The Potential of Cannabis Extracts in Medicine

Cannabis extracts have shown significant potential in the medical field. The cannabinoids present in cannabis, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), have been found to have various medicinal properties. For instance, THC is known for its pain-relieving properties, while CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects. In the study by Fraňková et al., it was found that cannabis extracts inhibited the in vitro growth of bacteria and dermatophytes, organisms that cause common skin diseases. This suggests that cannabis extracts could potentially be used in the treatment of various skin conditions. However, it's important to note that the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) values of cannabis extracts presented in the study are higher in comparison to the currently used antifungals. This indicates that while cannabis extracts have potential, more research is needed to fully understand their medicinal properties and how they can be effectively used in treatment.

Delving Deeper into the Research Findings

The research conducted by Fraňková et al. provides valuable insights into the potential of cannabis extracts in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and dermatophytes, organisms that cause common skin diseases1. The study found that both cannabinoids and terpenes, biologically active substances present in cannabis, play an important role in the antifungal activity of cannabis extract. However, it's important to note that the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of cannabis extracts presented in the study are higher in comparison to the currently used antifungal. This might initially seem like a disadvantage, but it's crucial to understand the broader context. Antibiotics, the commonly used antifungals, are designed to work against specific targets. They are highly specialized and effective in treating specific diseases caused by bacteria. However, their use comes with a significant downside: the development of antibiotic resistance. This is a serious global health issue, as bacteria evolve and become resistant to the antibiotics used to treat the infections they cause.

On the other hand, cannabis has a wide range of applications with very little to no serious side effects that damage the body sustainably. It's a natural substance that has been used for thousands of years for various medicinal purposes. The cannabinoids present in cannabis, such as THC and CBD, have been found to have various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects. While the MIC values of cannabis extracts are higher compared to currently used antifungals, this doesn't necessarily mean that cannabis is worse. It simply means that a higher concentration of cannabis extract is needed to achieve the same inhibitory effect. However, given the wide range of potential applications of cannabis and its relatively low side effect profile, it could still be a valuable alternative or complementary solution.

Dexso D.M.E.: The Bi-Polar Winner

The bipolar nature of DME allows it to extract a broader spectrum of compounds from the cannabis plant compared to purely non-polar solvents like butane or purely polar solvents like ethanol. This can result in extracts with a more complete representation of the chemical profile of the original plant material. In the study we discussed, DME was shown to have high extraction yields, particularly for THCA, the most abundant cannabinoid in the tested strains. This suggests that DME is very effective at extracting cannabinoids from cannabis. Furthermore, the terpene profile of the DME extracts was also notable. For instance, the relative ratio of β-caryophyllene, a common terpene in cannabis, was highest in DME extracts for the Forbidden Fruit strain. This indicates that DME is also effective at extracting terpenes, contributing to a more flavorful and aromatic final product. In conclusion, the bipolar nature of DME makes it a versatile and effective solvent for cannabis extraction, capable of yielding high-quality extracts with a broad spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes.

The Dexso D.M.E. Extraction Method

The Dexso D.M.E. extraction method utilizes dimethyl ether, a compound that is known for its excellent solvent properties. Dimethyl ether is particularly effective in extracting cannabinoids and terpenes, the compounds responsible for the medicinal properties and distinct aroma of cannabis, respectively. In the study conducted by Fraňková et al. and published in Frontiers of Microbiology, it was found that the extraction yielded by Dexso D.M.E. was on average 4% higher compared to traditional maceration in ethanol. Meaning with the same plant material that yielded in 10% yield with Ethanoal a 14% yield was created with Dexso DME, which is an increase of around 30%. Also the color of the extracts produced by Dexso D.M.E. was golden, indicating a high purity level as opposed to the dark green color of ethanol extracts, which suggests a higher content of chlorophyll.

Here are the relevant results from the research paper:

The total cannabinoids extracted by each solvent were as follows:
- Ethanol (EtOH): 245.94 ± 7.3 mg/g for Forbidden Fruit strain and 329.10 ± 10.33 mg/g for Chocolope strain.
- Butane (BUT): 656.01 ± 18.64 mg/g for Forbidden Fruit strain and 699.66 ± 18.64 mg/g for Chocolope strain.
- Dimethyl Ether (DME): 666.11 ± 16.84 mg/g for Forbidden Fruit strain and 713.73 ± 17.23 mg/g for Chocolope strain.
The extraction yield was:
- Ethanol (EtOH): 10.5% for Forbidden Fruit strain and 11.18% for Chocolope strain.
- Butane (BUT): 13.84% for Forbidden Fruit strain and 13.7% for Chocolope strain.
- Dimethyl Ether (DME): 14% for Forbidden Fruit strain and 14.1% for Chocolope strain.
The most abundant cannabinoid extracted by each solvent was THCA:
- Ethanol (EtOH): 199.80 ± 6.11 mg/g for Forbidden Fruit strain and 261.75 ± 8.20 mg/g for Chocolope strain.
- Butane (BUT): 576.65 ± 22.05 mg/g for Forbidden Fruit strain and 613.53 ± 17.88 mg/g for Chocolope strain.
- Dimethyl Ether (DME): 581.58 ± 15.59 mg/g for Forbidden Fruit strain and 617.68 ± 14.24 mg/g for Chocolope strain.

The Superiority of Dexso D.M.E. Over Butane Extraction

Butane extraction, also known as Butane Hash Oil (BHO) extraction, is another common method used in cannabis extraction. However, Dexso D.M.E. extraction has several advantages over BHO. Firstly, Dexso D.M.E. extraction has a higher yield compared to BHO. The study by Fraňková et al. showed that the extraction yield by Dexso D.M.E. was higher than that of butane[. Secondly, Dexso D.M.E. extraction results in a purer extract. The color of the extracts produced by Dexso D.M.E. is golden, indicating a high purity level. On the other hand, butane extracts often contain impurities that need to be purged out, which can be a complex process.

Safety Considerations of Extractions

While the Dexso D.M.E. the extraction method has proven to be efficient and effective, it's important to note that safety considerations must be taken into account. The extraction process involves the use of solvents and gases, which can be hazardous if not handled correctly. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the extraction is conducted in a controlled environment by trained professionals. The use of dimethyl ether as an extraction solvent has been evaluated and deemed safe by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In their scientific opinion, they concluded that dimethyl ether can be used as an extraction solvent under the intended conditions of use and proposed maximum residue limits. However, it's important to note that while dimethyl ether is a safe solvent, it is still a flammable substance. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the extraction process is conducted in a well-ventilated area away from open flames or sparks. Additionally, the residues of the gases used in the extraction process should be properly removed to ensure the safety and purity of the extract. In conclusion, while the Dexso D.M.E. The extraction method offers numerous advantages, it's important to ensure that safety precautions are strictly adhered to during the extraction process.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). (2015). Scientific Opinion on the safety of use of dimethyl ether as an extraction solvent under the intended conditions of use and the proposed maximum residue limits. EFSA Journal, 13(6), 4174.
Fraňková, A., et al. (2021). Medical cannabis dimethyl ether, ethanol and butane extracts inhibit the in vitro growth of bacteria and dermatophytes causing common skin diseases. Frontiers in Microbiology.

The Future of Cannabis Extraction

As we move forward, the cannabis industry continues to evolve and innovate. The extraction methods we use today are just the beginning and with the increasing acceptance and legalization of cannabis around the world, more research and development are being invested into finding more efficient and safer extraction methods. Now that we continue to learn more about the incredible benefits of cannabis, it is clear that the future of cannabis extraction is bright and with continued research and development, we can look forward to an even more efficient and safer extraction method in the future.

As explained earlier the Dexso D.M.E. extraction method offers a safe, efficient, and cost-effective solution for extracting high-quality cannabis products. It is a testament to the innovative spirit of the cannabis industry and its commitment to providing consumers with the best possible products. One of the promising areas of research is the use of supercritical CO2 extraction. This method uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and temperature to extract the desired compounds from the cannabis plant. It is considered a clean and green method as it does not leave any residual solvents in the final product. However, it requires expensive equipment and is not as efficient in extracting certain compounds compared to other methods. Another area of interest is the use of ultrasound-assisted extraction. This method uses ultrasonic waves to break down the cell walls of the cannabis plant, allowing the desired compounds to be extracted more efficiently. It is a relatively new method and more research is needed to fully understand its potential.

The biggest differences in the extraction technologies are as follows:

Solvent Type: The type of solvent used significantly impacts the extraction process. Ethanol, butane, and dimethyl ether each have different properties that affect the extraction efficiency and the composition of the final product.
Extraction Efficiency: The extraction efficiency varies between the different solvents. For example, butane and dimethyl ether generally have higher extraction efficiencies compared to ethanol.
Safety: The safety of the extraction process is another significant difference. Butane is highly flammable and can be dangerous to use without proper safety measures. On the other hand, ethanol and dimethyl ether are considered safer to use.
Product Purity: The purity of the final product can also differ based on the extraction method. For instance, butane and dimethyl ether are known to extract a higher percentage of terpenes, leading to a more flavorful and aromatic product.
Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of the extraction process can also vary. Ethanol is a renewable resource and is considered more environmentally friendly, while butane and dimethyl ether have a higher environmental impact.
Cost: The cost of the extraction process can also differ. Ethanol extraction is generally more expensive due to the cost of the solvent and the equipment needed. Butane and dimethyl ether extraction are typically less expensive.
Regulation: The use of certain solvents may be regulated in some jurisdictions. For example, the use of butane for extraction is heavily regulated due to its flammability and potential for misuse.

Introduction

The world of cannabis extraction has seen significant advancements over the years, with various methods being developed to maximize the yield and purity of the extracted cannabinoids. One such method that has gained popularity is the Dexso D.M.E. (Dimethyl Ether) extraction. This method has been lauded for its efficiency and the quality of the extract it produces.

The power of Dexso D.M.E. in Cannabis extraction