Fast And Simple Ultrasonic Cannabis Extraction
Extract cannabinoids, terpenes, and other valuable cannabis compounds faster with Hielscher ultrasonic extraction systems. Power ultrasound intensifies mass transfer, breaks open plant cells, and helps release active compounds efficiently into your chosen solvent – from ethanol and edible oils to specialized extraction media.
Ultrasonic Cannabis Extraction Equipment for Higher Yields and Faster Processing
Whether you are developing a lab protocol, validating a pilot process, or scaling to industrial production, Hielscher ultrasonicators give you precise control over amplitude, temperature, pressure, residence time, and solvent conditions. This makes ultrasonic extraction a reliable choice for reproducible cannabis and hemp extracts with short processing times and scalable throughput.
Why processors choose Hielscher ultrasonic extraction:
- Faster extraction of cannabinoids and terpenes
- High extraction efficiency and reproducible product quality
- Mild, non-thermal processing for heat-sensitive compounds
- Compatible with common extraction solvents, including ethanol and carrier oils
- Easy scale-up from lab trials to full industrial production
- Process consulting, feasibility testing, and installation support from Hielscher engineers
Tell us your raw material, solvent, batch size or flow rate, and target extract. We will recommend a suitable ultrasonic setup and process parameters for your application.
Sonicator UP400St for cannabis extraction
| Method | Challenges and concerns | Advantages of Ultrasonic Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Maceration | Long processing time | Faster mass transfer and shorter extraction |
| Soxhlet | Heat exposure and solvent demand | Milder, lower-temperature extraction |
| Supercritical CO₂ | Capital cost and throughput limits | Can be combined or retrofitted to improve extraction |
| Ethanol extraction | Yield, speed, terpene preservation | Better cell disruption and reproducible parameters |
Hielscher Ultrasonicators for Cannabis Extraction – Scientifically Proven Efficiency!
Casiraghi and colleagues from the Italian Universiy of Milan compared three cannabis extraction methods: ultrasonic extraction, Soxhlet extraction and maceration.
The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of ultrasonic extraction for the extraction of cannabinoids from cannabis sativa and to compare it with other extraction methods, such as Soxhlet extraction and maceration.
The researchers used the Hielscher ultrasonic processor UP200Ht (see picture left) for the extraction process, and they found that the ultrasound-assisted extraction method was more effective in extracting cannabinoids than the other two methods. Ultrasonic extraction was also faster, more efficient, and less labor-intensive than the other methods.
The extraction was performed using olive oil as the solvent. The plant material was added to the solvent and sonicated for 10 minutes at 60% amplitude with the ultrasonicator UP200Ht.
After the sonication step, the extract was filtered and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain a concentrated extract. The extract was then analyzed for cannabinoid content using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Overall, the results of this study showed that ultrasonic extraction of the cannabinoids CBD and THC in oliveoil is an effective method for extracting cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa plant material, with high yields and purity.
One of the advantages of ultrasonic extraction using the UP200Ht is that it can produce higher yields of cannabinoids in a shorter amount of time than traditional extraction methods. The researchers also noted that ultrasonic extraction was a more environmentally friendly method compared to other extraction methods, as it requires less solvent and energy. Additionally, ultrasonic extraction can be easily scaled up for industrial production, making it a promising method for large-scale production of CBD extracts.
In conclusion, the study suggests that ultrasonic extraction using the UP200Ht is a promising method for the extraction of cannabinoids from cannabis sativa for medicinal purposes.
Ultrasonic extraction is a highly efficient method to extract cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. Olive oil was used as solvent, ultrasonic extraction was performed with the UP200ST.
(picture and study: © Casiraghi et al., 2022)
Industrial sonicator UIP2000hdT with agitator in a barrel for large-scale cannabis extraction
Sonication and Extraction Conditions
Hielscher ultrasonic extractors give you full control over all relevant process parameters, including amplitude, sonication time, pressure, temperature, flow rate, and solvent composition. This allows you to optimize the extraction process for yield, extract profile, throughput, and downstream processing requirements.
Sonication Process of Cannabis
The ultrasound-assisted extraction is based on repeating high pressure and low pressure cycles. These alternating high pressure and low pressure cycles of 20,000 times per second of sonication create intense shear forces and liquid jets. This extreme stress overcomes the selectivity of membrane, perforates and breaks the cell wall, and results in a high mass transfer between the inner cell and the surrounding solvent. By ultrasonic extraction, higher yields and shorter extraction durations can be realized. Since ultrasonic extraction is a reproducible process, the extraction results can be repeated for a standardized extract quality.
Hielscher’s ultrasonic extractors give you full control over the important extraction parameters. By adjusting amplitude, duration, pressure and liquid composition, the output of the extraction process can be precisely controlled and reproduced.
Solvents for Cannabis Extraction
Ultrasonic extraction is compatible with all common solvents allowing you to use of your solvent of choice such as water, solvents and oils (e.g. H2O, CO2, ethanol, methanol, butane, propane, olive oil, coconut oil etc.).
Common solvents and extraction media include:
For oral products, food-grade solvents and carrier oils are often preferred. For analytical testing and quality control, laboratory solvents may be used. For industrial cannabinoid extraction, ethanol and CO2-based processes are common choices. Ultrasonication can improve mass transfer in many of these solvent systems and can therefore help reduce extraction time, improve extraction efficiency, or support process standardization.
Extraction Temperature
For many botanical extraction processes, effective ultrasonic extraction is achieved at process temperatures between 0°C and 60°C. Lower temperatures can help preserve volatile aroma compounds and temperature-sensitive ingredients, while moderate temperatures may improve solubility and extraction speed. The ideal temperature depends on the solvent, biomass, target compounds, and final product specifications.
Hielscher ultrasonic systems can be integrated with cooling jackets, heat exchangers, and temperature-controlled reactors to keep the extraction process within the desired temperature range.
Combined Extraction Methods – Synergies
Retrofitting an ultrasonicator into an existing cannabis extraction facility can help improve extraction performance, increase throughput, reduce extraction time, or make the process more reproducible.
The ultrasonic extraction can be easily combined with pressure, heat, supercritical extraction conditions or Soxhlet extractor to improve results and/or adapt the extraction setup to specific requirements. The retro-fitting of an ultrasonicator into an existing cannabis extraction facility is of special interest, if an existing extraction method does not perform with the desired performance and output.
Already existing extraction machines can be easily upgraded by implementing an ultrasonic extractor. We would be glad to help you with process evaluation, equipment selection, installation concepts, and integration into your existing production lines.
Read more about ultrasonically improved supercritical CO2 extraction!
Application Fields for Ultrasonic Cannabis Extraction
Precise process control and linear scalability make it possible to transfer extraction parameters from lab trials to pilot production and full-scale manufacturing. This allows processors to develop a reliable extraction method, validate it at smaller scale, and scale up with confidence.
Cannabinoids, terpenes and other active ingredients of the cannabis plant are extracted for manifold purposes. The ultrasonic extraction is a trusted method to gain extracts of the cannabis plant for
- medical/ pharmaceutical production
- recreational cannabis products
- nutraceutical and food production
- before downstream processing, e.g. nano-emulsification
- drug potency testing
- forensic/chemical analysis
Ultrasonic Extractors – For Small and Large Scale
Hielscher Ultrasonics is your partner for high-performance ultrasonic extraction equipment. Whether you want to produce smaller batches of high-quality CBD extracts for your boutique brand or process large quantities of hemp or marijuana on industrial scale – Hielscher Ultrasonics has the ideal ultrasonic extraction equipment for you!
Linear scalability and precise process control allow for reliable outcomes at any level. Read more about the scale-up of ultrasonic extraction processes!
We help you: Our Consulting & Process Optimization Service
Hielscher Ultrasonics is long-time experienced with ultrasonic processing and has a deep going understanding of ultrasonic extraction processes. We assist you with recommendations for the most suitable ultrasonicator for your process and educate you how to use our devices most efficiently. Our engineers are available for installations service, worldwide.
In our fully equipped ultrasonic process lab in Germany, our team of process engineers and chemists is able to develop and optimize your process for you or with you together.
- short extraction time
- high extraction rate
- more complete extraction
- mild, non-thermal treatment
- easy integration and safe operation
- no hazardous / toxic chemicals, no impurities
- low cost
- energy-efficient
- green extraction: environmental-friendly
What is ultrasonic cannabis extraction?
Ultrasonic cannabis extraction is an extraction method that uses high-power ultrasound to release cannabinoids, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds from cannabis or hemp plant material. Ultrasonic cavitation creates intense shear forces in the liquid, which disrupt plant cells and improves mass transfer between the plant material and the solvent.
How does ultrasound improve cannabinoid extraction?
Ultrasound improves cannabinoid extraction by breaking cell walls, increasing solvent penetration, and accelerating the release of compounds from the plant matrix. This can shorten extraction time and improve extraction efficiency compared with slow passive methods such as maceration.
Which cannabinoids can be extracted with ultrasonic extraction?
Ultrasonic extraction can be used to extract cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, THCA, CBDA, CBG, and other compounds present in cannabis or hemp biomass. The final cannabinoid profile depends on the plant material, solvent, temperature, extraction time, and downstream processing conditions.
Can ultrasonic extraction preserve terpenes?
Yes, ultrasonic extraction can be operated at low and controlled temperatures, which is useful when processing heat-sensitive compounds such as terpenes. Temperature control, short extraction times, and suitable solvent selection help protect volatile and sensitive extract components.
Which solvents can be used for ultrasonic cannabis extraction?
Ultrasonic cannabis extraction is compatible with many common extraction media, including ethanol, water-ethanol mixtures, edible oils such as olive oil or coconut oil, and other process-specific solvents. The best solvent depends on the intended product, regulatory requirements, downstream processing, and target compounds.
Is ultrasonic extraction suitable for ethanol cannabis extraction?
Yes, ethanol is commonly used with ultrasonic cannabis extraction. Sonication can intensify ethanol extraction by improving contact between the solvent and plant material, reducing extraction time, and supporting reproducible process conditions.
Can ultrasonic cannabis extraction be used with carrier oils?
Yes, cannabinoids can be extracted into carrier oils such as olive oil or coconut oil. This can be useful for formulations where the oil serves directly as the extract medium or as part of the final product formulation.
Is ultrasonic cannabis extraction a thermal process?
No. Ultrasonic extraction is considered a mild, non-thermal extraction method. Although process temperature must still be monitored and controlled, the extraction effect is primarily mechanical: cavitation, shear forces, particle disruption, and improved mass transfer.
How long does ultrasonic cannabis extraction take?
Extraction time depends on the plant material, particle size, solvent, temperature, solids concentration, ultrasonic amplitude, and equipment configuration. In many applications, sonication significantly reduces extraction time compared with conventional maceration.
Can ultrasonic cannabis extraction be scaled to industrial production?
Yes. Ultrasonic extraction can be scaled from laboratory testing to pilot and industrial production. Hielscher ultrasonicators are available for small batch trials, process development, and large-scale continuous processing.
What process parameters matter most in ultrasonic cannabis extraction?
Important parameters include ultrasonic amplitude, sonication time, temperature, pressure, solvent type, solvent-to-biomass ratio, particle size, and mixing or flow conditions. Precise control of these parameters helps achieve reproducible extract quality.
Can ultrasonic extraction be added to an existing cannabis extraction line?
Yes. Ultrasonicators can often be integrated into existing extraction systems to improve mass transfer, reduce processing time, or increase extraction efficiency. The best integration concept depends on the current extraction method, solvent handling, throughput, and available process space.
Which Hielscher ultrasonicator is suitable for cannabis extraction?
The right ultrasonicator depends on the required batch size, flow rate, solvent, plant material, and production target. Smaller units are suitable for feasibility tests and lab-scale protocol development, while industrial UIP-series ultrasonicators are designed for pilot and production-scale extraction.
How do I choose the right ultrasonic extraction setup?
To choose the right setup, define your biomass type, target cannabinoids or terpenes, solvent, batch size or continuous flow rate, temperature limits, and downstream processing steps. Hielscher will recommend an ultrasonic processor, sonotrode, reactor, and process parameters based on these requirements.
Basic Information about Ultrasonic Extraction
Power ultrasound is a proven method for efficient and reliable extraction of active compounds including herbal/ medicinal compounds, oil, proteins and bioactives (e.g. flavones, polyphenolics, anthocyanin, aroma) from botanicals, herbs, flowers and seeds.
For ultrasonic extraction, powerful ultrasound waves are coupled into the plant-solvent mixture, so that acoustic cavitation occurs. Acoustic cavitation is described as the ultrasonically caused formation, growth, and implosive collapse of bubbles in liquids.
“During cavitation, the collapse of bubbles produces intense local heating and high pressures, with very short lifetimes. In clouds of cavitating bubbles, these hot-spots have equivalent temperatures of roughly 5000 K, pressures of about 1000 atmospheres, and heating and cooling rates above 1010 K/s. In single bubble cavitation, conditions may be even more extreme. Cavitation, then, can create extreme physical and chemical conditions in otherwise cold liquids. If liquids containing solids are irradiated with ultrasound, related phenomena can occur. Near an extended solid surface, cavity collapse becomes non-spherical, which drives high-speed jets of liquid into the solid surface. These jets and associated shock waves can cause substantial surface damage and expose fresh, highly heated surfaces. In addition, high velocity inter-particle collisions will occur during ultrasonic irradiation of liquid-powder suspensions through cavitation and the shockwaves it creates in such slurries. The resultant collisions are capable of inducing dramatic changes in surface morphology, composition, and reactivity.” [Suslick 2001: 2f.]
These intense conditions of ultrasonic cavitation have several effects on plant material and their extractability:
- overcome of cell membrane selectivity
- increased mass transfer between cell inside and surrounding solvent
- cell breakage
- release of intracellular material
This makes sonication a highly effective extraction method. Due to the intense mechanical forces, often green and mild solvents such as water, ethanol etc. can be used.
Ultrasonic extraction shortens the extraction time and allows for a reduced and/ or milder solvent use. This means, ultrasonic extraction results in higher extraction rates and produces healthier extracts. This is due to the characteristics of its operation at low temperature both to reduce heat loss caused by temperature factors, but also to avoid the vaporization of substances due to low boiling point and also to maintain biological active substances.
Another advantage of ultrasonic extraction lies in it simple and safe use and its precisely controllable application. As a non-thermal extraction method, sonication can be carried out at low temperatures so that the degradation of heat sensitive, heat-labile substances is avoided.
Literature/References
- Casiraghi A., Gentile A., Selmin F., Gennari C.G.M., Casagni E., Roda G., Pallotti G., Rovellini P., Minghetti P. (2022): Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Cannabinoids from Cannabis Sativa for Medicinal Purpose. Pharmaceutics. 14(12), 2022.
- Espinoza-Silva, Clara, Pascual, Erika, Delgadillo, Yacnehs, Flores, Omar R., Artica, Luis M., Marmolejo, Doris and Baños-Medina, Lilian (2023): Optimization of extraction using surface response methodology and quantification of cannabinoids in female inflorescences of marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) at three altitudinal floors of Peru. Open Agriculture, Vol. 8, No. 1, 2023.
- Da Porto, C.; Natolino, A.; Decorate, D. (2015): Effect of ultrasound pre-treatment of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed on supercritical CO2 extraction of oil. J Food Sci Technol 2015 Mar 25;52(3):1748-53.
- Karami, Z.; Yousefi, G.; Alipour, M.; Emam Djomeh, Z.(2013): Modeling and Optimization of Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (UAE) of Oil from Cannabis with RSM.
Ultrasonic Processing: Hielscher supports you from feasibility and optimization to commercial production!
SonoStation: Mobile turnkey system for ultrasonic processing – consisting in ultrasonic dispersers, pump, stirrer and tank