Comprehensive Safety Assessment of Diverse Cannabinoids: A Scientific Inquiry

Abstract The surge in the popularity of cannabinoids has led to a proliferation of companies catering to the demand for such products. As the number of suppliers rises, so does the availability of consumable cannabinoid products. While some products undergo testing to meet acceptable standards, many companies opt for minimal testing that overlooks uncommon contaminants potentially harmful during smoking or inhalation. The unregulated cannabinoid market relies on reputable companies to establish standards ensuring the cleanliness of cannabinoid products. Although numerous reports explore the efficacy of cannabinoids, safety remains less extensively documented. Misconceptions about recreational cannabis use and variations in study methodologies, indications, dosing, and administration protocols hinder the overall assessment of the safety of cannabinoid-based medicines. The similarity in retention times and UV absorbance among many cannabinoids adds complexity to distinguishing isomers. Alternative techniques such as LC/MS, GC/MS, and NMR can aid in characterizing cannabinoids. Our study involved testing both high-purity cannabinoids and products from various companies, including crude and distilled THC, HHC, and THCP products which are popular among consumers. These tests were conducted against in-vitro lung cell lines to simulate the absorption of these products during inhalation. Considering the unregulated nature of the markets and the presence of both high-quality and low-quality products, our findings emphasize the importance for companies and consumers to prioritize clean products to remain competitive.