Understanding color and clarity in cannabis oil filtration

Why is a color removal step important in cannabis production?  

The color of cannabis oil can vary and is largely determined by the extraction process and concentration of chlorophyll in the leaves. After the clarification step, chlorophyll is not fully removed. A pigment within green plants, chlorophyll is not harmful, but its strong and earthy flavor contributes to unpleasant organoleptic characteristics to the finished product.  Therefore, it is an important step in the process not only to achieve the desired golden hue but also to preserve the quality of the final product.

How to remove color from cannabis oil?

Popular methods in color removal use activated carbon treatment. These include manual addition of carbon powder or granules and carbon-packed columns. As an alternative, carbon impregnated SUPRAdisc™ AKS Series filter modules make for easier to handle and more hygienic carbon treatment. Used with ethanol and CO₂ extractions, these modules fit directly into a sanitary stainless-steel housing solution. In AKS modules, carbon is integrated into the cellulose fiber matrix and allows maximum access to the adsorptive surface of the activated carbon. This maintains the adsorptive capacity and does not introduce any materials that might degrade or negatively impact the oil.

Cannabis oil samples from an ethanol extraction process. Raw oil (left), after filtration with SUPRApak modules for clarification (middle) and post treatment of SUPRAdisc AKS modules for color reduction (right). 

Benefits of SUPRAdisc AKS Modules for Cannabis Oil Producers 

• Reduction of green color left from chlorophyll

• Easy and hygienic alternative to manual carbon process

• Enclosed assembly increases process security, preventing contamination risk when compared to traditional flat sheet filter assemblies.

• Yield increase as the enclosed assembly eliminates drip loss.

• Reduced carbon bleed or carryover.

• Tailored onsite or offsite support and process improvement recommendations from our SLS – global technical support team

The combined SUPRApak™ and AKS module solution enables a simple, two-step process to produce high-quality, transparent golden oil. 

Find out more about our products and the steps in the cannabis oil production process below.

Pall Corporation does not support, encourage or promote the use of its products or services in connection with any illegal use, cultivation, or trade of cannabis or cannabis products. Pall products are intended to be used for cannabis-related purposes only in compliance with all applicable laws in a manner that promotes public safety and/or in connection with any lawful and approved scientific or research activities.