Marijuana Extraction Market
Extracting and isolating the active substances in a cannabis plant are becoming more important for the medical field as doctors use the purest forms of marijuana to treat a range of disorders and ailments. Extraction is also in high demand for recreational use in the form of oils, tinctures, gummies and vapes. As both markets continue to increase, the marijuana extraction market needs efficient processes that are low-maintenance and effective.
Through the various extraction methods, filter applications for marijuana extraction are essential for a pure development. Discover more about this growing market below, along with the benefits of filters for marijuana extraction.
The Growing Marijuana Extraction Industry
According to Grand View Research, the cannabis extraction market on a global scale was valued at $7.3 billion in 2019. By 2027, it’s predicted to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6%.
There are different factors driving the current market trends, such as using medical marijuana for mental disorders and chronic diseases like anxiety, depression, epilepsy, cancer, Alzheimer’s and arthritis. The rise of legalization throughout states within the U.S. and other countries is also contributing to this growing market.
Marijuana use for both medical and recreational purposes has skyrocketed since 2016 and is expected to have continual growth over the next several years. In particular, cannabis tinctures and oils are gaining momentum with an increase in demand. They are easy to consume, and lenient laws exist because they are non-psychoactive forms of cannabidiol oil. In fact, in 2019, cannabis oil had the largest share in the extract market, valued at $4.8 billion.
The oil segment is predicted to undergo the fastest CAGR over the next five years because of its various medical applications. In terms of tinctures, this segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% because they work faster than other forms.
Grand View Research also reported on extract types, including full-spectrum and isolates. The full-spectrum segment registered a $4.3 billion market value in 2019 and is anticipated to grow the fastest at more than 20% CAGR. Full-spectrum extractions include the entire cannabinoids range that you can extract. Isolate extracts are one of the most reliable forms that you can obtain via isolation and extraction.
Filters for the Marijuana Extraction Market
The first step in the extraction process is to separate the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Using different procedures and solvents, you can extract the plant’s most potent compounds like cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), terpenes and others, to create a more pure form.
But to receive the purest form, you must separate the solvent from the extract with no leftover residue. This is where marijuana extraction filters come into play. Depending on the solvent you use, like carbon dioxide, butane, ethanol or hydrocarbons, it must be vaporized or liquefied. The right filter during this process is vital in creating end products like oils and tinctures.
Filter Applications in the Marijuana Extraction Industry
There are five main extraction techniques in the marijuana extraction industry where active compounds — cannabinoids — from the cannabis material are removed and filtered, yielding a higher solution. Each technique has its benefits, but the end goal of each is to extract the most potent part of the plant.
Ethanol Extraction Method
Ethanol extraction is a technique where you soak a cannabis plant in ethanol to extract the THC. Once you extract the THC, you place it through a refining process to enhance the purity. Ethanol removes any unwanted compounds from the cannabis plant, creating one of the purest concentrates. Proper refining and filtering are key to this method.
Hydrocarbon Oil Extraction Method
If you’re using the hydrocarbon method, you place the cannabis plant in a container then spray butane over it to begin the extraction process. You then collect both the butane and cannabinoids in a separate container, leaving the mixture to evaporate. You can also use a vacuum to remove the butane, leaving a pure THC substance.
Isopropyl Extraction Method
During this process, you take dried cannabis and soak it in alcohol, gently shaking the mixture to separate the trichomes. Then, you filter the substance into a different container and evaporate the solvent using a vacuum oven. The final product is an oil rich in THC.
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction Method
Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is a process where you heat supercritical carbon dioxide and have it pass through the cannabis buds. The liquid then passes through a marijuana extraction filter to help remove the gas from the terpenes and trichomes. It’s a non-toxic method of separating the cannabis plant from the cannabinoids that’s also environmentally friendly. You can push the carbon dioxide gas through a condenser, causing it to liquefy again and be used for future extraction processes. This technique is ideal for creating oils and waxes.
Water Extraction Method
This form of marijuana extraction is where you submerge and stir the cannabis in freezing water. As you stir the mixture, the cold water will extract the trichomes that will pass through a series of filters for marijuana extraction. You’re then left with a product that has high THC levels.
Benefits of Industrial Filters
The benefits of filters for marijuana extraction are what separate a pure extraction from one that remains contaminated. Using filters during the extraction process allows for the following:
- Long-lasting concentrates
- Purer cannabinoid
- Precise dosing
- Stronger oil concentrates
Chase Filter’s high-pressure stainless steel filters can handle varying temperatures and pressures depending on the state of the solvent you’re working with. Our industrial marijuana extraction filters:
- Are safe and simple to use.
- Lower maintenance and repair costs.
- Improve the extraction process.
- Offer corrosion resistance.
- Protect components from contamination failure.
Custom Design Your Filters or Browse Our Inventory
Chase Filters & Components has a range of marijuana extraction filter applications for air, gas, oxygen, lubricant, hydraulic fluid, water and fuel. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, we know the importance of well-functioning, efficient filters during the marijuana extraction process. We guarantee 99% efficiency with our elements and fast turnaround times to keep your operations running.
Check out our filter products online or reach out to a Chase Filters & Components representative to learn about customizing a filter design that fits your exact requirements.
