Toxicant Formation in Dabbing: The Terpene Story

Abstract

Inhalable, noncombustible cannabis products are playing a central role in the expansion of the medical and recreational use of cannabis. In particular, the practice of “dabbing” with butane hash oil has emerged with great popularity in states that have legalized cannabis. Despite their growing popularity, the degradation product profiles of these new products have not been extensively investigated. The study herein focuses on the chemistry of myrcene and other common terpenes found in cannabis extracts. Methacrolein, benzene, and several other products of concern to human health were formed under the conditions that simulated real-world dabbing. The terpene degradation products observed are consistent with those reported in the atmospheric chemistry literature.

Myrcene and terpene regulation of TRPV1

“…Our data suggest that several minor cannabinoids in fact discriminate between TRPV1, TRPA1, and TRPM8 [46]. Given that toxic byproducts emerge in some recreational practices that may bleed into the medical marijuana industry, moving these and other products into a regulated supply chain of purified and certified compounds is important [96]. Supply chain issues and reliable sourcing of large quantities of the "entourage" compounds [25] may challenge their application medically if their efficacy becomes proven.…”

Terpene- and terpenoid-based polymeric resins for stereolithography 3D printing

“…18 Of the aforementioned monomer classes and species, terpenes and terpenoids are some of the most promising and most commonly used, with utility in fragrances and perfumes, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and even cigarettes and other inhalation products. [19][20][21][22] This class of monomer is widely available, and may be found in essential oils, tree sap and materials, citrus fruit, and even as by-products from other manufacturing processes, such as the paper industry's Kraft process, or simply through the processing of citrus fruits and other renewable resources. [23][24][25][26] The inherent double bonds present in mono-, di-, tri-, and other polyterpenes make them excellent candidates for the creation of sustainably-sourced photo-crosslinkable resins, yet to date only a few studies have investigated their application beyond utilizing appended (meth)acrylate or epoxide functionalities for (controlled) radical polymerisation 27,[28][29][30] modified polysaccharides, 31 polycarbonates, 32 and even polysilanes, 33 with processing still being limited in such studies.…”

A review of the anesthetic implications of marijuana use

“…17 In addition to modern cultivation efforts, more sophisticated extraction techniques have resulted in widespread availability of even higher potency products, such as butane hash oil (BHO) extracts, with THC concentrations as high as 90%. 18…”

“…40 The advent of organic extraction techniques has allowed rapid ingestion of extremely high doses of THC. 18 This has resulted in several case reports of acute psychosis. [41][42][43] In two of these cases, 42,43 the patients also presented with fever as well as severe tachycardia and hypertension.…”

“…In one case, the patient required tracheal intubation, and subsequent testing of "dabs" recovered from the patient's home showed a THC concentration of approximately 20%, 43 though other studies document concentrations as high as 90% THC with BHO. 18 Given such potential adverse effects, some have advocated that concurrent mood/anxiety disorder or personal/family history of psychosis or schizophrenia should be a contraindication for medical cannabis use. 44 Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is another adverse effect of cannabis characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.…”