(132b) Challenges and Advancements in Extraction Processes for the Recovery and Purification of Cannabidiol from Hemp

Cannabidiol (CBD) consumer sales over the past 4 years has increased 500% and is expected to continue to increase to a $2 billion-dollar market in the next 5 years. CBD is 1 of over 100 different cannabinoids found in the Hemp plant (C. sativa). This class of compounds all have similar molecular structures and are heat labile, making separation difficult. The FDA is beginning the process of regulating CBD, which may invalidate most current processes for the extraction of CBD products. Given the projected market size the development of commercial scale, high recovery processes are required. Some of the challenges and breakthroughs in solvent extraction, crystallization, and liquid chromatography will be explored.