CBD e-liquids: a study from TRUSTiCERT to know them better.

2020-06-26T12:19:14+02:00 June 26th, 2020|Scientific studies, Trusticert|0 Comments
Reading time: 2 mins

CBD is an emerging constituents of many different products type, and e-liquids are not an exception. But how much do we know about CBD e-liquids? TRUSTiCERT funded a first project to investigate their accuracy in labelling and to verify the effects of different storage conditions on their quality.

CBD is an emerging constituents of many different products type. But how much do we know about it? What are the elements helping us to evaluate the quality of the products bloomed on the market? TRUSTiCERT funded a first project focused on CBD e-liquids and CBD oils;  the aim of this work is dual: on one side, to investigate the real content of cannabidiol in liquids; on the other, to verify the effects of different storage conditions on the CBD amount.

The accuracy in labelling

The accuracy in labelling is an issue well known also by the FDA. TRUSTiCERT analyzed the actual CBD contents of 13 commercially available e-liquids: only 38% of samples were correctly labelled (considering a tolerance of +/- 10%). 4 samples out of 13 had a experimental CBD concentration 90% lower than the declared one. This warning picture might be explained either by low manufacturing practices used by companies or by degradation of the phytocannabinoid as a result of wrong storage conditions.

The chemical stability

The chemical stability upon storage and shipping of CBD e-liquids instead is an issue never previously assessed: these lacking data are extremely important considering the chemical stability of CBD that undergoes degradation when exposed to light and temperature. To investigated the effect of temperature, we carried out stability testing upon storage at 4°C, Room Temperature (RT) and 37°C for 30 days. The effect of light on CBD products was also investigated by storing the solutions for 30 days at RT placing alongside two identical samples, one wrapped in aluminium foil, and one under a natural day light exposure.

Results

Storing samples at 37°C turned out to promote the degradation of CBD: all the samples showed a decrease in CBD concentration above 10%, 4 of which above 15% across one month storage. Otherwise, storing e-liquids at 4°C allows a minimal to none degradation of CBD preserving the quality of these products. Also light exposition showed a net detrimental effect, with an overall loss in CBD concentration equal or greater than 10%. Instead, when the e-liquids were stored in absence of light, the CBD concentration was stable.

In conclusion, in order to minimize detrimental effects on CBD content, we recommend manufacturers to use light-protective containers, to set up a good quality control facility and to provide the customers with clear indications about the best practice for the storage conditions.