By Real Isolates founders Andrew Westerkamp and Miyabe Shields and presented by Real Isolates Chief Scientist Dr. Miyabe Shield.

Introduction: Inhaling cannabinoids by smoking Cannabis sativa biomass, primarily flower, is the most common method of ingestion. Differences in the therapeutic effects of smoking cannabis versus ingesting cannabis edibles has been reported. These differences have been attributed to first-pass metabolism before distribution and variations in pharmacokinetics, but transformation of phytocannabinoids into active isomers and derivatives that are present in cannabis smoke may contribute to this phenomenon. This study investigates the transformation of phytocannabinoids by applied heat in environments that simulate the process of smoking.

Methods: Cannabidiol (CBD) isolate (>98% pure), high CBD hemp distillate, and hemp Cannabis sativa flower were placed in a small cylindrical glass chamber. The chamber was heated to temperatures between 200-500˚C and the smoke was passed through a selection media by vacuum flow. Compounds of interest were eluted from the filter and eluants were collected for analysis.

Results: Heating CBD isolate, high CBD hemp distillate, and hemp Cannabis sativa flower all resulted in dramatic changes in the total cannabinoid composition at temperatures relevant to smoking cannabis. One of the compounds of interest that was not present prior to the heating process was isolated and evaluated. The compound was identified as cannabinodiol (CBND), a dehydration product of CBD. CBND and other derivatives were not present in samples extracted using hexane or cryo-ethanol.

Discussion: Edible cannabis products are created from extractions that focus on preserving the primary phytocannabinoids present in the plant; the total cannabinoid composition present in cannabis smoke is substantially different. There are many variables that may contribute to the final cannabinoid composition in smoke such as temperature, pressure, heat source, gas composition, moisture content, ambient humidity, variations in pH, etc. Conclusions: When smoking cannabis at high temperature, transformation of phytocannabinoids is significant. While the total activity of these cannabinoid compositions containing pyrolytic cannabinoids, or pyrocannabinoids, at endogenous targets is unclear, it is likely that their combined interactions contribute to the difference in effects between smoking cannabis and edible cannabis. A better understanding of these total cannabinoid compositions, especially the interaction of pyrocannabinoids, will aid in the understanding of the therapeutic potential of cannabis and the development of therapeutic cannabis products.