Variation in Rate of Decarboxylation of THC-A Due to Environmental Factors
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Dr. Melanie Devore
Abstract
Cannabinoids are secondary compounds produced by the plants of the genus Cannabis. The most notable cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD), which has therapeutic but no psychoactive properties, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has therapeutic and psychoactive properties, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THC-A), the precursor to THC which doesn’t have any psychoactive properties. THC-A is converted to THC by a process known as decarboxylation. This process occurs naturally over time, but is most pronounced after the harvesting of the plant material. Given that THC is highly relevant for therapeutic and legal reasons, research into the extent that environmental factors affect the rate of decarboxylation is important for successfully navigating the complicated laws surrounding cannabis as well as more efficient handling of cannabis by the cannabis industry. This study aims to evaluate how fresh vs. cured plant material, air exposure, and temperature all affect the rate of decarboxylation. This will be accomplished by storing fresh and cured cannabis plant material in open air containers and vacuum sealed bags in –20℃, 5℃, and 25℃. Once per week, each sample will be tested for its cannabinoid contents using high pressure/liquid chromatography (HPLC). We expect to find that the rate of decarboxylation will follow an exponential decay pattern, and will be accelerated by higher temperatures.
Start Date
27-3-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
27-3-2024 9:50 AM
Location
Magnolia Ballroom
Variation in Rate of Decarboxylation of THC-A Due to Environmental Factors
Magnolia Ballroom
Cannabinoids are secondary compounds produced by the plants of the genus Cannabis. The most notable cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD), which has therapeutic but no psychoactive properties, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has therapeutic and psychoactive properties, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THC-A), the precursor to THC which doesn’t have any psychoactive properties. THC-A is converted to THC by a process known as decarboxylation. This process occurs naturally over time, but is most pronounced after the harvesting of the plant material. Given that THC is highly relevant for therapeutic and legal reasons, research into the extent that environmental factors affect the rate of decarboxylation is important for successfully navigating the complicated laws surrounding cannabis as well as more efficient handling of cannabis by the cannabis industry. This study aims to evaluate how fresh vs. cured plant material, air exposure, and temperature all affect the rate of decarboxylation. This will be accomplished by storing fresh and cured cannabis plant material in open air containers and vacuum sealed bags in –20℃, 5℃, and 25℃. Once per week, each sample will be tested for its cannabinoid contents using high pressure/liquid chromatography (HPLC). We expect to find that the rate of decarboxylation will follow an exponential decay pattern, and will be accelerated by higher temperatures.