Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Manuel Sosa presents "Temperature-Controlled n-Butane Extraction Minimizes Waxes While Preserving Cannabinoids and VOCs" at CannMed 2026, covering n-butane extraction, cannabis waxes, and cannabinoid preservation.
Cannabis produces a broad range of desirable nonpolar constituents, including cannabinoids and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making nonpolar solvents such as n-butane well suited for extracting and formulating cannabis oils. However, a poorly characterized nonpolar fraction commonly referred to as fats and waxes is often co-extracted, leading to cloudiness and the need for downstream winterization. The objective of this study was to determine how extraction temperature affects the co-extraction of waxes and their transfer to the aerosol phase, while maintaining recovery of cannabinoids and VOCs.
Two commercial cannabis varieties were extracted with n-butane at multiple jacket temperatures spanning sub-zero to near-ambient conditions. Crude extracts were characterized for cannabinoids and VOCs by chromatographic methods, and the nonpolar background was profiled with a focus on long-chain alkanes associated with epicuticular wax. Viscosity was measured to assess potential effects on vape-device performance, and vaping experiments with cartridge-style hardware were used to quantify transfer of these waxes into the inhalable aerosol.
We found that saturated n-alkanes characteristic of plant waxes were major components of the co-extracted nonpolar fraction and increased systematically with extraction temperature, whereas concentrations of target cannabinoids and VOCs remained comparatively stable over the same range. Bulk viscosity changed only modestly with composition, but the waxes readily transferred into the aerosol, with lower transfer observed when extraction temperature was reduced. We conclude that temperature control during n-butane extraction is a practical process lever to limit co-extraction and aerosolization of waxes while preserving key cannabinoids and VOCs, thereby improving concentrate purity and inhalation safety.
Learning Objectives:
⦿ How n-butane extraction temperature changes co-extraction of epicuticular waxes in cannabis oils
⦿ Why cannabinoid and VOC yields stay relatively stable across temperatures
⦿ How lowering temperature reduces wax in the aerosol phase
Manuel Sosa is an R&D Chemist II and Lab Supervisor at Abstrax Tech, where his team leads analytical testing and research through advanced techniques such as 2D GCxGC and HPLC. His role involves conducting rigorous tests as well as developing and refining standard operating procedures to improve the lab's precision and efficiency, alongside publishing scientific research and developing new intellectual property for the company.
This presentation was given at the CannMed 2026 Innovation & Collaboration Summit, held June 15-18 at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort. Visit cannmedevents.com to learn more.
Manuel Sosa presents "Temperature-Controlled n-Butane Extraction Minimizes Waxes While Preserving Cannabinoids and VOCs" at CannMed 2026, covering n-butane extraction, cannabis waxes, and cannabinoid preservation.
Cannabis produces a broad range of desirable nonpolar constituents, including cannabinoids and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making nonpolar solvents such as n-butane well suited for extracting and formulating cannabis oils. However, a poorly characterized nonpolar fraction commonly referred to as fats and waxes is often co-extracted, leading to cloudiness and the need for downstream winterization. The objective of this study was to determine how extraction temperature affects the co-extraction of waxes and their transfer to the aerosol phase, while maintaining recovery of cannabinoids and VOCs.
Two commercial cannabis varieties were extracted with n-butane at multiple jacket temperatures spanning sub-zero to near-ambient conditions. Crude extracts were characterized for cannabinoids and VOCs by chromatographic methods, and the nonpolar background was profiled with a focus on long-chain alkanes associated with epicuticular wax. Viscosity was measured to assess potential effects on vape-device performance, and vaping experiments with cartridge-style hardware were used to quantify transfer of these waxes into the inhalable aerosol.
We found that saturated n-alkanes characteristic of plant waxes were major components of the co-extracted nonpolar fraction and increased systematically with extraction temperature, whereas concentrations of target cannabinoids and VOCs remained comparatively stable over the same range. Bulk viscosity changed only modestly with composition, but the waxes readily transferred into the aerosol, with lower transfer observed when extraction temperature was reduced. We conclude that temperature control during n-butane extraction is a practical process lever to limit co-extraction and aerosolization of waxes while preserving key cannabinoids and VOCs, thereby improving concentrate purity and inhalation safety.
Learning Objectives:
⦿ How n-butane extraction temperature changes co-extraction of epicuticular waxes in cannabis oils
⦿ Why cannabinoid and VOC yields stay relatively stable across temperatures
⦿ How lowering temperature reduces wax in the aerosol phase
Manuel Sosa is an R&D Chemist II and Lab Supervisor at Abstrax Tech, where his team leads analytical testing and research through advanced techniques such as 2D GCxGC and HPLC. His role involves conducting rigorous tests as well as developing and refining standard operating procedures to improve the lab's precision and efficiency, alongside publishing scientific research and developing new intellectual property for the company.
This presentation was given at the CannMed 2026 Innovation & Collaboration Summit, held June 15-18 at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort. Visit cannmedevents.com to learn more.
