Abstract: Some variations provide a process of converting a cannabinoid into a purified cannabinoid derivative, comprising: providing a starting composition comprising a cannabinoid; providing a C9-C11 non-aromatic hydrocarbon solvent; introducing the starting composition and the solvent to a conversion reactor; chemically converting some, but not all, of the cannabinoid to a cannabinoid derivative, generating a reaction mixture containing unreacted cannabinoid; conveying the reaction mixture to a crystallization unit; cooling the reaction mixture to precipitate unreacted cannabinoid out of the reaction mixture, thereby generating a mother liquor containing the cannabinoid derivative; and isolating and recovering the cannabinoid derivative from the mother liquor. Systems configured to carry out the disclosed processes are also provided. This invention offers a large-scale solution to economically convert CBD to D9-THC, among many other example.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved solvents, methods, and systems for isolating purified cannabinoids from various sources. It has been found that C9 to C11 non-aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, and especially n-decane, work surprisingly well for crystallization of cannabinoids such as cannabidiol. Some variations provide a method of isolating cannabinoids from a cannabinoid-containing solution, comprising contacting the solution with a C9-C11 non-aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (e.g., n-decane) at a first temperature, to generate a mixture; cooling the mixture to precipitate cannabinoids; and isolating the precipitated cannabinoids. Other variations provide a method of isolating cannabinoids from a cannabinoid-containing solution, comprising contacting the solution with a C9-C11 non-aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (e.g.