Study Identifies 79 Degradation Compounds When THC is Heated

Researchers heated purified Δ9-THC to temperatures between 400-800°C and detected 79 degradation products across all tested conditions. Some of these molecules have previously appeared in cannabis smoke analysis, though this experiment used pure THC and did not measure actual human inhalation exposure levels. Understanding these thermal degradation byproducts is important for patients using cannabis therapeutically, as consumption method significantly affects what compounds reach the lungs. The findings suggest that temperature control during cannabis use may influence the safety profile of inhalation-based therapies.