The cannabis industry's overlap with other manufacturing spaces involves not only cultivation but also extraction. Just as knowledge can be transferred from other crops to cannabis in terms of growing techniques, the same applies to extraction processes, although there are always specificities that make some processes unique. Buffalo Extraction Systems and their CEO, Yogesh Jhamtani, are well aware of that.
The company's journey began in Arkansas in 2018. "We founded the company in the town of Walmart," Yogesh recalled. "After COVID, we shifted focus to the Asian, European, and African markets. In 2021, we were acquired by Cybernetics Technology, which specializes in different technologies. Through this partnership, we now have an office in Charleston, North Carolina, and representation in the US."
The uniqueness of cannabis
Reflecting on the North American market, Yogesh said, "The US market is unique. Cannabis across the world is catching on, but 80% of the business is still in the US and Canada. People say the market here is saturated, but I don't think so. There's a lot of innovation still happening—new ways to distill products, and new medicines being approved by the FDA. The US is leading the way in both the recreational and medical sectors."
The company has been providing extraction technology across multiple industries such as cannabis, spices, coffee, nutraceuticals, and oils. "We are a turnkey solutions provider in extraction technology," he explained. "Whether it's CO2 extraction or cold water extraction for cannabis, we focus on different technologies. The fundamentals for these processes—pressure, temperature, and flow—remain the same across industries."
"Cannabis is a very unique crop, but achieving results depends on managing pressure, temperature, and flow." The same technology can apply across various industries, giving Buffalo Extractions the opportunity to learn and adapt as they work with different clients.
Addressing product variability
At the same time, each industry and sector faces unique challenges, which require specific approaches. "In cannabis, one of the biggest challenges is product variability, especially in meeting regulatory standards," he pointed out. "Raw material variability and potency are issues. Whether it's THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids, these products must meet particular standards. And the energy consumption involved in extraction can be intensive," he explained. "We're focused on implementing energy-efficient systems and exploring renewable energy sources to reduce the environmental impact."
Safety in the extraction process is also a significant concern. "Take ethanol extraction, for example. There are safety risks, and we provide safety tools and training in addition to the equipment." This is why adhering to regulatory standards is crucial, particularly in medical cannabis. "We ensure that all GMP norms in both the EU and US are followed, and we ask our clients to adhere to GACP standards from the cultivation phase."
As a turnkey provider, Buffalo Extractions doesn't focus solely on extraction equipment. "For large-scale operations, we provide drying systems that process anywhere from 200 kilograms to 1,000 kilograms of buds per hour," Yogesh said. "This consistency is key before we move on to the extraction process."
Such an approach is possible only because the company has been building a tight network of partners to tackle any challenges a grower may face. "We have partners across the board. Whether it's installation equipment or anything outside our manufacturing expertise, we've established relationships to provide a single point of contact. We like to take accountability. Often, if you buy five pieces of equipment from five different vendors, who takes responsibility? We like to be there and take care of it."
Buffalo Extractions' technology will be showcased at MJBizCon, marking the company's return to one of the biggest cannabis trade shows. "Our cold water extraction process, which is used for bubble hash, is fully automated. One operator is all you need to run the equipment." He adds, "In developed markets, labor costs are high, so we've optimized and automated the equipment. The chemist will only need to oversee the process." On top of that, the company will showcase their cold ethanol extraction and CO2 extraction equipment.
Sustainability
Yogesh emphasizes the importance of energy consumption and sustainability. "Energy consumption is becoming crucial in extraction. Solar panels can generate energy for the process, powering HVAC and lighting systems, and reducing dependency on the grid. For smaller projects, wind turbines can also be an option."
Yogesh further explains how Buffalo Extractions addresses environmental concerns through their technology. "CO2 extraction has a lower environmental impact. CO2 is a non-polar solvent, and when used under high pressure and temperature, it behaves like a liquid and penetrates like a gas. It's selective and preferred by pharmaceutical clients."
He highlights the benefits of recycling in ethanol extraction. "Cold ethanol extraction, at sub-zero temperatures, is more efficient. We're developing ways to recover and recycle ethanol."
"The principles are the same, whether it's CO2 or ethanol extraction. It's about guiding our clients through the process and helping them make informed choices."
You can find Buffalo Extraction Systems at the MjBizCon, booth 1821
For more information:
Buffalo Extraction Systems
www.buffaloextracts.com