Recent studies have highlighted the health risks associated with cannabinoid acetates, used in certain “CBD products”. Despite claims of increased psychoactive effects compared to CBD alone, cannabinoid acetates, represented by these molecule names that end in -O, could trigger an epidemic of lung damage reminiscent of EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury) in 2019 or promote the development of cancers.
A widely cited study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2019, looked at the epidemic of lung injuries linked to vaping. The study found that a significant number of cases were linked to the use of THC-containing vaping products, particularly those obtained from illegal sources. The presence of acetates, such as vitamin E acetate, was identified in many samples tested, raising concerns about the role of these additives in lung injury.
What are cannabinoid acetates?
Cannabinoids are compounds present in the Cannabis plant, the best known being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system of the human body and influence various physiological processes. While the use of cannabinoids for medical and recreational purposes is not new, new synthetic cannabinoids have appeared due to a lack of regulation or the prohibition of natural cannabinoids.
Cannabinoid acetates are synthetic derivatives of cannabinoids, often created for use in vaping or smoking products. These forms of acetate are designed to improve the solubility and stability of cannabinoids, providing a more convenient and efficient method of consumption. However, it is the very nature of these chemical modifications that has become a source of concern for the scientific community and raises concerns about the health risks associated with them.
THC acetate, THCo, for example, undergoes a complex chemical process involving acetic anhydride. This process, known for its complexity and use of flammable chemicals, transforms hemp-derived CBD into delta-8-THC, which is then combined with acetic anhydride to produce THC acetate. The resulting product has been touted for its health benefits and supposedly powerful effects, including psychedelic experiences, although scientific research on this compound remains limited.
Carcinogenic and aggressive molecules for the lungs
The combustion/vaporization of cannabinoid acetates creates various risks, the most serious being the formation of ketenes, a toxic gas known to amplify the risk of cancer and the development of tumors.
Research carried out by theAmerican Chemical Society in 2020 highlighted the potential dangers of heating and inhaling synthetic cannabinoids. The study demonstrated that the thermal decomposition of certain cannabinoid acetates produced harmful compounds, including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, known respiratory irritants. These results highlight the importance of understanding the chemical transformations that occur during the vaping process.
The study also noted the formation of ketene. Ketene is a reactive compound that can be produced when certain substances, including cannabinoid acetates, are heated. These compounds are known respiratory irritants and have been associated with lung injury. The formation of ketenes adds a new layer of complexity to the risks associated with vaping, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes involved.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology linked the use of vaping products containing cannabinoid acetates to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is a serious lung condition that can lead to rapid respiratory failure. The specific mechanisms by which cannabinoid acetates contribute to ARDS are still being studied, but the correlation is concerning.
The authors of the study also point out that THC-O has structural similarities with vitamin E acetate, the additive contained in unauthorized THC vapor cartridges which has already been linked to the epidemic of EVALI lung disease of 2019-20. The EVALI outbreak has resulted in several thousand cases across the United States, including more than 60 deaths. The authors report that, when heated in a vape pen, both substances produce ketene – a “highly potent lung toxicant” and the suspected cause of EVALI.
Another risk associated with vaping cannabinoid acetates is the risk of lipid pneumonia. The synthetic nature of these compounds means they can mimic the properties of lipids or fats. When inhaled, they can accumulate in the lungs, leading to a form of pneumonia caused by the presence of lipids. This condition can be particularly dangerous because it can go unnoticed until significant damage occurs.
While cannabinoids, in their natural form, have been shown to be safe and promising for various medical applications, the introduction of cannabinoid acetates into vaping and smoking products could prove risky. The dangers associated with these synthetic compounds, which range from respiratory problems to acute lung injury and ketene formation, highlight the need for caution and continued research.
