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While a majority of processors are not aware that when combining extract with carrier oils, mixing them in with a overhead stirrer, hotplate stirrer, immersion blender, etc. will not evenly disburse the cannabinoids/ terpenes throughout the batch.
When a batch is processed as described above, some folks purchasing this product from a dispensary may experience no effects and others too much THC for their liking.
A lollipop processor contacted us last December because he kept failing Orgeon's15% per batch potency deviation limit. For the batches he was processing with an overhead stirrer, the lab analysis was coming back with 60% potency deviation, see attachments, Cannalysis 1A-4A.
It took us over eight months to convince the lollipop processor to use a high shear homogenizer to emulsify the constituents and shear the cannabinoids for uniform potency throughout the batch. After using the CAT X1740 Homogenizer for four minutes to process a batch of Lollies the potency analysis results are 5% potency deviation, see attachments Cannalysis1B-4B. The processor is now able to consistently duplicate a 5% potency deviation whenever he processes a batch of Lollies.
Steve, CAT Scientific
Comments
We haven't noticed any loss of potency. As for terpenes, our generator shafts are sealed, processing can be achieved under vacuum to prevent loss of Volatiles.
Heat is generated while homogenizing; depending on volume, viscosity and processing time. Companies processing beverages use the CAT DK40 inline dispenser, which has a cooling jacket to keep the media from overheating.
This makes perfect sense to me, as I have often wondered why sometimes there is more terpene flavor on some cartridges than others. I think that even though we have refined our extraction process to the point that we produce a supercritical CO2 oil that people enjoy without adding or reintroducing anything to it, I do believe that terpenes settle and I always wonder what the effects are to the end-user as a result: too much terpene and there is list of side effects, even if they are cannabis derived. This is muy interesante!
The point on "down side to homogenization" is a good one. Tried to research it but not much out there!
Wow this is great data! You've definitely gotten our attention. Checking CAT X1740 out right now. Will the product size vary depending on batch size? We do small batches of topicals that could use a tool like this.
If you're processing small batches, 300ml-2 liters the X1000 Homogenizer will work. Volumes over 2 liters, the X1740 Homogneizer, which can process up to 20 liters.
Hey Thanks for the data! I will check it out now.
Thank you for sharing this, @CATScientific!
Are there any down side to homogenization - any loss of potency, terpenes, beneficial plant compounds, over heating?