The legalization and supplementation of cannabinoids across the nation has become a widely spread topic of conversation. As cannabis policies are amended to accompany the changing political and scientific climate, a heightened usage of cannabidiol (CBD) electronic cigarettes (vape pens), most frequently in younger generations, has been observed. Easy accessibility and lower perceived risk along with the ability for discrete usage can be attributed to this increase. However, due to the adaptability of the temperature and the processing of the plant, the amount of substances inhaled can be variable to the labeled contents. These products are sold to the public with an overall lack of regulations and required quality control measures, including toxicological and clinical assessment, pesticide residue analysis, preservation standards, and degradation studies. Recent studies have shown degradation of cannabinoid at room temperature and even the formation of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from CBD degradation forming an even greater need for the identification and quantification of these products to be analyzed. Due to the lack of clear regulation behind CBD vape products and the degradative abilities of cannabinoids in the presence of heat, this study looked at the analyzed versus claimed cannabinoid content to verify product claims across six states. To do this, the study utilized High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy to (ICP-OES) in order to analyze and quantify the contents of the vape liquids in both liquid and vapor state. The goal of this study was to have a better understanding of the inhaled substances coming from the CBD vape liquid, allowing consumers a greater awareness and manufacturers a start on quality control methods. Preliminary results have shown quantifiable cannabinoid content different from labeled amounts. Trace amounts of heavy metals within the tested products have also been seen.

Analysis of cannabis labeled vape liquids for cannabinoid and metal content

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.