METHOD OF MAKING CANNABIS OIL HYDROPHILIC USING EMULSIFIERS AND RELATED CANNABINOID COMPOSITIONS

A method of making cannabis oil hydrophilic comprising the steps of heating a base oil in the range of 120 to 220° F., adding cannabis oil to create a mixture, blending the mixture at a high speed and adding at least one emulsifying agent to the mixture while blending, and adding water to form the composition wherein the cannabis oil is hydrophilic and is soluble in water.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of making cannabis oil hydrophilic using emulsifiers. More particularly, the invention relates to a water-soluble cannabinoid composition that is bioavailable, fast acting and highly metabolizable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with receptors in the brain and body to create various effects Herbal cannabis contains over 400 compounds including over 100 cannabinoids, which are aryl-substituted meroterpenes unique to the plant genus Cannabis. The pharmacology of most of the cannabinoids is largely unknown but the most potent psychoactive agent, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, or THC), has been isolated, synthesized and much studied due to its abundance and psychoactive attributes. Other plant cannabinoids include Δ8-THC, cannabinol and cannabidiol (CBD). These and other cannabinoids have additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects with THC and may modify its actions when herbal cannabis is smoked.

The best studied cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN). These structures are shown below in FIG. 1. All cannabinoids derive from cannabigerol-type compounds and differ mainly in the way this precursor is cyclized. The classical cannabinoids are derived from their respective 2-carboxylic acids (2-COOH) by decarboxylation (catalyzed by heat, light, or alkaline conditions).

The isolation of THC came from an Israeli chemist by the name of Raphael Mechoulam. In 1964, Mechoulam isolated and synthesized THC from Lebanese hashish, marking the beginning of cannabis research that would lead to the discovery of many other cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors throughout the body, and “endocannabinoids”—the THC-like compounds the human body naturally produces to maintain stability and health.

CBD and THC levels tend to vary among different plants. Marijuana grown for recreational purposes often contains more THC than CBD. However, by using selective breeding techniques, cannabis breeders can create varieties with high levels of CBD and next to zero levels of THC.

Humans and many other animals have receptor systems that THC binds to, and therefore can also reap the benefits of cannabinoids for both health and enjoyment. The endocannabinoid system (or “ECS”), is a group of specialized signaling chemicals, their receptors, and the metabolic enzymes that produce and break them down. These endocannabinoid chemical signals act on some of the same brain and immune cell receptors (CB1 and CB2) that plant cannabinoids like CBD and THC act on.

THC works by binding to cannabinoid receptors concentrated in the brain and central nervous system to produce psychoactive effects. The main difference between THC and CBD, both of which are very popular cannabinoids, is in their psychoactive effects. THC elicits strong cerebral euphoria, while CBD lacks psychoactive effects altogether. This basically comes down to the fact that THC activates CB1 receptors in the human brain while CBD does not.

It is well known that canabinoids, especially CBD and THC have many medicinal benefits. CBD's subtle effects are primarily felt in pain, inflammation, and anxiety relief, as well as other medicinal benefits. CBD also does not have any adverse side effects that may occur with consumption of THC. Unlike THC, CBD also does not cause a high. While this makes CBD a significant advantage as a medicine, since health professionals prefer treatments with minimal side effects. CBD also appears is to counteract the sleep-inducing effects of THC, which may explain why some strains of cannabis are known to increase alertness. CBD also acts to reduce the intoxicating effects of THC, such as memory impairment and paranoia.

THC has a wide range of short-term effects which may or may not be experienced depending on the individual and their body chemistry. Some positive CC) short-term effects of THC include: elation, relaxation, sedation, pain relief, energy, hunger, drowsiness, slowed perception of time and laughter.

There are a variety of medical conditions for which THC offers benefits. The conditions include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, neuropathic and chronic pain, insomnia, nausea, inflammation, arthritis, migraines, Cancer, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple sclerosis, Glaucoma, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (“ADHD”), sleep apnea and appetite loss.

Both CBD and THC have been found to present no risk of lethal overdose. However, to reduce potential side effects, medical users are better off using cannabis with higher levels of CBD.

Today the most common way to consume THC is through smoking although they can be consumed orally. However, known methods for orally administered THC have reduced bioavailablity due to low absorption and high first-pass metabolism in the digestive system. Thus there is a need for aqueous cannabinoid solutions.

Decarboxylation of the THC occurs with heating and is the key to enjoying THC, whether it is consumed by smoking or ingesting. In its raw form, cannabis is non-psychoactive, with its primary cannabinoid being THCA. However, by applying heat, either when lighting it in a pipe or cooking it into oil, the THCA is converted to THC.

The invention method provides an advantageous alternative to smoking cannabis by providing a water-soluble cannabinoid composition for oral ingestion that is bioavailable, highly metabolizable and fast acting.

As an aromatic terpenoid, THC has a very low solubility in water, but good solubility in most organic solvents, specifically lipids and alcohols.

The problem with edible cannabis products is they take a varied amount of time to take effect due to the liver's varied ability to process the THC molecule. Depending on liver function at the time, between 2-6% of the THC is able to be metabolized. This process makes it so the THC is absorbed in the esophagus and soft tissues, making it faster acting and more highly metabolizable.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,906,429 to Kolsky discloses lozenges made with THC, coconut oil, sugar and other ingredients. However, there is no use of emulsifiers, which is the main component that makes the cannabis oil hydrophilic and soluble in water.

Unlike anything currently known, the purpose of the invention is to provide a water-soluble cannabinoid composition to create cannabis oil infused products for medical and recreational use that are bioavailable, fast acting and highly metabolized, with consistent results that take place in a consistent amount of time.

The purpose of the invention is to provide a method to make cannabis oil water soluble using a combination of emulsifiers and variations in time and temperature of the reaction steps. The process results in a water soluble, hydrophilic cannabinoid composition which can be used in a variety of edible products providing fast acting, bioavailability and highly metabolizable delivery of the cannabis oil.

More specifically a purpose of the invention is to use the water soluble cannabinoid composition to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, neuropathic and chronic pain, insomnia, nausea, inflammation, arthritis, migraines, Cancer, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple sclerosis, Glaucoma, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (“ADHD”), sleep apnea and appetite loss.

Yet another purpose of the invention composition is to treat pain, inflammation, and anxiety relief.

More specifically, the water soluble cannabis oil can be combined with chocolate and/or liquor to create edible products.

Yet another purpose of the invention composition is that it can be used to produce other edible products at home or professionally with predictable results, including being fast-acting, and highly metabolizable, which are referred to herein as super-charged. This lets consumers know that the invention products have markedly different results than other products. These compositions can be marketed in many forms, both in retail and wholesale manufacturing, as well as aiding companies with quality products to use for research and development.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the present invention, these purposes, as well as others which will be apparent, are achieved generally by a method of making cannabis oil hydrophilic by using a combination of emulsifiers and variations in time and temperature of the reaction steps.

The specific steps in making the cannabis oil hydrophilic include first heating a base oil in the range of 120 to 220° F. The cannabis oil is added to this heated oil to create a mixture which is then blended at a high speed. At least one emulsifying agent is added to the hot mixture while blending is continued. Water is then added to form the composition wherein the cannabis oil is hydrophilic and is soluble in water.

The process of the invention modifies normally hydrophobic, or “water-repelling”, cannabis oil into a hydrophilic cannabis oil that is bio-available, highly metabolizable and fast acting when ingested by the user.

It is preferred process parameter that while blending the mixture it is maintained at a temperature in the range of 120 to 220° F.

At least one emulsifying agent is used in the invention process which is selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, cyclodextrin, lecithin, carrageen, monoglycerides, natural emulsifiers and organic emulsifiers that are safe for ingestion by humans.

In preferred embodiments, the emulsifying agent is a combination of at least two different emulsifying agents. Preferably one on the emulsifying agents is cyclodextrin and the other emulsifying agent selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, lecithin, carrageen, monoglycerides, natural emulsifiers and organic emulsifiers that are safe for ingestion by humans

The base oil is preferably selected from the group consisting of vegetable glycerine, coconut oil and any oil high in saturated fats. Nut oils are also used in the invention process. The nut oils are selected from the group consisting of almond oil, avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil, palm seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soy oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil and walnut oil.

The cannabis oil used in the invention is in a pure state. The cannabis oil used can be extracted from the marijuana plant by CO2 extraction, water extraction, butane extraction and extraction methods that leave a zero testing for residuals.

The cannabis oil used in the invention is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrocanniabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoid oils isolated from the marijuana plant.

The cannabis oil is added to the mixture and is present in the range of 5 mg to 20 mg per 2 ounces of the composition.

The base oil is present in the range of 0.5 grams to 5 grams of base oil per 1 ounce of the composition.

The emulsifying agent is present in the range of 0.15% to 2% of the composition.

The invention also provides a water-soluble cannabinoid composition that is bioavailable, fast acting and highly metabolizable made of a base oil, a cannabis oil, at least one emulsifying agent and water.

The emulsifying agents in the cannabinoid composition are selected from the group consisting of xantham gum, guar gum, cyclodextrin, lecithin, carrageen, monoglycerides, natural emulsifiers and organic emulsifiers that are safe for ingestion by humans.

The base oil in the cannabinoid composition is preferably selected from the group consisting of vegetable glycerine, coconut oil and any oil high in saturated fats. However, other nut oils such as almond oil, avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil, palm seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soy oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil and walnut oil can be used as the base oil.

The cannabis oil in the composition is in a pure state that has been extracted from the marijuana plant by CO2 extraction, water extraction, butane extraction and extraction methods that leave a zero testing for residuals.

The cannabis oil in the composition is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrocanniabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoid oils isolated from the marijuana plant.

Other ingredients such as chocolate and liquor can be added to the composition to provide different flavor profiles.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent when the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is considered which should be construed in an illustrative and not limiting sense.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a method of making cannabis oil hydrophilic. The process of the invention modifies normally hydrophobic, or “water-repelling”, cannabis oil into hydrophilic cannabis oil that is bio-available, highly metabolizable and fast acting when ingested by the user.

Bioavailability refers to the degree to which food nutrients, in this invention—cannabis oil—are available for absorption and utilization in the body. Bioavailability typically applies to nutrients and drugs which pass through first-pass metabolism, i.e. orally consumed substances. Anything absorbed in the gut first passes through the liver before reaching the rest of the circulation, and both the gut and liver may metabolize it to some extent.

Metabolizable refers to the process of changing food/substances into a form that can be used by your body. To process and use substances brought into your body by metabolism

The process steps of the invention include first heating a base oil in the range of 120 to 220° F. The cannabis oil is added to this heated oil to create a mixture which is then blended at a high speed. At least one emulsifying agent is added to the hot mixture while blending is continued. Water is then added to form the composition wherein the cannabis oil is hydrophilic and is soluble in water.

It is preferred process parameter that while blending the mixture it is maintained at a temperature in the range of 120 to 220° F.

Emulsifiers

Emulsions are produced by dispersing normally unmixable material into another by mixing, colloidal milling or homogenization. The surface-active qualities of emulsifiers of the invention make them effective emulsifying agents that reduce mixing time and maintain the stability of the dispersion.

The emulsifying agent in the invention is present in the range of 0.15% to 2% of the composition. At least one emulsifying agent is used in the invention process which is selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, cyclodextrin, lecithin, carrageen, monoglycerides, natural emulsifiers and organic emulsifiers that are safe for ingestion by humans. In preferred embodiments, the emulsifying agent is a combination of at least two different emulsifying agents.

Cannabis oil, including THC and CBD, are not water-soluble, so it needs to be “trapped” in something with dual polarity—that is, a compound that reconciles the fact that water is polar and the cannaboid is not. The emulsifiers provide this. Once trapped in the compound, the THC has new de facto properties, like the ability to dissolve in water, distribute itself evenly, and stay suspended in the solution. It also displays increased bioavailability: while the same amount of cannabis oil in an edible can take up to two hours to reach the bloodstream, the effects of water soluble cannabis oil dissolved in water can be felt more acutely, in as little as 10 minutes.

It is known that cannaboids are soluble in fat. It is also known that only water soluble substances can pass the intestine membrane. Fat is itself not water soluble because it is like cannaboids, uncharged. Fat absorption into the membrane requires substances with a dipole character to build up vehicles which can connect at the outer surface with water (charged side) and at the inner surface with the fat and the THC (uncharged side).

The specific emulsifiers used in the invention are detailed below.

Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum, which is also called xanthene, has the chemical formula C13H10O. Its molecular weight is 182.22 grams/mol. FIG. 2 shows the chemical structure of xantham gum.

In general, xanthan gum is a substance made by fermenting bacteria with sugars. It is an additive found in both foods and medicines. As a food additive, this substance is utilized either as a thickener or stabilizer. This compound has a variety of uses in medicine, such as in the treatment of diabetes, cholesterol and dry mouth,

Specifically, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide secreted by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It's known uses, prior to the invention, is as a food additive and rheology modifier, commonly used as a food thickening agent (in salad dressings, for example) and a stabilizer (in cosmetic products, for example, to prevent ingredients from separating). As seen in FIG. 1, it is composed of pentasaccharide repeat units, comprising glucose, mannose, and glucuronic acid in the molar ratio 2:2:1. It is produced by the fermentation of glucose, sucrose, or lactose. After a fermentation period, the polysaccharide is precipitated from a growth medium with isopropyl alcohol, dried, and ground into a fine powder. Later, it is added to a liquid medium to form the gum.

Guar Gum

Chemically, guar gum is a polysaccharide composed of the sugars galactose and mannose. FIG. 3 show that the backbone is a linear chain of β 1,4-linked mannose residues to which galactose residues are 1,6-linked at every second mannose, forming short side-branches.

In water, guar gum is nonionic and hydrocolloidal. It is not affected by ionic strength or pH, but will degrade at extreme pH and temperature (e.g. pH 3 at 50° C.). It remains stable in solution over pH range 5-7. Strong acids cause hydrolysis and loss of viscosity, and alkalies in strong concentration also tend to reduce viscosity. It is insoluble in most hydrocarbon solvents. The viscosity attained is dependent on time, temperature, concentration, pH, rate of agitation and practical size of the powdered gum used. The lower the temperature lower the rate at which viscosity increases and the lower the final viscosity. Above 80° the final viscosity is slightly reduced. The finer guar powders swells more rapidly than coarse powdered gum. Guar gum has almost eight times the water-thickening potency of cornstarch—only a very small quantity is needed for producing sufficient viscosity. Thus, it can be used in various multiphase formulations: as an emulsifier because it helps to prevent oil droplets from coalescing, and/or as a stabilizer because it helps to prevent solid particles from settling.

Cyclodextrin

Cyclodextrins are a group of structurally related natural products formed during bacterial digestion of cellulose. These cyclic oligosaccharides consist of (α-1,4)-linked α-D-glucopyranose units and contain a somewhat lipophilic central cavity and a hydrophilic outer surface. Due to the chair conformation of the glucopyranose units, the cyclodextrins are shaped like a truncated cone rather than perfect cylinders. The hydroxyl functions are orientated to the cone exterior with the primary hydroxyl groups of the sugar residues at the narrow edge of the cone and the secondary hydroxyl groups at the wider edge. The central cavity is lined by the skeletal carbons and ethereal oxygens of the glucose residues, which gives it a lipophilic character. The polarity of the cavity has been estimated to be similar to that of an aqueous ethanolic solution.

The natural α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrin (αCD, βCD and γCD) consist of six, seven, and eight glucopyranose units, respectively. The natural cyclodextrins, in particular βCD, are of limited aqueous solubility meaning that complexes resulting from interaction of lipophiles with these cyclodextrin can be of limited solubility resulting in precipitation of solid cyclodextrin complexes from water and other aqueous systems. In fact, the aqueous solubility of the natural cyclodextrins is much lower than that of comparable acyclic saccharides. This is thought to be due to relatively strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding in the crystal state. Substitution of any of the hydrogen bond forming hydroxyl groups, even by lipophilic methoxy functions, results in dramatic improvement in their aqueous solubility. Water-soluble cyclodextrin derivatives of commercial interest include the hydroxypropyl derivatives of βCD and γCD, the randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin (RMβCD), and sulfobutylether β-cyclodextrin sodium salt (SBEβCD).

FIG. 4 and Table 1 were taken from an article entitled “Cyclodextrins” (A. Magn{dot over (u)}sd{dot over (o)}ttir, M. Masson and T. Loftsson, J. Incl. Phenom. Macroc. Chem.44, 213-218, 2002).

TABLE 1 Water solubility of cyclodextrins. Solubility in MWb waterc Cyclodextrin n R = H or Subst. (Da) (mg/L) α-Cyclodextrin (αCD) 0 —H 0 972 145 β-Cyclodextrin (βCD) 1 —H 0 1135 18.5 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin 1 —CH2CHOHCH3 0.65 1400 >600 (HPβCD; Kleptose ® HPB) Sulfobutylether β-cyclodextrin sodium 1 —(CH2)4SO3Na+ 0.9 2163 >500 salt (SBEβCD; Captisol ®) Randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin 1 —CH3 1.8 1312 >500 (RMβCD) γ-Cyclodextrin (γCD) 2 —H 0 1297 232 2-Hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin 2 —CH2CHOHCH3 0.6 1576 >500 (HPγCD) aAverage number of substituents per glucose repeat unit; bMW: Molecular weight; cSolubility in pure water at approx. 25° C.

Cyclodextrins create highly concentrated and water-soluble granules. Cyclodextrins are circular structures of sugar molecules that are known to absorb other compounds into their center. They form inclusion complexes with poorly water-soluble compounds. Acting like a molecule magnet, cyclodextrins absorb other molecules and assume their properties. These molecules can absorb up to 60% of their weight in alcohol while remaining in powdered form. It isn't until you mix them with water that they dissolve.

Experiments with THC-cyclodextrin compounds increase THC water solubility by nearly 1000 times. For this reason in preferred embodiments, the emulsifying agent is a combination of at least two different emulsifying agents with at least one being cyclodextrin and the other emulsifying agent selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, lecithin, carrageen, monoglycerides, natural emulsifiers and organic emulsifiers that are safe for ingestion by humans.

It is noted that cyclodextrin is very expensive and some versions even cause unwanted side effects when ingested. In the invention a lesser amount of cyclodextrin is used in combination with other emulsifiers that are less costly to provide the same or better solubility results. This provides an economic solution to using a lesser amount of cyclodextrin with the benefits at lower cost.

Lecithin

Lecithins are used in the invention as emulsifiers. They are surface-active; simultaneous hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties enable lecithins to make stable blends of materials that otherwise do not mix easily and tend to separate.

Lecithin is a generic term to designate any group of yellow-brownish fatty substances occurring in animal and plant tissues, which are amphiphilic—they attract both water and fatty substances (and so are both hydrophilic and lipophilic). Lecithins are generally used for smoothing food textures, dissolving powders (emulsifying), homogenizing liquid mixtures, and repelling sticking materials. Lecithins are composed of phosphoric acid with choline, glycerol or other fatty acids usually glycolipids or triglyceride. Glycerophospholipids in lecithin include phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidic acid.

When added to cannabis coconut oil lecithin increases absorption of THC and other cannabinoids into the cell membranes and speeds up the process.

Carrageen

Carrageens are a family of linear sulphated polysaccharides that are extracted from red edible seaweeds. They are widely used in the food industry, for their gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Their main application is in dairy and meat products, due to their strong binding to food proteins. There are three main varieties of carrageenan, which differ in their degree of sulphation. Kappa-carrageenan has one sulphate group per disaccharide, Iota-carrageenan has two, and Lambda-carrageenan has three.

Monoglycerides

Monoglycerides are a class of glycerides which are composed of a molecule of glycerol linked to a fatty acid via an ester bond.[1] As glycerol contains both primary and secondary alcohol groups two different types of monoglycerides may be formed; 1-monoacylglycerols where the fatty acid is attached to a primary alcohol, or a 2-monoacylglycerols where the fatty acid is attached to the secondary alcohol.

Monoglycerides are primarily used as surfactants, usually in the form of emulsifiers. Together with diglycerides, monoglycerides are commonly added to commercial food products in small quantities which helps to prevent mixtures of oils and water from separating.

Base Oil

The base oil is present in the range of 0.5 grams to 5 grams of base oil per 1 ounce of the composition.

The base oil is preferably selected from the group consisting of vegetable glycerine, coconut oil and any oil high in saturated fats. Nut oils are also used in the invention process. The nut oils are selected from the group consisting of almond oil, avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil, palm seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soy oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil and walnut oil.

Cannabis Oil

The cannabis oil used in the invention is in a pure state. This is important sine the intended end use of the products of the invention are to be ingested by humans for medical or recreational use, where permitted.

The cannabis oil used can be extracted from the marijuana plant by CO2 extraction, water extraction, butane extraction and extraction methods that leave a zero testing for residuals. Representative structures of the cannabis oil are illustrated in FIG. 1.

The cannabis oil used in the invention is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrocanniabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoid oils isolated from the marijuana plant.

The cannabis oil is added to the mixture and is present in the range of 5 mg to 20 mg per 2 ounces of the composition.

Water Soluble Cannabinoid Composition

As a result of the invention method, a water-soluble cannabinoid composition is also provided that is bioavailable, fast acting and highly metabolizable made of a base oil, a cannabis oil, at least one emulsifying agent and water.

The emulsifying agents in the cannabinoid composition are selected from the group consisting of xantham gum, guar gum, cyclodextrin, lecithin, carrageen, monoglycerides, natural emulsifiers and organic emulsifiers that are safe for ingestion by humans.

The base oil in the cannabinoid composition is preferably selected from the group consisting of vegetable glycerine, coconut oil and any oil high in saturated fats. However, other nut oils such as almond oil, avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil, palm seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soy oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil and walnut oil can be used as the base oil.

A preferred emulsification used in the invention uses a base oil of coconut oil. Coconut oil is one of the best sources of healthy and “good” fatty acids.

The cannabis oil in the composition is in a pure state that has been extracted from the marijuana plant by CO2 extraction, water extraction, butane extraction and extraction methods that leave a zero testing for residuals.

The cannabis oil in the composition is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrocanniabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoid oils isolated from the marijuana plant.

Other ingredients such as chocolate and liquor can be added to the composition to s provide different flavor profiles.

The disclosure is further described with the help of the following examples. These examples, however, should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

Example 1

A cannabis infused chocolate is provided that is bioavailable and delivers fast acting effects of the cannabis when ingested. The method of making such includes use of 5 to 10 oz of a base oil of either vegetable glycerine or coconut oil. A high quality liquor such as cognac or whiskey can be added but is optional. The base oil liquid is heated to between 120 to 220° F. The cannabis oil extract is added equal to 110 to 1120 mg THC. The emulsifiers are added next, generally in the following amounts 0.5% lecithin, 0.15% xanthan gum, 0.1% cyclodextrin. The emulsifiers can be used individually or in combination. The hot mixture is blended in a high speed blender or other machine, run on high speed for 2 minutes. The mixture is allowed to cool to room temperature.

After the mixture has cooled 101b of melted chocolate is added and allowed to temper before depositing in a mold than cooling to 55° F.

Example 2

Several experiments were run using several different emulsifiers and combinations of different coconut oils: solid and liquid (MCT). (Note: liquid MCT is coconut oil that has medium chain triglyceride). Guar gum, lecithin, and cyclodextrin were tested as emulsifying agents and provided good results. However xantham gum was the most effective and provided the best emulsification of the oil and water, at the lowest viscosity

The emulsification process that was determined the best had the added effect of making the THC more bioavailable by making the oleo molecule water soluble. This had another added effect of making it fast acting, taking effect in as little as 15 minutes

The method used to produce the invention emulsifications, included first heating extra virgin organic coconut oil to between 120 to 220 degrees F. CO2 extracted cannabis oil is added. In a high speed blender (or similar machine) coconut water is added to the coconut fat (oil) to insure emulsification. While blending, xantham gum powder is added in an amount between 0.15% and 0.45% of the total volume of finished product. %'s used herein are on a dry weight basis and are based on the total volume of the finished product. The blender is run at high speed for between 30 seconds and 2. The resulting emulsification is used to produce a variety of cannabis infused products. The invention process makes the THC more bioavailable by making the oleo molecule water soluble. Thus, upon ingestion, making it fast acting, taking effect in as little as 15 minutes.

Example 3

A variety of cannabis infused products were prepared and tested in a random study group of 40 individuals. The products tested included cannabis infused sugar, a cannaboid/caffeine emulsification and a cannabis infused elixir and are summarized in the tables below. The products in Table 2 and 4 are the subject of a co-pending patent application by the same inventor entitled “Cannabis Infused Sweeteners and Elixirs”, and Table 3 is the subject of a co-pending patent application by the same inventor entitled “Cannabinoid and Caffeine Emulsifications”, all of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Each of the 40 individuals tested one of the products from Tables 2, 3 and 4. The breakdown of products tested was 10% (4 people) of the cannabinoid/caffeine emulsification; 20% (8 people) of cannabinoid elixirs and 70% (28 people) of the cannabis infused sugar.

TABLE 2 Cannabis infused sugar (Serving size 1 tsp) Sugar Product #1 #2 #3 #4 #5* Cannabis Oil 20 40 20 40 40 (mg/tsp) Sugar (lbs) 5 3 10 3 3 Alcohol (oz) 20 12 40 12 6 Lecithin (%)** 2 2 2 1 0 Cyclodextrine (%)** 0 0 0.03 0.12 0.25 *The sugar used in this sample was maple sugar. **% of final product.

TABLE 3 Cannabinoid/caffenie emulsification (Serving size 2 oz) Amount in Component emulsification THC (per serving)  10 mg Coconut Fat (SOLID) 2.75% MCT 0.65% Coconut Water   96% Cyclodextrin 0.12% Xanthan Gum 0.12% Caffeine 1000 mg *Lime and coconut extract were added for flavor

TABLE 4 Cannabinoid elixirs (flavored syrups) (Serving size 1 oz) Amount in Component emulsification THC 10 mg/oz Flavored syrup 2.75% Cyclodextrin 0.16% Xanthan Gum 0.12% Cannabis Oil 0.04%

Participants in the study were asked a series of questions, the results of which are summarized in the tables below. Q1. How long until you experienced an initial onset of effect after ingestion? The results are in Table 5. In all three products tested the onset of the cannabis effects were less than 15-20 min.

TABLE 5 Results for Onset of Effect Time >10 10-15 15-20 20-30 30-40 <40 min min min min min min Sugar 10.71% 28.57%   32% 7.14% 7.14% 14.29% Emulsification 0 50% 50% 0 0 0 Elixir  12.4% 25% 25%   25% 12.5% 0

Q2. On a scale of 1 to 5, the participants were asked to describe the strength of the initial onset experience after ingestion. A majority of respondents said the effects were mild to moderate. The results are in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Results for Strength Time 1 No effect 2 Very Mild 3 Mild 4 Moderate 5 Strong Sugar 3.57% 3.57% 39.29%%      46.43% 7.14% Emulsification 0 0 50%   50% 0 Elixir 0   25% 50% P11 12.5% 12.5%

Q3. Compared to other cannabis edibles, the participants were asked how they would characterize the rapidity of the onset of the products they tested. The respondents were comparing the invention products to other products they ingested including gummy bears, brownies and baked goods containing cannabis. The results are in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Results for Comparsion to Other Cannabis Edibles Time 2 4 1 Much Somewhat 3 No Somewhat 5 Much Slower slower difference faster Faster Sugar 3.85% 3.85% 0 34.62%   57.69%   Emulsification 0 0 0 75% 25% Elixir 0 0 0 25% 75%

In sum, in all embodiments, i.e. the cannabis infused sugar, emulsification and elixir 92.7% to 100% said that the invention products acted faster than other cannabis edibles.

The water-soluble cannabinoid composition of the invention provides a beneficial experience for people experiencing a variety of ailments: insomnia, muscle aches, anxiety, etc, or are in recovery from surgery, or in chemotherapy. The emulsification makes the cannabis oil molecules hydrophilic, and thus water soluble, which makes the THC, bioavailable, faster acting, and more highly metabolizable.

Medical marijuana patients are often challenged by the mediums they are offered for consuming cannabis. The water-soluble cannabis of the invention provides them a convenient, and smokeless, alternative to access the cannabinoids they need to alleviate their ailments.

The foregoing description of various and preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration only, and it is understood that numerous modifications, variations and alterations may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of making cannabis oil hydrophilic comprising the steps of:

heating a base oil in the range of 120 to 220° F.;
adding cannabis oil to create a mixture;
blending said mixture at a high speed and
adding at least one emulsifying agent to said mixture while blending; and
adding water to form the composition wherein the cannabis oil is hydrophilic and is soluble in water.

2. The method of making cannabis oil hydrophilic according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic cannabis oil is bio-available, highly metabolizable and fast acting when ingested by the user.

3. The method of making cannabis oil hydrophilic according to claim 1, wherein while blending said mixture is maintained at a temperature in the range of 120 to 220° F.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one emulsifying agent is selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, cyclodextrin, lecithin, carrageen, monoglycerides, natural emulsifiers and organic emulsifiers that are safe for ingestion by humans.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said emulsifying agent is a combination of at least two emulsifying agents.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said emulsifying agents are cyclodextrin and one emulsifying agent selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, lecithin, carrageen, monoglycerides, natural emulsifiers and organic emulsifiers that are safe for ingestion by humans

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said base oil is selected from the group consisting of vegetable glycerine, coconut oil and any oil high in saturated fats.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said base oil is a nut oil selected from the group consisting of almond oil, avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil, palm seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soy oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil and walnut oil.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said cannabis oil is extracted from the marijuana plant by CO2 extraction, water extraction, butane extraction and extraction methods that leave a zero testing for residuals.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said cannabis oil is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrocanniabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoid oils isolated from the marijuana plant.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cannabis oil is added to the mixture and is present in the range of 5 mg to 20 mg per 2 ounces of the composition.

12. The method according to claim 1, where said base oil is present in the range of 0.5 grams to 5 grams of base oil per 1 ounce the composition.

13. The method according to claim 1, where the emulsifying agent is in the range of 0.15% to 2% of the composition.

14. A water-soluble cannabinoid composition that is, bioavailable, fast acting and highly metabolizable comprised of a base oil, a cannabis oil, at least one emulsifying agent selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, cyclodextrin, lecithin, carrageen, monoglycerides, natural emulsifiers and organic emulsifiers that are safe for ingestion by humans, and water.

15. (canceled)

16. The cannabinoid composition according to claim 14, wherein said base oil is selected from the group consisting of vegetable glycerine, almond oil, avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil, palm seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soy oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, walnut oil and any oil high in saturated fats.

17. The cannabinoid composition according to claim 14, wherein said cannabis oil is extracted from the marijuana plant by CO2 extraction, water extraction, butane extraction and extraction methods that leave a zero testing for residuals

18. The cannabinoid composition according to claim 14, wherein said cannabis oil is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrocanniabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoid oils isolated from the marijuana plant.

19. The cannabinoid composition according to claim 14, further comprising chocolate.

20. The cannabinoid composition according to claim 14, further comprising liquor.

Patent History
Publication number: 20180206518
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 14, 2017
Publication Date: Jul 26, 2018
Inventor: Ronald SILVER (New York, NY)
Application Number: 15/565,139
Classifications
International Classification: A23G 1/48 (20060101); A61K 9/107 (20060101); A61K 47/14 (20060101); A61K 47/24 (20060101); A61K 47/40 (20060101); A61K 47/44 (20060101); A61K 31/352 (20060101); A61K 9/00 (20060101);