Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Dr. Kristofer Marsh presents "Pyrocannabinoids: An Investigation into Smoked Cannabinoid Isolates" at CannMed 2026, covering combustion chemistry, cannabinoid degradation, and smoke analysis.
Smoking is the most common and historically enduring method of cannabis consumption, yet despite its popularity, the chemistry of what happens when cannabinoids are combusted isn't commonly discussed. While differences between smoked and ingested cannabis are often attributed to first-pass metabolism and pharmacokinetic variation, the transformation of phytocannabinoids into thermally derived compounds, known as pyrocannabinoids, likely plays a major role. To explore these transformations, this study examined the combustion products of three cannabinoid isolates: CBD, THCV, and THCA.
Using patented selective capture technology from Real Isolates LLC, combusted isolate smoke was collected and analyzed alongside unsmoked isolates via UHPLC-PDA and GC-MS by Smithers. The results revealed noticeable differences before and after combustion: each pure isolate initially displayed a single dominant peak, while post-combustion samples exhibited multiple new peaks indicative of degradation and the formation of additional cannabinoids such as CBE, CBT, and CBND. These findings confirm that combustion and thermal degradation of cannabinoids generates multiple reaction products with potential biological relevance, underscoring the importance of further research into the chemistry and safety of smoke-derived compounds to better understand the pharmacological implications of cannabis inhalation.
Learning Objectives:
Smoking transforms pure cannabinoids into numerous new compounds
Patented selective capture technology isolates and preserves smoke compounds for analysis
Understanding combustion products and pyrocannabinoids is critical for safety and testing
Dr. Kristofer Marsh is the Chief Scientific Officer of Smithers Cannabis Testing Services Division and State Director for Smithers' New York laboratory. He has over 9 years of experience in the cannabis testing industry spanning operations in 11 U.S. states and is a member of the Cannabis Science Section with the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL). He holds a PhD in Materials Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles.
This presentation was given at the CannMed 2026 Innovation & Collaboration Summit, held June 15-18 at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort. Visit cannmedevents.com to learn more.
Dr. Kristofer Marsh presents "Pyrocannabinoids: An Investigation into Smoked Cannabinoid Isolates" at CannMed 2026, covering combustion chemistry, cannabinoid degradation, and smoke analysis.
Smoking is the most common and historically enduring method of cannabis consumption, yet despite its popularity, the chemistry of what happens when cannabinoids are combusted isn't commonly discussed. While differences between smoked and ingested cannabis are often attributed to first-pass metabolism and pharmacokinetic variation, the transformation of phytocannabinoids into thermally derived compounds, known as pyrocannabinoids, likely plays a major role. To explore these transformations, this study examined the combustion products of three cannabinoid isolates: CBD, THCV, and THCA.
Using patented selective capture technology from Real Isolates LLC, combusted isolate smoke was collected and analyzed alongside unsmoked isolates via UHPLC-PDA and GC-MS by Smithers. The results revealed noticeable differences before and after combustion: each pure isolate initially displayed a single dominant peak, while post-combustion samples exhibited multiple new peaks indicative of degradation and the formation of additional cannabinoids such as CBE, CBT, and CBND. These findings confirm that combustion and thermal degradation of cannabinoids generates multiple reaction products with potential biological relevance, underscoring the importance of further research into the chemistry and safety of smoke-derived compounds to better understand the pharmacological implications of cannabis inhalation.
Learning Objectives:
Smoking transforms pure cannabinoids into numerous new compounds
Patented selective capture technology isolates and preserves smoke compounds for analysis
Understanding combustion products and pyrocannabinoids is critical for safety and testing
Dr. Kristofer Marsh is the Chief Scientific Officer of Smithers Cannabis Testing Services Division and State Director for Smithers' New York laboratory. He has over 9 years of experience in the cannabis testing industry spanning operations in 11 U.S. states and is a member of the Cannabis Science Section with the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL). He holds a PhD in Materials Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles.
This presentation was given at the CannMed 2026 Innovation & Collaboration Summit, held June 15-18 at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort. Visit cannmedevents.com to learn more.
