Novel Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Vaporizers Contain Unlabeled Adulterants, Unintended Byproducts of Chemical Synthesis, and Heavy Metals

Chem Res Toxicol. 2022 Jan 17;35(1):73-76. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00388. Epub 2021 Dec 10.

Abstract

Cannabis e-cigarettes containing Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) produced synthetically from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) have recently risen in popularity as a legal means of cannabis consumption, but questions surrounding purity and unlabeled additives have created doubts of their safety. Herein, NMR, GC-MS, and ICP-MS were used to analyze major components of 27 products from 10 brands, and it was determined none of these had accurate Δ8-THC labeling, 11 had unlabeled cutting agents, and all contained reaction side-products including olivetol, Δ4(8)-iso-tetrahydrocannabinol, 9-ethoxyhexahydrocannabinol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), heavy metals, and a novel previously undescribed cannabinoid, iso-tetrahydrocannabifuran.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dronabinol / analogs & derivatives
  • Dronabinol / chemical synthesis*
  • Dronabinol / chemistry
  • Metals, Heavy / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nebulizers and Vaporizers

Substances

  • Metals, Heavy
  • Dronabinol