Method and apparatus for pasteurizing and dehydrating cannabis
US11278635B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2017 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2202/21
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for pasteurizing and drying cannabis plant materials using a microwave-vacuum chamber. The pasteurizing and drying are carried out with no use of ionizing radiation and with rapid drying. Pasteurization is done at a temperature and for a time period that are sufficient to reduce microorganisms to an acceptably low level, while not significantly reducing the psychoactive compounds in the material. In the process, the pressure inside a vacuum chamber is reduced to a first pressure less than atmospheric. The material is maintained in the vacuum chamber at the first pressure at a pasteurizing temperature while irradiating the material with microwave radiation. The pressure is then reduced to a second pressure lower than the first pressure and the material is maintained in the vacuum chamber at the second pressure for a time period at a dehydrating temperature lower than the pasteurizing temperature while irradiating the material with microwave radiation. The pasteurizing and dehydrating steps can be done in the reverse order.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.