Ep. 2: The Great Extraction Debate with Jason of Vitalis and Kyler of Luna Technologies

Cannabis Unraveled

It’s all about extraction this week as host Jessie welcomes two experts, Jason Laronde, Head of Sales at Vitalis, a leading CO2 equipment manufacturer, and Kyler Buck, Co-Founder of Luna Technologies, a prominent player in the hydrocarbon space. Together, they dive into the fascinating evolution of extraction technologies and techniques, shedding light on the substantial investments their companies have made in engineering and science to enhance these technologies. Not only have these advancements bolstered the quality and efficiency of the products available on the marketplace today, but they have also greatly expanded the options available to consumers.

**The information, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of Mr. Kater and his guests only and may not reflect the views of Curaleaf or its employees. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. Curaleaf does not endorse or recommend any particular product or service discussed, including products containing cannabinoids. Products discussed in this podcast may not be available to all listeners depending upon the residence state of the listener, the listener’s age, etc. Any products discussed in this podcast are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Topics of Discussion:

[2:00] Jason and Kyler introduce themselves and go into a little detail on how they got into the cannabis industry.

[6:00] In Curaleaf’s growth over the last 6 years, they have seen a little bit of all of the big techniques. These include CO2, hydrocarbon extraction, ethanol extraction, solventless extraction through hash and rosin, and then even some novel technology.

[6:55] The pros and cons of CO2 from a manufacturing and consumer perspective.

[15:23] The primary reason people use ethanol.

[19:20] Jason and Kyler share a broader perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of the primary extraction techniques used in the industry today.

[19:53] At the end of the day, it does come down to the customer.

[20:26] More about the subcritical process at Vitalis, using a sub zero liquid CO2 as a solvent.

[24:17] Kyler agrees there is a chance for multiple techniques and it’s not necessarily one size fits all approach.

[30:12] The best things to come out of regulation and legalization, include consumer safety and testing.

[34:19] The biggest evolution may be the ability to use ethanol extraction at very low temperatures.

[36:02] How has CO2 extraction evolved since earlier days?

[43:03] The evolution of hydrocarbon has probably been one of the most drastic advancements.

[46:19] How CO2 has evolved to make a more flavorful extract product.

[50:57] Technology innovation in the cannabis industry.

[56:12] Jasn and Kyler share what products they are personally enjoying.

Want to Learn More?

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Vitalis

Luna Technologies

Quotes:

• “The first time I saw a vape cartridge on the shelf, I really realized at that moment that extraction and the convenience of vaping was the future.” - Kyler [3:22]
• “With this equipment that has been engineered and manufactured for the process, not only is it safe, but you could get down to zero parts per million residential solvents and end up with a very high-quality scalable process.” - Kyler [13:42]
• “It all boils down to one common theme, and that’s the consumer. At the end of the day, if the customer doesn't like it and doesn't want to buy it, then it's not a successful product.” - Jason [19:26]
• “It's a really interesting and exciting time in the industry where technology is.” - Jason [22:55]
• “The benefits of legalization, having a highly regulated and highly tested market ensures a safe product to the consumer.” [31:31] Kyler
• “It's okay if you make a product. But can you make products economically at scale? And can you make a product that consumers want to buy repeatedly? “ [51:20] - Jason