Cultivating Safety and Stability in Cannabis Edibles
Eliminating Cannabinoid Deviation via Homogenizer Processing
Although the legalization of medicinal and recreational cannabis has elevated the health, happiness and quality of life for millions of Californians, the birth of this evolving industry isn’t without serious issues. Perhaps one of the most popular methods of cannabis consumption is, unfortunately, among the most treacherous. Edibles and other non-combustion cannabis products are viewed as the greatest liability throughout the industry. The reason? Cannabinoid, or potency, inconsistencies.
For example, a manufacturer creates a batch of a cannabis-infused beverage. Using a popular method of mixing ingredients solely with an overhead stirrer, the resulting product can feature dangerously varied cannabinoid distribution. Unfortunately, this is a common situation plaguing most cannabis manufacturers throughout the industry.
The cause is due, in part, by a lack of standardization and regulation. However, the most notorious culprit behind cannabinoid potency deviation is unscrupulous equipment manufacturers proclaiming their overhead stirrer produces uniform cannabinoid distribution. This lie has single-handedly tarnished the reputation of not only certain companies, but also the cannabis industry as a whole.
Eliminating Inconsistencies via Regulation | New Tests for a New Industry
The State of California has heard the cries for greater regulation within cannabis edible production. To rectify this swiftly expanding problem, the California Bureau of Cannabis Control has adopted regulations requiring all cannabis edible manufacturers to undergo homogeneity testing. Starting January 1, 2018, any edible product must submit product samples to be laboratory tested. Should the cannabinoid, either THC or CBD, have a potency deviation greater than 15-percent, the entire batch will be destroyed.
This strict guideline sets the stage for not only a safer cannabis industry, but solidifies the need for greater manufacturing standards. As CAT Scientific has continually stated, the only way to ensure optimum cannabinoid distribution is via a high-shear homogenizer. To prove our stance, let’s take a look at a case study where a cannabis lollipop processor sought our guidance.
Cannabinoid Distribution via High-Shear Homogenizer | Case Study Results
When CAT Scientific was first contacted, the lollipop processor primarily used an overhead stirrer to combine the ingredients. As many other processors have discovered, this method resulted in potency deviations of 60-percent. This is to say, the cannabinoid distribution varied up to 60-percent from one part of a batch to another. Not only is this potentially harmful to consumers, but at this current level, the processor wouldn’t be eligible to sell the resulting product under the forthcoming regulations.
Under our guidance, the lollipop processor used the CAT X1000D Homogenizer with a G20 (V) Coarse Generator Shaft to create the next batch. Once the final product was finished, the testing laboratory randomly selected three out of the ten lollipops processed with the homogenizer. At the conclusion of the laboratory analysis, the batch featured 3-percent cannabinoid potency deviation. Within this range, the processor more than exceeds California’s requirements. However, the most notable benefit from such a low deviation rate is customer satisfaction.
Redefining the Cannabis Industry | High-Shear Homogenizer for Quality and Safety
When it comes to cultivating a safe and powerful industry, we all play a distinct part. Whether you’re designated with the responsibility of manufacturing products or selling them to patients and consumers, the future of this industry rests in our collective ability to achieve and exceed greatness.
CAT Scientific is committed to the prolonged success of each and every cannabis processor. Contact Us today to discuss how our powerful high-shear homogenizers can reshape the quality and stability of your cannabis products!