Downstream Processing Stages, Comparative Analysis &amp; Extraction Methodologies in Generation of Cannabinoids from Cannabis Sativa L. (Hemp)
Authors: Sharma Lakshya 
Published: November 2021

Due to the intoxicating effects of only a few cannabinoids, the cannabis plant has long been prohibited by legislation in several countries. Recent scientific advancements, along with a growing public awareness of cannabis as a medicinal commodity, prompted law reform, resulting in a historic shift in which demand increased tenfold in less than five years. The technology necessary for cannabis processing and extraction of the most valuable chemical components from the cannabis flower, on the other hand, remains the processing bottleneck. The downstream processing stages and concepts involved in generating cannabinoids from Cannabis Sativa L. (Hemp) biomass are discussed in this study. I evaluated and criticised several pre-treatment procedures and technical alternatives available for large-scale extraction in both categories by dividing extraction technology into seed and trichome. The major focus was on solvent extraction methods, as well as the important decision-making criteria at each stage and the applicable contemporary technology in the sector. I looked at the variables that impact cannabis transformation and how they affect the medicinal functioning of the finished goods. According to current trends, extraction technologies are constantly reviewed and improved, yet they still fall short of market demands. Cannabis sativa has hundreds of bioactive chemicals, making it one of the oldest therapeutic plants utilised by humans. Although the plant's medicinal benefits are undeniable, the biological consequences and interaction of these chemicals are yet unknown. These chemicals' extraction techniques are becoming an important element of current Cannabis-based therapy. Despite this, little is known about how different techniques impact the final composition of Cannabis extracts and, as a result, their medicinal benefits. Different extraction methods, such as maceration, Soxhlet, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and supercritical CO2 extraction methods, were evaluated in this study. The extracts were tested in vitro on human colon cancer and healthy colon cells for cannabis content, antioxidant effects, and in vitro bioactivity. Findings indicate that properly produced cannabis extracts can dramatically reduce cancer cell viability while sparing healthy cells from harmful effects. However, because post-processing of extracts alters not only the actual quantities of the various cannabinoids, but also their relative ratio to the main extracts, it is difficult to anticipate therapeutic response solely on the composition of the crude extract. These effects must be carefully addressed while developing novel medicinal extracts in the future. The natural non-psychoactive and psychoactive cannabinoids in cannabis are increasing its medicinal relevance. To effectively use the natural cannabinoids for therapeutic and forensic reasons, efficient extraction and quantification are required. In comparison to most conventional extraction methods, the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process has gained increasing interest due to its selective extraction, short processing time (partly due to the efficient solvent removal process – supercritical fluid to vapour – leaving a solvent free product), low operating cost, and low environmental impact. Microwave-assisted extraction, solid phase microextraction, hard-cap espresso, Soxhlet extraction, high-throughput homogenization, ultrasound-assisted extraction, vacuum distillation of lipid-based extract, and liquid–liquid extraction are discussed as advantages of SFE of cannabinoids over conventional extraction procedures.