Extraction, Innovation & the Future of Hemp Processing
On this episode of the iHemp Hour, hosts Dave Crabill and the team sat down with Dr. Fabio Rhody and Christina Cacchetti of Icon Processors—a rapidly scaling Michigan extraction and manufacturing company that’s pushing the edge of what’s possible in hemp, cannabis, and plant-based processing.
From ethanol extraction to upcoming CGMP expansion, biodiesel innovation, and turnkey white labeling, Icon shared a deep look into the evolving landscape of hemp processing and what’s coming next for the Midwest industry.
Scaling Up: Icon’s Vision for Hemp + Cannabis Processing
Icon Processors is entering its next major growth phase. While their current facility is busy with six months of booked contracts, the company is preparing a new 50,000 sq. ft. CGMP, FDA-registered facility set to open in 2022.
This new site will:
✔ Process both CBD and THC
✔ Manufacture finished goods from tinctures to edibles
✔ Incorporate hemp-based biodiesel for heating, generators, and greenhouse power
✔ Position Icon to become a multi-state supplier once federal legalization allows interstate movement
Fabio noted that many processors will not survive unless they expand beyond CBD-only production:
“We feel that CBD manufacturing will migrate into the cannabis industry. Long-term, fiber and grain stay agricultural, but cannabinoids belong in highly regulated, high-tech manufacturing.”
Extraction: Why Ethanol Still Reigns
A major part of Icon’s success is their ethanol extraction method.
Fabio explained why 200-proof ethanol remains the top choice for high-capacity, safe, clean extraction:
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Sterilizes mold, yeast, and microbial contamination
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Allows processing of slightly compromised biomass
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Produces clean, testable oil at scale
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Enables up to one ton per day with current equipment
When asked about growers with outdoor crops affected by the recent cannabis recall, Fabio was blunt:
“If they get retested and have mold, they only have one option—and that’s us.”
Preparing for 2023 FDA Rules: Why CGMP Matters
Icon stressed that processors need to prepare now for the expected federal regulations requiring:
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Certified CGMP facilities
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DEA-registered testing
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Documented SOPs
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Traceable batch records
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Cleaner, safer consumer-ready manufacturing environments
Most processors are not prepared—meaning long waits and bottlenecks the moment regulations land.
“By the time the FDA finalizes CBD rules, every processor in the country will be trying to get CGMP-certified at once. The backlog could be six months. You can’t afford to wait.”
White Labeling That Actually Works for Small Business
Icon has a rapidly growing white-label division that supports over 30 companies with:
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Manufacturing
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Bottling
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Label design
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QR-coded COAs
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Storage
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Pick & pack fulfillment
Unlike many manufacturers, they keep MOQs extremely low (around 100 units) so startups can afford a full product line—not just one SKU.
That means entrepreneurs can build meaningful product variety:
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Full-spectrum tinctures
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Isolate + broad spectrum options
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High-milligram sleep formulas (CBD + CBN)
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Roll-ons and topicals
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Skin care
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Pet lines
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Gummies and capsules
Christina added:
“Consumers expect more. A single tincture won’t cut it in today’s market. Our job is to help people build a complete, profitable line.”
New Trend for 2022: CBD Intimacy Products
Among categories Icon is actively formulating, one stood out:
✔ CBD Personal Lubricants & Intimacy Products
Fabio shared that early testing shows strong potential, especially among women ages 40+ seeking:
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Increased comfort
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Relaxation
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Support for dryness
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Reduced pain associated with PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, or menopause
Expect to see CBD intimacy products as a breakout category in 2022.
Pet CBD Continues to Surge
Pet tinctures and treats remain one of Icon’s strongest-selling categories.
CBD supports:
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Calming anxious dogs
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Relieving joint pain in older pets
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Enhancing mobility
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Improving quality of life
Christina added:
“Pets are one of the most emotionally driven purchasing categories. Owners see results quickly, and loyalty is extremely strong.”
Entering the THC Market: Grow Operations & Vertical Integration
Icon plans to develop:
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4.5 million sq. ft. of grow canopy
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10 dispensaries
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Fully vertically integrated operations
Their goal is to sell cannabis products cheaper than the black market, leveraging:
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Large-scale production
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Advanced automation
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High-efficiency biodiesel operations
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Multistate distribution (post-federal legalization)
Fabio summarized the strategy:
“We’ll be the David taking down the Goliaths. We focus on efficiency and smart design—not massive unnecessary spending.”
Industry Takeaways
1. FDA regulations are coming sooner than most expect
Processors should prepare now. CGMP (and eventually DEA testing) will become mandatory.
2. Scale and diversification will define who survives
Processors who only offer biomass extraction or only produce CBD will get squeezed out.
3. New product categories are emerging fast
Skin care, pet lines, functional blends (CBG/CBN), and CBD intimacy products will dominate 2022.
4. Consumers want higher potency
1,000+ mg tinctures are becoming the baseline—not the premium tier.
5. Ethanol extraction remains the industrial workhorse
Especially for mold remediation and large-volume processing.
About Icon Processors
Website: https://IconProcessors.com
Phone: 239-537-4056
Location: Macomb, Michigan
Services: Extraction, winterization, distillation, white labeling, formulation, pick/pack, wholesale, consulting, and 2022 THC manufacturing expansion.