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Papoutsis I, Hatzidouka V, Ntoupa SP, Angelis A, Dona A, Sakelliadis E, Spiliopoulou C. Determination of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-nor-carboxy-Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in human plasma and urine after a commercial cannabidiol oil product intake. Forensic Toxicol 2024; 42:191-201. [PMID: 38592642 PMCID: PMC11269327 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-024-00686-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cannabidiol (CBD) products are widely used for pain relief, sleep improvement, management of seizures etc. Although the concentrations of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in these products are low (≤0.3% w/w), it is important to investigate if its presence and/or that of its metabolite 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC, is traceable in plasma and urine samples of individuals who take CBD oil products. METHODS A sensitive GC/MS method for the determination of Δ9-THC, 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC and CBD in plasma and urine samples was developed and validated. The sample preparation procedure included protein precipitation for plasma samples and hydrolysis for urine samples, solid-phase extraction and finally derivatization with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide) with 1% trimethylchlorosilane. RESULTS For all analytes, the LOD and LOQ were 0.06 and 0.20 ng/mL, respectively. The calibration curves were linear (R2 ≥ 0.992), and absolute recoveries were ≥91.7%. Accuracy and precision were within the accepted range. From the analysis of biologic samples of 10 human participants who were taking CBD oil, it was realized that Δ9-THC was not detected in urine, while 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC (0.69-23.06 ng/mL) and CBD (0.29-96.78 ng/mL) were found in all urine samples. Regarding plasma samples, Δ9-THC (0.21-0.62 ng/mL) was detected in 10, 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC (0.20-2.44 ng/mL) in 35, while CBD (0.20-1.58 ng/mL) in 25 out of 38 samples, respectively. CONCLUSION The results showed that Δ9-THC is likely to be found in plasma although at low concentrations. In addition, the detection of 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC in both urine and plasma samples raises questions and concerns for the proper interpretation of toxicological results, especially considering Greece's zero tolerance law applied in DUID and workplace cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Papoutsis
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Vasiliki Hatzidouka
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatina-Panagoula Ntoupa
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Apostolis Angelis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Artemisia Dona
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Sakelliadis
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Chara Spiliopoulou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Mullen LD, Hart ED, Vikingsson S, Winecker RE, Hayes E, Flegel R, Davis LD, Welsh ER, ElSohly M, Gul W, Murphy T, Shahzadi I, ElSohly K, Cone EJ. Stability of Nano-Emulsified Cannabidiol in Acidic Foods and Beverages. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38888614 DOI: 10.1089/can.2024.0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Food and beverage products containing cannabidiol (CBD) is a growing industry, but some CBD products contain Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), despite being labeled as "THC-free". As CBD can convert to Δ9-THC under acidic conditions, a potential cause is the formation of Δ9-THC during storage of acidic CBD products. In this study, we investigated if acidic products (pH ≤ 4) fortified with CBD would facilitate conversion to THC over a 2-15-month time period. Materials and Methods: Six products, three beverages (lemonade, cola, and sports drink) and three condiments (ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce), were purchased from a local grocery store and fortified with a nano-emulsified CBD isolate (verified as THC-free by testing). The concentrations of CBD and Δ9-THC were measured by Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), respectively, for up to 15 months at room temperature. Results: Coefficients of variation (CVs) of initial CBD concentrations by GC-FID were <10% for all products except ketchup (18%), showing homogeneity in the fortification. Formation of THC was variable, with the largest amount observed after 15 months in fortified lemonade #2 (3.09 mg Δ9-THC/serving) and sports drink #2 (1.18 mg Δ9-THC/serving). Both beverages contain citric acid, while cola containing phosphoric acid produced 0.10 mg Δ9-THC/serving after 4 months. The importance of the acid type was verified using acid solutions in water. No more than 0.01 mg Δ9-THC/serving was observed with the condiments after 4 months. Discussion: Conversion of CBD to THC can occur in some acidic food products when those products are stored at room temperature. Therefore, despite purchasing beverages manufactured with a THC-free nano-emulsified form of CBD, consumers might be at some risk of unknowingly ingesting small amounts of THC. The results indicate that up to 3 mg Δ9-THC from conversion can be present in a serving of CBD-lemonade. Based on the previous studies, 3 mg Δ9-THC might produce a positive urine sample (≥15 ng/mL THC carboxylic acid) in some individuals. Conclusion: Consumers must exert caution when consuming products with an acidic pH (≤4) that suggests that they are "THC-Free," because consumption might lead to positive drug tests or, in the case of multiple doses, intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrance D Mullen
- Center for Forensic Science Advancement and Application, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - E Dale Hart
- Center for Forensic Science Advancement and Application, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Svante Vikingsson
- Center for Forensic Science Advancement and Application, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ruth E Winecker
- Center for Forensic Science Advancement and Application, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eugene Hayes
- Division of Workplace Programs, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Ron Flegel
- Division of Workplace Programs, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Lisa D Davis
- Division of Workplace Programs, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Eric R Welsh
- Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Mahmoud ElSohly
- ElSohly Laboratories, Incorporated, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Waseem Gul
- ElSohly Laboratories, Incorporated, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Tim Murphy
- ElSohly Laboratories, Incorporated, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Iram Shahzadi
- ElSohly Laboratories, Incorporated, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Kareem ElSohly
- ElSohly Laboratories, Incorporated, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Edward J Cone
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Lindekamp N, Triesch N, Rohn S, Weigel S. Quantification of sixteen cannabinoids in hemp seed edible oils and the influence of thermal processing on cannabinoid contents and profiles. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2024; 41:550-562. [PMID: 38588664 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2024.2319270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
To investigate cannabinoid content and profiles, 16 cannabinoids were quantified in 30 commercial hemp seed edible oils. In addition, one hemp seed oil was subjected to thermal processing up to 200 °C for up to 60 min. UHPLC-MS/MS was used for analysis. The content of cannabinoids in the samples ranged from 9 to 279 mg kg-1 (sum) and for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) from 0.2 to 6.7 mg kg-1. Three samples exceeded the EU Δ9-THC equivalent maximum levels of 7.5 mg kg-1 for hemp seed oils. Cannabinoid profiles can provide indications of different product characteristics (e.g. degree of processing, variety of plant material). Furthermore, intense thermal processing (200 °C, 60 min) led to 38% decrease in sum cannabinoid content (sum of all analysed cannabinoids in this study), 99% decrease in cannabinoid acids, and 22% increase in Δ9-THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Lindekamp
- Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadja Triesch
- Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Sascha Rohn
- Department of Food Chemistry and Analysis, Institute of Food Technology and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Weigel
- Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
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Singh Cham P, Kotwal P, Sharma K, Dhiman S, Singh L, Pratap Singh V, Kumar A, Nandi U, Pal Singh P. Cannabidiol-Based Prodrugs: Synthesis and Bioevaluation. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:221-229. [PMID: 38352838 PMCID: PMC10860190 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD 1) is a nonpsychotic cannabinoid-based drug approved by the U.S. FDA for treating refractory epilepsy, namely, Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome. However, its low aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability are compensated by administering high doses, and there is an increased demand for conjugates with improved properties. In this direction, the present work is focused on synthesizing CBD-based prodrugs to address the issue of poor solubility and oral bioavailability. Several CBD-based prodrugs were synthesized and studied in a battery of assays: viz, release kinetic (ex vivo), solubility (in vitro), chemical stability (in vitro), plasma stability (ex vivo), pharmacokinetics (in vivo), and efficacy studies (in vivo). Among the synthesized prodrugs, the morpholinyl CBD-based prodrugs 3a and 3aa showed good release behavior, stability, better solubility, and a plasma profile. Moreover, prodrug candidate 3aa showed better therapeutic efficacy. The present study identifies CBD-based prodrugs with improved physiochemical properties and oral exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Singh Cham
- Natural
Product & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Pankul Kotwal
- Pharmacology
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Kuhu Sharma
- Pharmacology
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sumit Dhiman
- Pharmacology
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Lakhvinder Singh
- Pharmacology
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Varun Pratap Singh
- Natural
Product & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Pharmacology
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Utpal Nandi
- Pharmacology
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Parvinder Pal Singh
- Natural
Product & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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Jeong M, Lee S, Seo C, Kwon E, Rho S, Cho M, Kim MY, Lee W, Lee YS, Hong J. Chemical transformation of cannabidiol into psychotropic cannabinoids under acidic reaction conditions: Identification of transformed products by GC-MS. J Food Drug Anal 2023; 31:165-176. [PMID: 37224558 PMCID: PMC10208661 DOI: 10.38212/2224-6614.3452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, cannabidiol (CBD), one of the major components of the Cannabis species, has been a focus in the cannabis industry due to its various pharmacological effects. Interestingly, CBD can be converted into several psychoactive cannabinoids, such as 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and its structural isomers, under acidic reaction conditions. In this study, chemical transformation of CBD in ethanol solution was conducted with variation in pH at 2.0, 3.5, and 5.0 by addition of 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl). These resulting solutions were derivatized with trimethylsilyl (TMS) reagent and analyzed using GC/MS-scan mode. Time profiles of CBD degradation and transformation of products were examined according to variations in pH and temperature. Several transformed products produced after the acidic reaction of CBD were identified by matching retention times and mass spectra to authentic standards. Regarding the identification of products without authentic standards, the EI-mass spectra of such cannabinoid-OTMS derivatives were interpreted according to structural class, suggesting mass fragmentation pathways. From the GC/MS data, Δ9-THC, CBC, and ethoxy-hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) analogs were shown to be major components, and THC isomers (Δ8- and Δ10-THCs) and 9-hydroxy-HHC were observed as minor components. Using time profile data, the acidity of the reaction solution was an important factor in degradation of CBD. Degradation of CBD and formation of THC rarely occurred at pH 5.0, even at 70 °C with a long process time of 24 h. In contrast, degradation of CBD occurred readily at pH 3.5 and 30 °C over a short process time and was further accelerated by lowering pH, increasing temperature, and lengthening the process time. Based on profile data and identified transformed products, formation pathways from the degradation of CBD under acidic reaction conditions are suggested. Among the transformed products, seven components are known to have psychoactive effects. Thus, industrial CBD manufacturing processes in food and cosmetic products should be carefully controlled. These results will provide important guidelines on the control of manufacturing processes, storage, fermentation processes, and new regulation in industrial applications of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minsun Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Republic of Korea
| | - Sangin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Republic of Korea
| | - Chaeyoung Seo
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjeong Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Republic of Korea
| | - Soohyang Rho
- Graduate School of Techno Design, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707,
Republic of Korea
| | - Mansoo Cho
- Graduate School of Techno Design, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707,
Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Yeon Kim
- Graduate School of Techno Design, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707,
Republic of Korea
| | - Wonwoong Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Wanju 55338,
Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Republic of Korea
| | - Jongki Hong
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Republic of Korea
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Lachenmeier DW, Walch SG. Evidence for side effects of cannabidiol (CBD) products and their non-conformity on the European food market - response to the European Industrial Hemp Association. F1000Res 2020; 9:1051. [PMID: 33082934 PMCID: PMC7542252 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.26045.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
An interesting and valuable discussion has arisen from our recent article (Lachenmeier et al., 2020) and we are pleased to have the opportunity to expand on the various points we made. Equally important, we wish to correct several important misunderstandings that were made by Kruse and Beitzke (2020) on behalf of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) that possibly contributed to their concerns about the validity of our data, toxicological assessment and conclusions regarding regulatory status of cannabidiol (CBD) products. First and foremost, our study did only assess the risk of psychotropic Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) without inclusion of non-psychotropic Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). Secondly, as this article will discuss in more detail, there is ample evidence for side effects of CBD products, not only in paediatric patients, but also in adult users of over-the-counter CBD products (including inadvertent "high" effects). Thirdly, the exposure and risk assessment was conducted using up-to-date guidelines according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). And finally, the current legal situation in the European Union, without approval of any hemp extract-containing product according to the Novel Food regulation, actually allows blanket statements that all such products are illegal on the market, and this indeed would imply a general ban on the use and marketing of such products as food or food ingredients until such an approval has been granted. We hope that this reassures the F1000Research readership regarding the validity of our results and conclusions. We are pleased, though, that the EIHA has acknowledged the fact that there are non-compliant CBD products available, but according to our data these are a substantial fraction of the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk W. Lachenmeier
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt (CVUA) Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, 76187, Germany
| | - Stephan G. Walch
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt (CVUA) Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, 76187, Germany
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