Lion Labs Institute for Cannabis Processing

ExtractionTek Hydrocarbon Extractor

Hydrocarbon extraction utilizes a hydrocarbon solvent, typically propane, butane, or a mixture, to extract target compounds from dried plant biomass.  The primary advantages of hydrocarbon extraction include good yields of target compounds, low extraction of undesirable compounds, and low solvent carryover when fully processed.  The primary drawback is the additional safety precautions that are required (such as locating the entire apparatus within a fume hood).

Pinnacle Ethanol Extractor

Ethanol extraction utilizes ethanol in place of hydrocarbon solvents. The primary advantages of ethanol extraction include the use of a food grade solvent, improved safety, and production of a full spectrum compound profile (greater extraction efficiency of polar molecules).  The primary drawbacks are the extraction of non-target compounds such as chlorophyll and other plant pigments (necessitating additional post processing), and poor extraction of terpenes.

Yamazen Smart Flash AKROS MPLC 

The MPLC is used to isolate a single compound from a mixture.  The Yamazen Smart Flash AKROS contains an integrated TLC reader and fraction collector, facilitating ease of use and high efficiency for automated isolation of compounds of interest.

Process Scale Rotary Evaporator

A rotary evaporator is a vacuum distillation apparatus used for rapidly removing excess solvent from crude extracts, resulting in concentration of the extraction product.  This process scale evaporator is capable of liter scale extract processing.

Pharmaceutical Freeze Dryer 

The USA Scientific pharmaceutical freeze dryer has a large capacity for rapid freeze drying of multiple samples.  

Vacuum Oven

The vacuum oven is used for residual solvent removal.  By simultaneous controlled heating and reduced pressure residual solvents can be removed from the processed extract, resulting in a high purity product.

Soxhlet Extractors

Soxhlet extractors utilize distillation and repeated solvent extraction to extract challenging compounds.  These are frequently used for analytical extractions with hexane. 

Laboratory Rotary Evaporator

When smaller volumes of extract require purification, we utilize a standard capacity rotary evaporator for ease of handling.

Aqua Lab Residual Moisture Analyzer

Improperly dried Cannabis is prone to spoilage, and may harbor unsafe levels of yeast an mold.  The residual moisture instrument measures water activity prior to processing to ensure properly dried biomass is being utilized.  

Blixer Sample Grinder

The Blixer sample grinder is used to homogenize material and reduce particle size to improve extraction efficiency.

Distek Grinder

The Distek Grinder is a metal free sample homogenizer used to produce a finely ground homogenous material that is free of metal contamination prior to heavy metals analysis by ICP-MS.

Wiley Mill

The Wiley Mill is used to grind samples such that the final product has a uniform, controlled particle size.

Vape Cartridge Filler

This instrument can be used to test custom vape blends.