Physicochemical Properties, Heavy Metal and Pesticide Contaminations, and Microbial Limit Tests of Cannabis Oral Drops

Cannabis, a medicinal herb renowned for its therapeutic potential, is utilized in the treatment of various ailments, including the stimulation of appetite in cancer patients. In Thailand, the predominant dosage form is oral drops; however, the absence of robust quality control measures for these products poses significant health risks to patients. The primary objectives of this study were to formulate and evaluate cannabis oral drops, with a comprehensive evaluation encompassing physicochemical properties such as appearance, pH, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and cannabidiol contents. Furthermore, heavy metals (specifically arsenic, cadmium, and lead), pesticides (including pyrethroids, organochlorines, organophosphates, and carbamates), and microbial contaminations (Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium spp., and Salmonella spp.) were evaluated. The results revealed that the optimal formulation, comprising cannabis extract derived from supercritical carbon dioxide fluid, vitamin E acetate, and medium-chain triglyceride oil, exhibited a pH of approximately 4.0, a Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol content of approximately 27 mg/mL, and a cannabidiol content of approximately 9 mg/mL. Furthermore, there were no heavy metals or pesticides detected. Microbial limit tests demonstrated the absence of Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium spp., and Salmonella spp. In conclusion, this endeavor successfully achieved the development of high-quality cannabis oral drops, showcasing the potential for safe and therapeutic use.