Cannabis vaporisers and temperature control

The increase in use of vaporisers that we’ve seen in recent years is in response to a growing demand on the part of the consuming public, not only the medicinal users, but also a growing number of recreational consumers who are more and more concerned for their health and who want to find alternatives to the traditional combustion of flowers or cannabis extractions.

As a result, the market is rapidly expanding, with the appearance of more and more devices for vaporising both dried herbs and resins, usually incorporating some kind of system to control either vaporisation temperature or battery voltage (or featuring both systems on the same device), giving the user total control over the temperature at which the product will vaporise.

This feature, which, as we discussed, is increasingly common in the majority of vaporisers, not only allows users to regulate the vaporisation temperature and, therefore, the vapour density and flavour, but also offers the possibility to have a fairly approximate idea of which compounds are reaching their boiling point and being vaporised, and those which are not.

This fact, which at first glance might seem of secondary importance, in fact directly affects the smell, taste, and effects of the cannabis we consume, so we must pay careful attention to temperature if we want to maximise the enjoyment of our vaporiser and take full advantage of its characteristics. Normally, cannabis concentrates are vaporised at somewhat higher temperatures than plant matter.

Also note that this feature is not only restricted to vaporisers, whether they are desktop or portable units, but also applies to electric nails, which usually feature a vaporisation surface of medical grade titanium or quartz that is fitted onto a bubbler and heated with an electrical element, reaching temperatures high enough to “dab” concentrates, offering total control over the temperature of the nail, where we place the resin to be vaporised.

Cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and their boiling points

As we already know, cannabis flowers and extracts both contain a large number of active compounds, the best known of which are the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and also a very small number of toxic substances that can be vaporised at the same time if their boiling point is reached. Each of them has a different melting point and boiling point, so some compounds may not vaporise completely – or at all, if we’re operating the vaporiser at particularly low temperatures.

The melting point is the temperature at which a substance passes from a solid to a liquid state, while the boiling point is the temperature necessary for this substance to pass from a liquid to a gaseous state, that is, the temperature at which each substance will vaporise so that we can inhale it. In this way, we can have some control over the compounds that we are going to vaporise, depending on the selected temperature. For this reason, the temperature control is a vital tool in cannabis vaporisers, and it must work perfectly to give us real control over the compounds we want to inhale, particularly if we are using it for medicinal purposes.

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What follows is a list of the most important cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in cannabis, with their boiling points and main therapeutic properties, to give you a clear idea of which compounds are being vaporised at certain temperatures. We also include the main toxic substances released, also with their corresponding boiling points:

Cannabinoids:

• Delta-9-tetrahidrocannabinol, Delta-9-THC: Boiling Point: 157ºC (314ºF). Analgesic, antiemetic (combats nausea and vomiting), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and euphoric properties. Formula: C21 H30 O2
• Cannabidiol, CBD: Boiling Point: 160-180ºC (320-356ºF). Anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties. Formula: C21 H30 O2
• Cannabigerol, CBG: Boiling Point: Unknown. Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibiotic properties. Formula: C21 H32 O2
• Cannabinol, CBN: Boiling Point: 185ºC (365ºF). Antibiotic and sedative properties. Formula: C21 H26 O2
• Cannabicromene, CBC: Boiling Point: 220ºC (428ºF). Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibiotic properties. Formula: C21 H30 O2
• Tetrahidrocannabivarin, THCV: Boiling Point: 220ºC (428ºF). Analgesic and euphoric properties. Formula: C19 H26 O2
• Delta-8-tetrahidrocannabinol, Delta-8-THC: Boiling Point: 175-178ºC (347-352ºF). Antiemetic properties similar to THC, but more stable and less psychoactive. Formula: C21 H30 O2

Terpenes:

• Terpineol: Boiling point: 217-218ºC (422-424ºF). Sedative, antibiotic, antioxidant, antimalarial properties, and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Formula: C10 H18 O
• Borneol: Boiling point: 210ºC (410ºF). Antibiotic properties. Formula: C10 H18 O
• Linalool: Boiling point: 198ºC (388ºF). Sedative, antidepressant, and anxiolytic properties. Reinforces the immune system. Formula: C10 H18 O
• P-Cymene: Boiling point: 177ºC (350ºF). Antibiotic and anti-candida properties. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Formula: C10 H14
• D-Limonene: Boiling point: 177ºC (350ºF). Antidepressant and anti-mutagenic properties. Reinforces the immune system. Formula: C10 H16
• Eucalyptol (1,8-cineol): Boiling point: 176ºC (348ºF). Stimulant, antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive (pain reduction) properties. An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor increases cerebral blood flow. Formula: C10 H18 O
• 3-Carene: Boiling point: 168ºC (334ºF). Anti-inflammatory properties. Formula: C10 H16
• Myrcene: Boiling point: 166-168ºC (330-334ºF). Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and anti-mutagenic properties. Formula: C10 H16
• Pinene: Boiling point: 156ºC (312ºF). Anti-inflammatory, stimulant, bronchodilator, antibiotic, and anti-neoplastic properties. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Formula: C10 H16
• Caryophyllene: Boiling point: 119ºC (246ºF). Anti-inflammatory, antimalarial properties. Protects gastric mucus. Formula: C15 H24
• Pulegone: Boiling point: 224ºC (435ºF). Sedative and antipyretic properties. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Formula: C10 H16 O
• Terpinen-4-ol: Boiling point: 209ºC (408ºF). Antibiotic properties, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Formula: C10 H18 O

Flavonoids:

• Quercetin: Boiling point: 250ºC (482ºF). Antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, antiviral, and anti-neoplastic properties. Formula: C15 H10 O7
• Cannaflavine A: Boiling point: 182ºC (359ºF). Cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor. Formula: C21 H20 O6
• Apigenin: Boiling point: 178ºC (352ºF). Anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and oestrogenic properties. Formula: C15 H10 O5
• Sitosterol: Boiling point: 134ºC (273ºF). Anti-inflammatory properties, an inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase. Formula: C29 H50 O

Toxins:

• Toluene: Boiling point: 110.6ºC (231ºF). It can cause drowsiness, loss of appetite, nausea, and mild dizziness. It is much less toxic than benzene. Formula: C6 H5 – C H3
• Benzene: Boiling point: 200ºC (392ºF). Carcinogenic substance. Formula: C6 H6
• Naphthalene: Boiling point: 218ºC (424ºF). It can cause drowsiness, loss of appetite, nausea, paleness, and mild dizziness. Possible carcinogenic substance. Formula: C10 H8
• Carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke tars: Boiling point: 230ºC (446ºF), in other words, at the point of combustion. These are carcinogenic substances.

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Important aspects when vaporising cannabis

If we want to make the most of our vaporiser and take advantage of the properties of the substances that cannabis contains, then we must start with top-quality plant material. We can break it up with a grinder to achieve more homogeneous and efficient vaporisation, although we must also take into account the moisture content of the flower material.

Normally, if the material is very dry, somewhat lower temperatures are used, while in the case of being too wet, it can be difficult to vaporise the cannabinoids correctly. Advanced users then perform an initial heating of the material at about 138-148°C, at which temperature basically only flavonoids are vaporised while the plant material will dry considerably. In this way, it can be heated again to a higher temperature to vaporise all the cannabinoids and terpenes (which have, as we have seen, a higher boiling point), now with the correct texture and humidity to allow uniform and effective vaporisation.

Another current vaping practice has to do with the type of effect being sought. Many users will vaporise Sativa-dominant cannabis strains during the day to obtain a stimulating, cerebral effect. Those who are aware of the different boiling points of the cannabinoids will already know that vaporising at lower temperatures (about 155-160°C) evaporates THC but not the other compounds with sedative and relaxing properties, so a cleaner, energising effect is achieved.

In contrast, those who consume to relax (usually in the evening) tend to prefer Indica-dominant varieties, which have a more narcotic and sedative effect than Sativas. To further enhance this particular characteristic of the Indica chemotype, these users will increase the vaporisation temperature (up to about 205-210ºC) to ensure that the compounds with relaxing properties will also be released.

Although this list can be very helpful when choosing the vaporisation temperature that suits us, we must remember that there are several factors that can cause boiling points to vary slightly. To begin with, these temperatures are taken at a certain atmospheric pressure, so it’s not the same to vaporise at sea level as at 4,000 meters. Another important aspect is the precision of the heating element of the vaporizer or electric nail that we are using. These devices (like almost any type of measuring instrument) have a range of precision; in other words, they always have a small margin of error of a few tenths of a degree (in quality devices) or of some degrees (in lower range devices). Logically, the more precise we want to be, the more we will strive to make this margin of error as small as possible.

Also, don’t forget that at temperatures above 200°C, cannabis can begin to release traces of benzene, a carcinogenic substance that many users prefer to avoid by working at lower temperatures. Above this temperature, the plant material can begin to burn, depending to a large extent on the degree of humidity present in the flowers. At 230ºC, we can already see evidence of combustion, as plant tissues are burned and the toxic substances we talked about – like toluene, benzene, naphthalene, carbon monoxide, and tar – are released.

We hope that this article will help you to leave combustion behind you, put aside your pipe, bong, hookah, etc., and start to take full advantage of your vaporiser, which will allow you to benefit from the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids without the health risks that combustion involves.

Happy vaping!

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What is caryophyllene?

• Name: Caryophyllene, β-Caryophyllene
• Formula: C15H24
• IUPAC name: 4,11,11-trimethyl-8-methylene-bicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene
• Molecular mass: 204.36 g/mol
• Boiling point: 130°C (403K)
• Vaporization temperature: 199ºC

First synthesized in the laboratory in 1964 by EJ Corey, caryophyllene (also called β-caryophyllene) is a bicyclic sesquiterpene found in various plants, including basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, hops, pepper, and, of course, also in cannabis. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and research has been focusing on it in relation to various health benefits.

In fact, caryophyllene is one of the most common terpenes found in marijuana, along with other terpenes like limonene, linalool, and pinene. As you probably already know, terpenes are volatile compounds found in the trichome glands of cannabis, responsible for the aroma and flavor of the plant. Let’s delve a little into the properties and effects of this interesting compound!

Synthesis route of caryophyllene

The synthesis of caryophyllene is a truly complex process that involves several enzymes and metabolic pathways. This circuitous pathway begins with the conversion of a metabolite called mevalonate to two different compounds, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), by the enzyme mevalonate kinase.

The enzyme geranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GPPS) then combines IPP and DMAPP to form geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP), which is then converted to farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) by the enzyme farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS). FPP is then converted to squalene by the enzyme squalene synthase. Squalene is then converted to carotenoids, including caryophyllene, through various enzymes and metabolic pathways.

In general, you will hear about:

• Alpha-caryophyllene: also called humulene, is present in cannabis and also in other plants such as hops.
• Beta-caryophyllene: found in large amounts, for example, in black pepper.
• Caryophyllene oxide: Present in eucalyptus among other plants, it is the substance that anti-drug dogs detect.

Caryophyllene oxide

If you have ever heard of this terpene before, you probably know that it is responsible for the identification of cannabis by drug detection dogs (Opdyke, 1983; Stahl & Kunde, 1973). However, and to be more precise, we must point out that it is caryophyllene oxide that sets off the alarms of faithful drug-sniffing dogs, who usually have no problem detecting its scent.

In addition, caryophyllene oxide is used as a broad-spectrum antifungal product to repel pests in all types of crops, although insecticidal properties have also been observed. As if that were not enough, these antifungal properties have also been observed in clinical studies of onychomycosis, a chronic fungal infection that attacks the nails. Eucalyptus trees are a rich source of this compound.

Caryophyllene aroma

The aroma of this terpene is fresh, herbaceous and with citrus, floral and spicy notes (it is, for example, responsible for the aroma of black pepper). This pleasant combination of fragrances means that it is often used in the perfumery and cosmetics industry to improve the smell of personal care products, providing that characteristic “clean smell” that surely sounds familiar to you.

Caryophyllene properties

Without a doubt, one of the main benefits of caryophyllene – and one of the most studied so far – is its ability to reduce inflammation. It has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen but without the common gastrointestinal side effects of these drugs. Caryophyllene has also been shown to help reduce inflammation in chronic conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, caryophyllene also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect cells from cell damage caused by free radicals, and caryophyllene has been shown to help prevent cell damage in the brain and cardiovascular system. Caryophyllene has also been shown to help improve immune system function and prevent tumor formation.

Another possible benefit of caryophyllene is its ability to improve mental health. It has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety and has also been researched in relation to depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

Regarding its use, and leaving aside tinctures or other extracts that can be made at home, caryophyllene can be found on the market as a supplement in the form of essential oil or capsules. It can also be used as an ingredient in cosmetics and skin care products due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Green Dragon: making cannabis tincture

In summary, it is a terpene known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been investigated for several health benefits, including reducing inflammation in chronic diseases, preventing cell damage, improving mental health, and tumor prevention. It can be used in supplements and personal care products. However, it is important to mention that more research is needed to confirm these benefits and determine the appropriate dosage.

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References:

• Lead Compounds from Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Christophe Wiart
• Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads, Ethan B.Russo, Jahan Marcu
• β-Caryophyllene: A Sesquiterpene with Countless Biological Properties, Fabrizio Francomano, Anna Caruso, Alexia Barbarossa, Alessia Fazio
• Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid, Jürg Gertsch, Marco Leonti, Stefan Raduner, Ildiko Racz

The post Caryophyllene appeared first on Alchimia blog.

As you probably know, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive substance present in cannabis. Yes, among the more than 100 phytocannabinoids identified in this plant, THC is, by far, the one with the greatest presence as a psychotropic component. Although this compound has a series of more than interesting medicinal properties, its medicinal aspect has always been in the shadow of its psychoactive capacity, a capacity that historically has not exactly played in its favor in legislative matters.

However, THC has different types called isomers or analogs; For example, the THC we usually talk about is the isomer called Delta-9 THC, although other similar names may sound familiar to you, such as Delta-8 THC or Delta-10 THC, even THCV or THCP. In this article, we are going to talk about the main types of THC that you can find in your cannabis and see its main characteristics and effects.

THCA, the acid form of THC

THCA or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that you can find naturally in the fresh marijuana plant. It is the precursor to all forms of THC produced by the plant, turning into THC when heated or in contact with air through a process known as decarboxylation, in which THCA loses a carboxyl group and becomes its “psychoactive version”.

Cannabis decarboxylation

THCA is believed to have medicinal properties similar to THC, such as relieving pain and inflammation, but it lacks psychoactive effects, which many users find to be a great advantage. Its potential to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis has also been investigated, and it has been used in the treatment of cancer after some studies have suggested that it may have anti-tumor properties. However, due to the lack of research, the therapeutic effects of this substance are not yet fully known.

In short, THCA is a non-psychoactive compound that you can find naturally in fresh cannabis that has medicinal properties similar to THC, but without the psychoactive effects of THC. When decarboxylated (something that happens when drying and smoking the flowers) they become their respective psychoactive versions. However, more research is required to fully understand the functions and effects of this cannabinoid, especially regarding its therapeutic potential.

THC isomers

Delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana

Whether we are talking from a medicinal or recreational point of view, varieties with a high THC content are increasingly sought after, and the efforts of many breeders are focused precisely on that, increasing the total content of this cannabinoid in their genetics. But what exactly are we talking about when we say “THC”?

As we have commented, in the cannabis plant no other psychoactive cannabinoid has as much presence as Delta-9 THC, and there are many compounds of this type found today. The exact number is difficult to say as it is constantly changing as research on these compounds progresses, although we can state that more than 110 different cannabinoids have already been identified.

However, this research has also revealed other types of THC that, although they have an obvious affinity with Delta-9, present differences in their structure or chemical composition that, logically, translates into their effects. From now on, if we do not refer to THC, we will refer to this specific isomer, without a doubt the most popular.

Delta-8 THC, a psychoactive cannabinoid with enormous potential

Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that is derived from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is a modified form of THC that has become a popular alternative to conventional THC due to its similar therapeutic properties but with a less potent psychoactive effect. This cannabinoid occurs naturally in low concentrations in the marijuana plant, although it can also be produced through a chemical process called isomerization, which can convert some of the compounds found in cannabis into Delta 8 THC.

This compound has been used to treat various conditions including pain, anxiety, nausea, and insomnia, and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Some studies also point to the idea that Delta 8 THC may have a positive effect on memory and learning, although its therapeutic effects will not be known in more detail until further research.

Unlike Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC is not considered federally illegal, although some states have specific laws regarding its use. However, the use of Delta 8 THC is still subject to each state’s own marijuana regulations.

Thus, this substance is a psychoactive cannabinoid with medicinal properties similar to those of THC, although with a less potent psychoactive effect. In fact, its effect is more powerful than that of Delta 10 THC, being between Delta 10 and Delta 9.

Delta-10 THC, a low-potency compound

Delta 10 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that has become a hot item recently. It is a modified form of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that can be found naturally and in low concentrations in some varieties of cannabis. Like Delta 8 THC, it can be produced in the laboratory thanks to isomerization.

This compound has a less potent psychoactive effect than Delta 9 THC, being used to treat different conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and nausea. Unfortunately, we must again say that the therapeutic effects of Delta 10 THC are not fully known yet.

In the US, the use of this compound is still subject to marijuana regulations in each state, since its use and sale have been prohibited in some. In addition, such use is in a gray area legally speaking, since this substance is not specifically mentioned in the federal laws of the United States.

In short, Delta 10 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid subject to state and federal regulations with therapeutic properties similar to THC, but with the least potent psychoactive effect we’ve seen so far. Undoubtedly, as research on this interesting compound progresses, we will know more about its effects and benefits.

THC analogs

THCV

Also found naturally in some cannabis plants, THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a psychoactive cannabinoid similar to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in its chemical structure, but with slightly different properties and effects.

THCV has a less potent psychoactive effect than THC and its duration of action is shorter. Some studies suggest that THCV may act as an appetite suppressant, something that many stoners will love, and its potential to treat diabetes and metabolic syndrome has also been investigated. THCV has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

When it comes to psychoactive effects, THCV can act as an “antagonist” to THC, meaning it can reduce the psychoactive effects of THC. Some people have reported that THCV’s effect is energizing rather than relaxing, as is often the case with THC.

However, again due to insufficient research, we do not yet fully understand the therapeutic and psychoactive effects of THCV. It is important to mention that its presence and effects in different types of marijuana can vary and its use is subject to state and federal regulations.

THCP

THCP or Tetrahydrocannabiphorol is a psychoactive cannabinoid that, again, occurs naturally in some marijuana plants. Although it is very similar to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in terms of its chemical structure, it has slightly different properties and effects.

THCP has been shown to have a higher affinity for the CB1 receptors in the human body, which means that it has a more potent psychoactive effect than THC. Although some animal studies have been conducted, not much research has been done on THCP in humans, so its therapeutic and psychoactive effects are almost completely unknown.

As with the rest of the cannabinoids, the amount found can vary greatly depending on the variety or plant grown, as well as other factors. On a legal level, in the US its use is subject to state and federal regulations. In addition, the use of this compound may carry risks that clinical research has yet to clarify.

THCP, a cannabinoid up to 30 times more potent than THC

In conclusion, THC is the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana. However, there are different types of THC, called isomers or analogs, which vary slightly in their composition or chemical structure, which translates into their potency and effects. THCV, for example, is known for its ability to reduce appetite and increase concentration, while THCP has been shown to be far more potent than “regular” THC.

We hope that scientific research on these interesting compounds continues, it will be the best way to take advantage of all the potential they offer us. Undoubtedly, at the medicinal level, isomers with low psychoactive potency such as Delta 10 THC offer a whole world of possibilities for patients who need to take advantage of the medicinal effect of THC but who cannot tolerate its psychoactive action.

We will see what the future holds for us!

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References:

• Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects, Ethan B Russo
• Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): a commentary on potential therapeutic benefit for the management of obesity and diabetes, Amos Abioye, Oladapo Ayodele, Aleksandra Marinkovic, Risha Patidar, Adeola Akinwekomi, Adekunle Sanyaolu
• A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, Cinzia Citti, Pasquale Linciano, Fabiana Russo, Livio Luongo, Monica Iannotta, Sabatino Maione, Aldo Laganà, Anna Laura Capriotti, Flavio Forni, Maria Angela Vandelli, Giuseppe Gigli, Giuseppe Cannazza
• Decarboxylation of Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) to active THC, Kerstin Iffland, Michael Carus, Franjo Grotenhermen

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