Ultrasonic Cannabis Glycerin Extraction for Fast, Alcohol-Free Tinctures
Produce high-quality cannabis glycerin extracts in minutes instead of weeks. Hielscher ultrasonicators intensify the extraction of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds from cannabis and hemp into vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, oils, or other formulation carriers. Non-thermal extraction for alcohol-free tinctures, edibles, topicals, vape formulations, and scalable CBD/THC production.
Whether you develop small laboratory batches, craft tinctures, or scale up regulated cannabis extract production, Hielscher probe-type ultrasonicators give you precise control over amplitude, temperature, processing time, and batch size. This enables reproducible extract quality, higher extraction efficiency, and faster production cycles.
Why producers choose Hielscher sonicators for cannabis glycerin extraction:
- Minutes instead of months: Replace long glycerin maceration with rapid ultrasonic extraction.
- Alcohol-free formulation: Produce glycerin-based cannabis extracts for tinctures, edibles, topicals, and other products.
- Low-temperature processing: Preserve heat-sensitive terpenes and cannabinoids by processing under controlled temperature conditions.
- Higher yield and potency: Ultrasonic cavitation improves mass transfer from plant material into the carrier liquid.
- Scalable equipment: From small beakers to inline industrial production, Hielscher offers laboratory, pilot, and production-scale ultrasonicators.
- Made in Germany: Robust ultrasonic systems designed for continuous operation, process control, and reproducible results.
Tell us your batch size, carrier liquid, target throughput, and product format. Our team will recommend the suitable sonicator and processing setup.
Sonicator UP400St for cannabis extraction
How to Prepare a Cannabis Glycerin Concentrate
For the conventional cold process preparation of a glycerin tincture, the cannabis buds are generally soaked for approx. 90-120 days in glycerin to extract the active substances. The cold process is very time-consuming, but it has the advantage over the faster hot extraction that the active compounds such as THC, CBD, terpenes etc. are not degraded by heat. Ultrasonic extraction is a non-thermal process, which can be carried out at room temperature. Within a few minutes, a complete extraction of the active compounds of cannabis can be achieved without thermal degradation. The cold process extraction yields also in a tastier tincture, since the aromatic terpenes are preserved.
A basic recipe for ultrasonic extraction of cannabis in vegetable glycerin includes the following steps:
- 400mL (approx. 8 ounces) of food-grade vegetable glycerin
- 35 grams of dried cannabis (buds, flowers, leaves or stems)
The ratio of cannabis : glycerin can be adapted to the cannabis quality and the desired strength of the final product. The amount of vegetable glycerin and cannabis can be scaled up or down respectively the desired production volume of glycerite.
Please note that extracts from buds and flowers are tastier. However, effective cannabinoids can be extracted from stems, too.
Step-by-Step-Protocol for Ultrasonic Cannabis extraction in Glycerin
- Decarboxylation (optional): Both, decarboxylated as well as not decarboxylated cannabis can be extracted via the following steps. To obtain a highest THC potency, decarboxylation is definitively recommended. To obtain a most effective cannabis tincture, it is recommended to decarboxylate the cannabis plant material. This can be easily done by heating the cannabis on a baking sheet in the oven. Therefore, preheat the oven to 240°F / 115°C. Bake the cannabis for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so that it toasts evenly. Let the cannabis cool down before further processing.
- Ultrasonic extraction:
2.1. Preparation: 35 grams of the dry, crushed cannabis plant material is added into a glass beaker with 400mL vegetable glycerin. The beaker with the glycerin-cannabis mixture is placed into a larger container containing an ice-bath. If necessary, replace the ice when melting during sonication to ensure a rapid heat dissipation to maintain a temperature not higher than 30°C.
2.2. Sonication: Ultrasonic extraction is performed with the ultrasonic processor UP400St with probe S24d40. The probe (also known as tip, horn or sonotrode) of the ultrasonic processor UP400St (400W, 24kHz) is immersed approx. 4cm into the vegetable glycerin. Set the amplitude via the digital touch display at 50%. Sonicate the mixture for 3-4 minutes whilst moving the ultrasonic probe slowly through the glycerin. - Straining the glycerite: To remove the plant parts from the cannabis glycerin concentrate, strain the glycerin. Since glycerin is viscous and sticky, the use of a fine metal strain or a strainer bag has been proven to be the easiest.
- Storage: Store in a glass container at a dark and cool place. When properly stored, cannabis glycerin tinctures have a shelf life of approx. 1 year.
Sonicator UP400St – Ultrasonic Extraction of Cannabis in 8L Agitated Batch Setup
As alternative liquids for the above described ultrasonic extraction / infusion process, coconut oil, olive oil, canola oil, or butter can be used. Coconut and olive oil are preferred if the cannabis concentrate should be processed further to an edible cannabis emulsion.
Click here to learn more about the ultrasonic nano-emulsification of cannabis oil!
Advantages of Ultrasonic Cold Cannabis Extraction
- high speed extraction
- no thermal degradation
- tastier tincture
- high yield, high potency (effective)
- high quality (aromatic & tasty)
- use sonication for stable nano-emulsification, too
How to Prepare Cannabis E-Juice
Cannabis can be consumed as e-juice (or e-liquid, vape juice) or vapes smoked in a e-cigarette. For the formulation of cannabis-infused e-juice, food-grade propylene glycol (PG) gives the best results. Alternatively, vegetable glycerin or a mixture from vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol (e.g. ratio 7:3) can be used for the production of cannabis e-liquids to fill e-cigarette cartridges, too.
- 500mL of propylene glycol (PG)
- 30 grams of fine crushed cannabis (dried, decarboxylated)
Alternatively, a mixture of vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol with a ration of 7:3 can be used. (7 parts vegetable glycerine to 3 parts propylene glycol)
- Ultrasound Extraction: The beaker with the propylene glycol – cannabis mixture is placed into a larger container containing an ice-bath. If necessary, replace the ice when melting during sonication to ensure a rapid heat dissipation to maintain a temperature not higher than 30°C.
Sonication: Ultrasonic extraction is performed with the ultrasonic processor UP400St with probe S24d40. The probe (also known as tip, horn or sonotrode) of the ultrasonic processor UP400St (400W, 24kHz) is immersed approx. 4cm into the vegetable glycerin. Set the amplitude via the digital touch display at 50%. Sonicate the mixture for 3-4 minutes whilst moving the ultrasonic probe slowly through the glycerin. - Straining the cannabis e-juice: To remove the plant parts from the cannabis glycerin concentrate, strain the glycerin though filter paper or a fine mesh.
- Storage: Store in a glass container at a dark and cool place. When properly stored, cannabis e-juice have a shelf life of approx. 12-24 months.
Ultrasonic extractor UIP2000hdT (2kW) for the production of fully natural, organic cannabis extracts on large scale.
Hielscher Sonicators for Cannabis Extraction
Hielscher Ultrasonics supplies high-performance probe-type ultrasonicators for cannabis extraction, botanical extraction, emulsification, and formulation. The product range covers compact laboratory units, benchtop systems, pilot-scale processors, and industrial ultrasonic equipment for continuous production.
The current page highlights that Hielscher systems can be used for both batch and inline processing and are designed for precise control of process parameters such as amplitude, time, and temperature.
Recommended Use Cases
Laboratory and formulation development:
Use compact ultrasonicators for recipe development, cannabinoid extraction trials, terpene preservation studies, and formulation screening.
Small-batch cannabis production:
Use mid-size ultrasonicators such as the UP400St for reproducible batch extraction of glycerin tinctures, oils, and botanical concentrates.
Pilot and industrial production:
Use high-power ultrasonic processors for larger batch volumes or inline extraction with controlled flow, cooling, and process monitoring.
Not sure, which sonicator fulfills your cannabis processing requirements? The table below gives you an overview of how much cannabis slurry each sonicator model can approximately process:
| Batch Volume | Flow Rate | Recommended Devices |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 500mL | 10 to 200mL/min | UP100H |
| 10 to 2000mL | 20 to 400mL/min | UP200Ht, UP400St |
| 0.1 to 20L | 0.2 to 4L/min | UIP2000hdT |
| 10 to 100L | 2 to 10L/min | UIP4000hdT |
| n.a. | 10 to 100L/min | UIP16000hdT |
| n.a. | larger | cluster of UIP16000hdT |
Glycerine (glycerol) is able to preserve the integrity of bioactive compounds, combined with its non-toxic and biodegradable nature, makes it an attractive solvent for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Combined with the mild extraction conditions of ultrasonication, ultrasonic glycerine extracts show excellent quality and bioavailability. The sonication process ensures highest efficiency resulting in high yields, reduced extraction time and low processing costs! Use the solvent of your choice, achieve excellent extraction yields and superior extract quality with Hielscher sonicators!
Choosing the right ultrasonic extraction equipment directly affects yield, processing time, reproducibility, and production cost. Hielscher ultrasonicators are built for demanding botanical extraction processes and can be configured for small laboratories as well as continuous industrial production.
Hielscher Sonicator Advantages:
- High ultrasonic power and reliable cavitation intensity
- Digital process control
- Reproducible amplitude settings
- Batch and inline operation
- Suitable for viscous liquids such as glycerin
- Scalable from milliliters to industrial throughput
- Robust equipment for continuous 24/7 operation
- Process support from experienced ultrasonic application specialists
- German engineering and manufacturing quality
Cannabis Glycerin Extracts for Tinctures, Edibles, and Topicals
Cannabis glycerin concentrates are versatile ingredients for product development. Because glycerin is sweet-tasting, alcohol-free, and widely used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications, it is a useful carrier for many cannabis-infused formulations.
Typical applications include:
- Cannabis glycerin tinctures
- CBD or THC drops and gummies
- Edible formulations
- Beverage bases
- Cosmetic and topical products
- Emulsions and nanoemulsions
- Research and analysis samples
To produce cannabis oil emulsions, nanoemulsions, or water-dispersible formulations, sonication is also used after extraction to create fine droplets and stable dispersions.
FAQ: Ultrasonic Cannabis Glycerin Extraction
What is cannabis glycerin extract?
Cannabis glycerin extract is a cannabis or hemp extract prepared with vegetable glycerin as the carrier liquid. It is commonly used for alcohol-free tinctures, edibles, beverages, and topical formulations.
Why use ultrasound for cannabis glycerin extraction?
Ultrasound accelerates extraction by creating acoustic cavitation. This improves plant cell disruption, solvent penetration, and mass transfer, allowing cannabinoids and terpenes to be extracted much faster than with passive soaking.
How long does ultrasonic cannabis glycerin extraction take?
Ultrasonic extraction can reduce the extraction step to only a few minutes, depending on batch size, plant material, solvent ratio, sonicator power, amplitude, and target extraction profile.
Is ultrasonic cannabis extraction a cold extraction method?
Yes, ultrasonic extraction can be run as a low-temperature or cold extraction process. With cooling, temperature monitoring, and controlled processing parameters, producers can limit heat exposure and help preserve temperature-sensitive compounds.
Can I use vegetable glycerin for cannabis extraction?
Yes. Vegetable glycerin is a common carrier for alcohol-free cannabis tinctures. It is viscous, sweet-tasting, and suitable for many food, cosmetic, and oral formulations.
Can ultrasonic extraction be used for CBD and THC?
Yes. Ultrasonic extraction can be used to extract cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, CBG, and related compounds from cannabis or hemp plant material. The final cannabinoid profile depends on the starting material, decarboxylation, solvent, and processing conditions.
Do I need to decarboxylate cannabis before glycerin extraction?
Decarboxylation is optional and depends on the desired extract. If activated cannabinoids are required, decarboxylation is commonly performed before extraction. If acidic cannabinoids or a broader terpene profile are desired, non-decarboxylated extraction may be preferred.
Should I use decarboxylated or non-decarboxylated cannabis?
Cannabis can be extracted either decarboxylated or non-decarboxylated. Decarboxylation converts acidic cannabinoids such as THCA and CBDA into their neutral forms, such as THC and CBD. This step is commonly used when producers want a different cannabinoid profile or a stronger activated extract. However, decarboxylation involves heat. Some producers prefer non-decarboxylated extraction when they want to preserve a broader terpene profile or produce extracts rich in acidic cannabinoids. The optimal approach depends on the intended product, regulatory environment, and target formulation. Read how sonication can promote the decarboxylation process!
Which Hielscher sonicator is suitable for cannabis glycerin extraction?
The suitable sonicator depends on batch volume, viscosity, target throughput, and whether the process is batch or inline. Laboratory users may choose compact units, while small-batch producers often use mid-size systems such as the UP400St. Industrial producers can scale easily to higher-power sonicator models such as the 2000 watt sonicator UIP2000hdT or the 4000 watt sonicator UIP4000hdT.
Can ultrasonic extraction be scaled to industrial cannabis production?
Yes. Hielscher ultrasonicators are available from laboratory scale to industrial production scale. Processes developed at small scale can be transferred to larger ultrasonic systems by adjusting amplitude, energy input, flow rate, temperature control, and residence time.
Can glycerin extracts be used for vape liquids?
Cannabis formulation requirements depend on local regulations, ingredient safety, and product design. Glycerin and propylene glycol are used as carriers for cannabis e-liquid formulations, but commercial producers should validate formulations according to applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
How should cannabis glycerin extract be stored?
Cannabis glycerin extracts should generally be stored in clean, sealed glass containers in a cool, dark place. Properly stored cannabis glycerin tinctures can have a shelf life of approximately one year.
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.
- 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.
- Djenni, Zoubida; Pingret, Daniella; Mason, Timothy J.; Chemat, Farid (2012): Sono–Soxhlet: In Situ Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Food Products. Food Analytical Methods. 2012.
- Karami, Z.; Yousefi, G.; Alipour, M.; Emam Djomeh, Z.(2013): Modeling and Optimization of Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (UAE) of Oil from Cannabis with RSM.
- Suslick, K.S. (2001): Sonoluminescence and Sonochemistry. Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology; R.A. Meyers (ed.): Academic Press, San Diego, 2001.