the mesh filter bag via a hydraulic press at a first speed and a first pressure, wherein the ground  Cannabis  plant matter is separated into  Cannabis  pulp and  Cannabis  juice; and f) collecting the  Cannabis  juice for consumption, wherein the consumption of the  Cannabis  juice does not cause a psychoactive effect. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, in step (a), the  Cannabis  plant matter does not include  Cannabis  flowers. In another embodiment, a further step is provided, wherein the  Cannabis  pulp is mixed in the mesh filter bag and the mesh filter bag is pressed again to extract additional  Cannabis  juice from the  Cannabis  pulp. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a method of juicing  Cannabis  plant matter according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2 . is a method of juicing  Cannabis  plant matter according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a method of juicing  Cannabis  plant matter according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a method of juicing  Cannabis  plant matter according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0015]    The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide a method of juicing  Cannabis  plant matter. 
         [0016]    The  Cannabis  plant matter comprises many cannabinoids in its natural state, i.e. raw, including but not limited to tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA), cannabidiol acid (CBDA), cannabichromne acid (CBCA), and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) which have many medicinal properties attributed to them. For instance, TCHA and CBDA may be used to reduce inflammation, inhibit cell growth in tumors and cancer cells, and also suppress muscle spasms. Likewise, CBCA and CBGA may be used to kill or slow bacteria growth, treat fungal infections, and release pain. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a method  100  of juicing  Cannabis  plant matter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , in step  110 ,  Cannabis  plant matter is harvested. In step  120 , the  Cannabis  plant matter is cold-pressed. Any commercial cold-press juicer may be used, which relies on a hydraulic press. The details of the cold-press, as well as the specific setting of the hydraulic press, such as press speed and pressure will be discussed in greater detail below. In step  130 , the  Cannabis  matter is separated in  Cannabis  pulp and  Cannabis  juice. In step  140 , the  Cannabis  juice is collected for consumption. The  Cannabis  juice is the desired result of the method, and may be consumed to take advantages of medicinal properties of the plant, including but not limited to anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-emetic, and anti-proliferative properties, as well as the nutrients, essential fatty acids, aminoacids, fibers, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. 
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a method  200  of juicing  Cannabis  plant matter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to  FIG. 2 , in step  210 ,  Cannabis  plant matter is harvested at a predetermined time. In some embodiments, the  Cannabis  plant matter comprises  Cannabis  leaves and stems. Traditionally,  Cannabis  plants are harvested exclusively for their flowers, and  Cannabis  flowers have an ideal maturity date which varies by  Cannabis  variety, including but not limited to  Cannabis sativa  and  Cannabis indica . Depending on the variety, the harvesting time may be between 8 to 11 weeks. During this harvesting time, and sometimes a week or two prior, the  Cannabis  leaves start showing signs of nutrient deficiency as the  Cannabis  plant needs all of its available nutrients to support the  Cannabis  flowers. In some embodiments, it is a particular advantage of the present invention to harvest the  Cannabis  plant before the  Cannabis  flowers form. This allows the whole leafy  Cannabis  plant to be harvested without harvesting the  Cannabis  leaves and stems separately from the flowers. Furthermore, by harvesting the entire leafy  Cannabis  plant it reduces the amount of handling and also minimizes the amount of oxidation that occurs after harvesting, as the  Cannabis  plant matter is exposed to air. Oxidation causes the  Cannabis  plant matter to be subject to nutrient degradation, thus it is a goal to limit oxidation prior to juicing. In alternative embodiments, the  Cannabis  plant matter is harvested during the vegetation stage, prior the flowing stage allowing for the whole leafy  Cannabis  plant to be harvested prior to flower development. The  Cannabis  plant matter may be either from a male or female  Cannabis  variety. Another particular advantage of harvesting the  Cannabis  plant before the  Cannabis  flowers form is that more  Cannabis  plants may be grown in a shorter amount of time, as the growing cycle is reduced. This allows  Cannabis  plant farmers to maximum crop yields. It is also critical that the harvested  Cannabis  plant matter be free of any pesticides and be from organically grown  Cannabis  plants. This ensures the  Cannabis  is safe for consumption. 
         [0019]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , in step  220 , the  Cannabis  plant matter is grinded. The grinding allows for the maximum amount of plant matter to be juiced, and more specifically increases the amount of surface area of plant matter increasing efficiency. In some embodiments, the  Cannabis  plant matter is ground using a grinder having a blade length of ¼″. This blade may be of any shape, but is preferably constructed of a circular shape. It is also critical that the grinder is attached to the juicing apparatus to limit handling to prevent possible contamination from the operators. The juicing apparatus will be discussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the blade is rotated at a maximum speed of 40 hertz or 2400 revolutions per min (RPM). This speed avoids heating the  Cannabis  plant matter to a point where possible reactions may occur, including but not limited to nutrient degradation and acid cannabinoids being converting to non-acid cannabinoids which may lead to psychoactive effects for the consumer. For instance, during operation if the temperature of the  Cannabis  plant matter reaches a temperature threshold a portion of the tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) and cannabidiol acid (CBDA) may be converted into tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) respectively. 
         [0020]    In step  230 , the ground  Cannabis  plant matter is inserted into a mesh filter bag. In some embodiments, the grinder is a hopper style grinder allowing the ground  Cannabis  plant matter to fall directly into the mesh bag. This is particularly advantageous as it reduces the handling of the fresh plant matter maintaining optimally cleanliness. The mesh filter bag comprises openings having a size of 400 to 600 microns. It should be understood that the openings are not limited to the aforementioned sizes, and optimum sizes may be discovered by routine experimentation. After pressing, which will be discussed in greater detail below, the mesh filter bag is designed to retain the pulp while allowing the juice to pass through the openings. Next, in step  240 , the mesh filter bag is pressed via a hydraulic press at a speed and a pressure. As previously mentioned, heating the  Cannabis  plant matter to a point where possible reactions may occur, including but not limited to nutrient degradation and acid cannabinoids being converting to non-acid cannabinoids which may lead to psychoactive effects for the consumer is not desired. Consequently, the speed and pressure must not allow the  Cannabis  plant matter to be heating above a threshold temperature where the possible reactions may occur. The pressure increases when the ground  Cannabis  plant matter is actively being pressed between plates operated via the hydraulic press. The maximum pressure is 1800 pounds per square inch (PSI). Pressing at a slow speed and not exceeding the maximum pressure allows for the maximum amount of juice to be extracted without causing possible reactions. 
         [0021]    In step  250 , the ground  Cannabis  matter is separated in  Cannabis  pulp and  Cannabis  juice. Last, in step  260 , the  Cannabis  juice is collected for consumption. The  Cannabis  juice is the desired result of the method, and may be consumed to take advantages of medicinal properties of the plant, including but not limited to anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-emetic, and anti-proliferative properties, as well as the nutrients, essential fatty acids, aminoacids, fibers, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a method  300  of juicing  Cannabis  plant matter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to  FIG. 3 , in step  310 ,  Cannabis  plant matter is harvested. In some embodiments, the  Cannabis  plant matter comprises  Cannabis  leaves and stems. In some embodiments, the  Cannabis  plant matter does not include  Cannabis  flowers and ideally the  Cannabis  plant matter is harvested from single whole leafy  Cannabis  plants. In step  320 , the  Cannabis  plant matter is washed and rinsed prior to juicing. This is an optional step, as the  Cannabis  plant matter and whole leafy  Cannabis  plants should be organically grown, however the  Cannabis  plant matter may be washed and rinsed to remove any potential containments, bugs, dirt, and dust off prior to juicing. Next, in step  330 , the  Cannabis  plant matter is grinded. It is critical that the grinder is attached to the juicing apparatus to limit handling to prevent possible contamination from the operators. It is also critical that the grinding speed avoids heating the  Cannabis  plant matter to a point where possible reactions may occur, including but not limited to nutrient degradation and acid cannabinoids being converting to non-acid cannabinoids which may lead to psychoactive effects for the consumer. 
         [0023]    In step  340 , the ground  Cannabis  plant matter is inserted into a mesh filter bag. In some embodiments, the grinder is a hopper style grinder allowing the ground  Cannabis  plant matter to fall directly into the mesh bag. This is particularly advantageous as it reduces the handling of the fresh plant matter maintaining optimally cleanliness. Next, in step  350 , the mesh filter bag is pressed via a hydraulic press at a speed and a pressure. As previously mentioned, heating the  Cannabis  plant matter to a point where possible reactions may occur, including but not limited to nutrient degradation and acid cannabinoids being converting to non-acid cannabinoids which may lead to psychoactive effects for the consumer is not desired. Consequently, the speed and pressure must not allow the  Cannabis  plant matter to be heating about a threshold temperature where the possible reactions may occur. The pressure increases when the ground  Cannabis  plant matter is actively being pressed between plates operated via the hydraulic press. The maximum pressure is 1800 pounds per square inch (PSI). Pressing at a slow speed while not exceeding the maximum pressure allows for the maximum amount of juice to be ex acted without causing possible reactions. 
         [0024]    In step  360 , the ground  Cannabis  matter is separated in  Cannabis  pulp and  Cannabis  juice. Next, in step  370 , the remaining  Cannabis  pulp is mixed in the mesh filter bag and the mesh filter bag is pressed again to extract additional  Cannabis  juice from the  Cannabis  pulp. Last, in step  380 , the  Cannabis  juice is collected for consumption. The  Cannabis  juice is the desired result of the method, and may be consumed to take advantages of medicinal properties of the plant, including but not limited to anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-emetic, and anti-proliferative properties, as well as the nutrients, essential fatty acids, aminoacids, fibers, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a method of juicing  Cannabis  plant matter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, organic leafy  Cannabis  plants  410  are grinded by a grinder  430 , wherein the grinder is attached to a hydraulic press  420 . The leafy  Cannabis  plants and corresponding plant matter are feed into a hopper  440  which guides the plant matter into the grinder at a controlled speed as well known in the art. The ground plant matter is falls directly into a mesh filter bag  450  which is located between a pair of hydraulic press plates  460 . The mesh filter bag has been removed from the hydraulic press for clarity. The hydraulic press is then activated, and the pair of hydraulic press plates crushes the ground plant matter located into the mesh filter bag separating e ground plant matter into a pulp and a juice. The pulp remains in the mesh filter bag, while the juice is collected in a container  470 . The  Cannabis  juice is then ready for consumption  480 . In some embodiments, the  Cannabis  juice is mixed with other juices, including but not limited to vegetable and fruit juices allowing for the  Cannabis  juice to be more appetizing. 
         [0026]    Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0027]    In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.