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Re-Examining Cannabidiol: Conversion to Tetrahydrocannabinol Using Only Heat
Robert Daniels1, Omer A Yassin1, John M Toribio1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA.
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
|December 14, 2022
Summary
Heating Cannabidiol (CBD) to 175°C rapidly converts it to delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), a psychoactive compound. This thermal instability poses a safety risk for CBD products.
Area of Science:
- Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Science
Background:
- The Cannabidiol (CBD) market is a rapidly expanding multi-billion dollar industry.
- Consumer safety and product stability are critical concerns for CBD due to potential conversion to psychoactive isomers like delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC).
- Previous research on CBD stability primarily focused on long-term, low-temperature storage conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thermal stability of Cannabidiol (CBD) at elevated temperatures.
- To identify potential reaction pathways for the conversion of CBD to Δ9-THC.
- To assess the safety implications of CBD's thermal degradation.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic 1H-NMR experiments were employed to monitor CBD-to-THC conversion.
- Computational electronic structure calculations were utilized to elucidate reaction mechanisms.
- CBD was subjected to high temperatures (175°C) under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Main Results:
- Detectable amounts of Δ9-THC were produced from CBD after just 30 minutes of heating at 175°C.
- The conversion occurred under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, without the need for an acid catalyst.
- Evidence suggests an energetically favorable reaction pathway at high temperatures.
Conclusions:
- High temperatures significantly increase the risk of CBD converting to Δ9-THC.
- Increased phenol acidity and intramolecular hydrogen bonding at elevated temperatures facilitate this conversion.
- These findings highlight critical safety considerations for the production and storage of CBD products.
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