• Mullen, Lawrance Dilkes
• Hayes, Eugene D.
• Shahzadi, Iram
• Flegel, Ronald
• Gul, Waseem
• Murphy, Tim
• Elsohly, Kareem
• Elsohly, Mahmoud
• Welsh, Eric
• Vandrey, Ryan
• Cone, Edward J.
• Spindle, Tory R.
• Wagner, Lynn

Abstract

Background/Introduction: <br/>The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (Farm Bill) removed certain hemp-derived products from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) list. This Act has led to the proliferation of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products (e.g., tinctures, oils, creams), often marketed as remedies for a range of medical conditions. Although, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the usage of CBD in the form of Epidiolex®, currently there is no regulatory oversight by the Federal Government to ensure the accuracy of label information and marketing claims for “over-the-counter” products containing CBD.Availability of such products pose many questions for workplace drug testing including, whether or notthese products contain sufficient Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cause a positive urine test and whether the acidic environment of some food products may cause CBD to be converted to THC 1,2. Investigation into these possibilities must include measurement of cannabinoids in CBD marketed products, controlled dosing studies and laboratory studies of CBD in acidic environments. <br/><br/>Objectives:<br/>The primary objective of this preliminary study was to quantitate CBD, THC and minor cannabinoid content in a variety of food and beverage products advertised by manufacturers as containing CBD and likely to have a pH of &lt;7.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Methods:<br/>Products were selected for purchase in person at national retailers and online specialty websites.Analysis of products was performed by ElSohly Laboratories, Incorporated and included quantitative analysis for Δ 9-THC and CBD, their acid precursors, and semi-quantitative analysis for 5 minor cannabinoids with LOD of 0.1 µg/mL(g) using previously published methods3,4.Other product parameters collected included price, type of product, total amount of THC and CBD in the product and amount per serving (calculated).Results were compared to labeling or other information offered by the manufacturer.<br/><br/>Results:<br/>Forty-seven products were selected for purchase and analysis, which included beverages, condiments, chocolates, gummies, and snacks.Prices ranged from $2.39 USD for a single item (Hemp milk, 32 oz) to $78 USD for a 12-pack of Kombucha. Twenty-nine of the 47 (61.7%)products included a reference to FDA having not evaluated the product or its claims or similar warning while 18 of 47 (38.3%) made no mention of the FDA. Product labeling for CBD content was inconsistent and stated that the range of total CBD for products was 10-500 mg per container/serving. However, analytical testing of CBD ranged from 0 to 3700 mg per container/serving. Only four of the products had CBD results within 10% of product labeling. The acid precursor of CBD was detected in 4 products, THC was detected in four products (0.1, 8, 20, and 117 mg) and the minor cannabinoids CBC and CBG were detected in two products. The acid precursor of THC was not detected in any product. Six of the products contained no CBD (&lt; LOD) while others from the same manufacturer contained the amount claimed. <br/><br/>Conclusion/Discussion: Preliminary findings on CBD/THC in acidic foods and beverages indicate that there is wide variation in label consistency with product claims for CBD content and actual results. Further studies are planned to examine the effect of product packaging, storage and food acidity on CBD stability. <br/><br/>References: <br/>1. Golombek, P., Muller, M., et al. Conversion of Cannabidiol (CBD) into Psychotropic Cannabinoids Including Tetrahydrocannabinol THC): A Controversy in the Scientific Literature. Toxics, (2020, June 3).pp. 1-20.<br/>2. Master List of Typical pH and Acid Content of Fruits and Vegetables for Home Canning and Preserving (pickyourown.org) Accessed 5/5/2021<br/>3. ElSohly, M., Murphy, T. et al. Analysis of Cannabidiol, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, and Their Acids in CBD Oil/Hemp Oil Products. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2020;3:1–13 <br/>4. Ibrahim, E., Gul W, et al. Determination of Acid and Neutral Cannabinoids in Extracts of Different Strains of Cannabis sativa Using GC‑FID.Planta Med 2018; 84(04): 250-259<br/>

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• gas chromatography
• quantitative determination method