Cannabinoid Compositions

Abstract

A cannabinoid composition including a cannabinoid oil, such as THC oil or CBD oil, one or more thickeners such as gums, and a compound that forms an inclusion complex with the cannabinoid oil. The composition may include water, and in intermediate stages can include an alcohol. The composition can also include a sweetener to make it a sugar or a syrup. In some embodiments there are no other oils in the composition.

Claims

1. A cannabinoid infused ingestible composition comprising: a cannabinoid oil; a compound that forms an inclusion complex with the cannabinoid oil; and a thickener; wherein the cannabinoid oil is the only oil in the composition.

2. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a sweetener.

3. The composition of claim 2 wherein the sweetener is selected from the group consisting of white sugar, cane sugar, raw sugar, fructose, turbinado sugar, coconut sugar, date sugar, stevia, liquid stevia, liquid sugar, powdered sugar, brown sugar, muscovado sugar, maple sugar, honey, and agave.

4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the compound comprises cyclodextrin.

5. The composition of claim 1 wherein the thickener comprises a gum.

6. The composition of claim 5 wherein the gum comprises xanthan gum.

7. The composition of claim 1 wherein the cannabinoid comprises tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD).

8. The composition of claim 1 wherein the cannabinoid is bio-available, highly metabolizable and fast acting when ingested.

9. The composition of claim 1 wherein the compound and the thickener each comprise 0.12% to 2% of the composition.

10. The composition of claim 1 comprising 0.01% to 4% of both the compound and the thickener.

11. The composition of claim 10 comprising 0.15% to 3% of both the compound and the thickener.

12. The composition of claim 1 comprising equal percentages of the compound and the thickener.

13. A cannabinoid infused composition consisting essentially of: a cannabinoid oil; an alcohol; water; a compound that forms an inclusion complex with the cannabinoid oil; and a thickener.

14. The composition of claim 13 wherein the compound comprises cyclodextrin.

15. The composition of claim 13 wherein the thickener comprises a gum.

16. The composition of claim 15 wherein the gum comprises xanthan gum.

17. The composition of claim 13 wherein the cannabinoid comprises tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD).

18. The composition of claim 13 wherein the cannabinoid is bio-available, highly metabolizable and fast acting when ingested.

19. The composition of claim 13 wherein the compound and the thickener each comprise 0.12% to 2% of the composition.

20. The composition of claim 13 comprising 0.01% to 4% of both the compound and the thickener.

21. The composition of claim 20 comprising 0.15% to 3% of both the compound and the thickener.

22. The composition of claim 13 comprising equal percentages of the compound and the thickener.

23. A cannabinoid infused composition consisting essentially of: a cannabinoid oil; water; a compound that forms an inclusion complex with the cannabinoid oil; a thickener; and a sweetener.

24. The composition of claim 23 wherein the sweetener is selected from the group consisting of white sugar, cane sugar, raw sugar, fructose, turbinado sugar, coconut sugar, date sugar, stevia, liquid stevia, liquid sugar, powdered sugar, brown sugar, muscovado sugar, maple sugar, honey, and agave.

25. The composition of claim 23 wherein the compound comprises cyclodextrin.

26. The composition of claim 23 wherein the thickener comprises a gum.

27. The composition of claim 26 wherein the gum comprises xanthan gum.

28. The composition of claim 23 wherein the cannabinoid comprises tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD).

29. The composition of claim 23 wherein the compound and the thickener each comprise 0.12% to 2% of the composition.

30. The composition of claim 23 comprising 0.01% to 4% of both the compound and the thickener.

31. The composition of claim 30 comprising 0.15% to 3% of both the compound and the thickener.

32. The composition of claim 23 comprising equal percentages of the compound and the thickener.

33. A cannabinoid infused composition consisting essentially of: a cannabinoid oil; a compound that forms an inclusion complex with the cannabinoid oil; a thickener; and a sweetener.

34. The composition of claim 33 wherein the sweetener is selected from the group consisting of white sugar, cane sugar, raw sugar, fructose, turbinado sugar, coconut sugar, date sugar, stevia, liquid stevia, liquid sugar, powdered sugar, brown sugar, muscovado sugar, maple sugar, honey, and agave.

35. The composition of claim 33 wherein the compound comprises cyclodextrin.

36. The composition of claim 33 wherein the thickener comprises a gum.

37. The composition of claim 36 wherein the gum comprises xanthan gum.

38. The composition of claim 33 wherein the cannabinoid comprises tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD).

39. The composition of claim 33 wherein the compound and the thickener each comprise 0.12% to 2% of the composition.

40. The composition of claim 33 comprising 0.01% to 4% of both the compound and the thickener.

41. The composition of claim 40 comprising 0.15% to 3% of both the compound and the thickener.

42. The composition of claim 33 comprising equal percentages of the compound and the thickener.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

[0066] FIG. 1 is the formula for THC, cannabinol and cannabidiol and structure;

[0067] FIG. 2 is the structure for Xanthan Gum;

[0068] FIG. 3 is the structure of Guar Gum.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a chemical structure and the molecular shape of B-cyclodextrin (BCD);

[0070] FIG. 5 is a chemical structure of Lecithin;

[0071] FIG. 6 is a chemical structure of Carrageen (kappa); and

[0072] FIG. 7 is a chemical structure of a monoglyceride.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0073] One embodiment of the present 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.

[0074] Another embodiment provides a unique emulsified combination of Cannabis oil, caffeine, and a base oil and aqueous vehicle, which are respectively, preferably coconut oil, and coconut water. Coconut oil is one of the best sources of excellent fatty acids. Emulsified with coconut water, Cannabis oil and caffeine provide 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 water-soluble, by modification from its normal hydrophobic state into a hydrophilic (“water-loving”), which makes the Cannabis oil bioavailable, faster acting, and more highly metabolizable.

[0075] Yet another embodiment provides a Cannabis infused sweetener comprising Cannabis oil; at least 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 and a sweetener; and Cannabis infused elixir comprising Cannabis oil; at least one emulsifying agent; a sweetener selected from the group consisting of white sugar, cane sugar, raw sugar, fructose, turbinado sugar, coconut sugar, date sugar, liquid stevia, liquid sugar, powdered sugar, brown sugar, muscovado sugar, honey, agave and other like sweeteners and flavoring extracts or fruit syrups.

[0076] In one instance, both sweetener and elixir embodiments the Cannabis oil therein has been modified from its normal hydrophobic state into a hydrophilic (“water-loving”) state that is bio-available, highly metabolizable and fast acting when ingested by the user.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Metabolizable refers to the process of changing food/substances into a form that can be used by your body.

[0079] The process steps of an embodiment of the invention include first heating a base oil in the range of about 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.

[0080] It is a preferred process parameter that while blending the mixture it is maintained at a temperature in the range of about 120 to 220° F.

[0081] The cannabinoid emulsification embodiment of the invention is made of at least one emulsifying agent; an aqueous vehicle; a base oil; Cannabis oil; and caffeine.

Emulsifiers

[0082] 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.

[0083] The emulsifying agent in the invention is present in the range of about 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.

[0084] 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 cannabinoid 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.

[0085] It is known that cannabinoids 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 cannabinoids, 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).

[0086] The specific emulsifiers used in the invention are detailed below.

Xanthan Gum

[0087] Xanthan gum, which is also called xanthene, has the chemical formula C.sub.13H.sub.10O. Its molecular weight is 182.22 grams/mol. FIG. 2 shows the chemical structure of xanthan gum.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Specifically, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide secreted by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. Its 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

[0090] Chemically, guar gum is a polysaccharide composed of the sugars galactose and mannose. FIG. 3 shows that the backbone is a linear chain of β1,4-linked mannose residues to which galactose residues are 1,6-linked at every second mannose, forming short side-branches.

[0091] 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 of about 5-7. Strong acids cause hydrolysis and loss of viscosity, and alkalis 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, the 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 swell 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

[0092] 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 oriented 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.

[0093] 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).

[0094] FIG. 4 and Table 1 were taken from an article entitled “Cyclodextrins” (A. Magnúsdóttir, M. Másson and T. Loftsson, J. Incl. Phenom. Macroc. Chem. 44, 213-218, 2002).

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Water solubility of cyclodextrins. Solubility MW .sup.b in water .sup.c Cyclodextrin n R = H or Subst. .sup.a (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 −CH.sub.2CHOHCH.sub.3 0.65 1400 >600 (HPβCD; Kleptose ® HPB) Sulfobutylether β-cyclodextrin 1 −(CH.sub.2).sub.4SO.sub.3Na.sup.+ 0.9  2163 >500 sodium salt (SBEβCD; Captisol ®) Randomly methylated β- 1 −CH.sub.3 1.8  1312 >500 cyclodextrin (RMβCD) γ-Cyclodextrin (γCD) 2 −H 0   1297  232 2-Hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin 2 −CH.sub.2CHOHCH.sub.3 0.6  1576 >500 (HPγCD) .sup.a Average number of substituents per glucose repeat unit; .sup.b MW: Molecular weight; .sup.c Solubilityin pure water at approx. 25° C.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] Lecithin

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] When added to Cannabis coconut oil lecithin increases absorption of THC and other cannabinoids into the cell membranes and speeds up the process.

Carrageen

[0102] 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

[0103] Monoglycerides are a class of glycerides which are composed of a molecule of glycerol linked to a fatty acid via an ester bond. 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.

[0104] 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

[0105] The base oil is present in the range of about 0.5 grams to 5 grams of base oil per 1 ounce of the composition.

[0106] The base oil is preferably in the range of about 0.1% to 40% of the emulsification.

[0107] 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.

Aqueous Vehicle

[0108] An aqueous vehicle is selected from the group consisting of coconut water, fruit juice, milk and water. The aqueous vehicle is in the range of about 60% to 99.9% of the emulsification. The preferred vehicle is coconut water.

[0109] In the emulsification the base oil to aqueous vehicle ratio is between about 1 to 10 grams of base oil per 2 ounces of the emulsification.

Cannabis Oil

[0110] The Cannabis oil used in embodiments of the invention is in a pure state. This is important since the intended end use of the products of the invention are to be ingested by humans for medical or recreational use, where permitted.

[0111] 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.

[0112] The Cannabis oil used in an embodiment of the invention is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoid oils isolated from the marijuana plant.

[0113] For example, the Cannabis oil in the emulsification is in the range of about 5 mg to about 30 mg per about 2 ounces of the emulsification. The Cannabis oil in the sweetener is present in the range of about 1.5 mg to about 20 mg per gram of sweetener. The Cannabis oil present in the elixir is in the range of about 3 mg to about 50 mg per ounce of elixir. In one embodiment, the Cannabis oil is not completely emulsified. The Cannabis oil remaining un-emulsified is absorbed by the body at a different/longer rate than the emulsified Cannabis oil.

[0114] Caffeine may be present/added in an embodiment of an emulsification in the range of about 10 to about 300 mg per about 2 ounces of the emulsification. The caffeine can be in anhydrous form.

Sweetener

[0115] The Cannabis oil is added to the mixture and is present in the range of about 5 mg to 20 mg per about 2 ounces of the composition.

[0116] The sweetener is used in both the infused sweetener and white sugar, cane sugar, raw sugar, fructose, turbinado sugar, coconut sugar, date sugar, liquid stevia, liquid sugar, powdered sugar, brown sugar, muscovado sugar, honey, agave and other like sweeteners. The sweetener component is present in the range of about 98% to about 99.88% of the Cannabis infused sweetener or Cannabis infused elixir.

Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Composition

[0117] As a result of one 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.

[0118] The emulsifying agents in the cannabinoid composition are 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] The Cannabis oil in the composition is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoid oils isolated from the marijuana plant.

[0123] Other ingredients such as chocolate and liquor can be added to the composition to provide different flavor profiles.

Method of Making the Emulsifications

[0124] A method to produce the invention emulsifications, includes first heating a base oil, preferably, extra virgin organic coconut oil to between about 120 to 220 degrees F. Pure extracted Cannabis oil is added to the heated oil but may be added to the oil prior to heating. In a high speed blender (or similar machine) an aqueous vehicle, preferably coconut water, is added to the coconut fat (oil) to ensure emulsification. While blending the heated mixture, adding at least one emulsifying agent in the amount of about 0.15% and about 2% of the total volume of finished product, to the heated oil to create a mixture. Percentages 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 about 30 seconds and about 2 minutes before adding the anhydrous caffeine in amounts ranging from about 10-300 mg. Alternatively, the caffeine can be added prior to adding the emulsifying agent or at the same time. The resulting cannabinoid emulsification is bio-available, highly metabolizable and fast acting when ingested by the user. The resulting emulsification is used to produce a line of THC and caffeine infused emulsifications. The invention process makes the Cannabis oil more bioavailable by making the oleo molecule water-soluble. Thus, upon ingestion, making it fast acting, taking effect in as little as about 15 minutes.

[0125] Other variations include various doses of Cannabis oil in the range of about 5 to 30 mg and different flavor profiles including lime, pomegranate, orange, lemon and others; and different serving sizes between about 1 and 64 oz.

[0126] The invention sweeteners are made by starting with high quality sweeteners including sugar, coconut sugar, date sugar, stevia, and any other quality sweeteners. The sweeteners are then infused with emulsified Cannabis oil using the process described below.

[0127] The Cannabis oil used is dissolved with alcohol, but it doesn't make the oil water-soluble. The invention emulsifying agents are needed to modify the Cannabis oil from its natural hydrophobic state to a “water-loving” hydrophilic state. The amount of Cannabis oil used depends on the desired potency, but preferably about 1 to about 10 grams of pure extracted Cannabis oil per pound of sweetener is used.

[0128] The amount of alcohol used in the invention process is typically 4 oz per lb of sugar. Preferably grain alcohol is used in the invention, although other similar alcohols can be used. At the end of the process there is zero alcohol residue in the resulting product.

[0129] The Cannabis oil is placed in a water bath and heated to between about 120 to 220 degrees F. for between about 4 and 30 minutes. The Cannabis oil is added to the alcohol and placed in a rotor blade machine and held at a temperature between about 120° F. and 220° F. for between about 1-7 minutes. During this process, an emulsifying agent, or combination of emulsifying agents, is then added to the heated mixture in an amount between about 0.15% to 3% of the total weight of the finished product.

[0130] This mixture is then combined with the sweetener and is heated to about 120 to about 220 degrees F. for about 10-60 minutes to complete the emulsification and to evaporate the residual alcohol from the sweetener. There is about 1 to about 4 grams of oil to about 4 oz of grain alcohol per pound of sweetener.

[0131] Possible variations include: percentage of emulsifier, from about 0.01% to 4%; the combination of emulsifiers to make up that percentage; the temperature and time as mentioned in previous section. These sweeteners provide a flexible, controllable, low-dose Cannabis experience, delivered in an understandable and desirable form. They can be used in beverages, such as coffee or tea.

[0132] The invention sweeteners assure that the THC is both fast acting and highly metabolizable. It assures that the consumer experiences a consistent experience from ingesting the product, instead of having a wide variation of experiences, including how long it takes to take effect, and how the effect will be each time.

[0133] The extracts of the invention can be mixed with other ingredients such as soda and other like liquids.

[0134] The process for making the Cannabis infused elixirs of the invention is as follows. The elixirs are essentially syrups, fruit syrups, and various flavored and unflavored syrups. The ingredients to make a batch of the invention elixirs include an emulsifying agent in the amount of about 0.12 to about 2%. A gallon of fruit syrup; flavored or unflavored and Cannabis oil in the amount between about 1000-2000 mg.

[0135] The syrup is heated to about 120-220 degrees F. The Cannabis oil is added to this heated mixture and blended in a rotor for about 1 to 7 minutes, during which time the emulsifier is added in. Each serving size has about 3 to 20 mg per ounce of water-soluble Cannabis oil.

[0136] Other variations include various doses of Cannabis oil in the range of about 5 to 30 mg and different flavor profiles including lime, pomegranate, orange, lemon and others; and different serving sizes between about 1 and about 64 oz.

[0137] 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

[0138] 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 about 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 about 120 to 220° F. The Cannabis oil extract is added equal to about 110 to 1120 mg THC. The emulsifiers are added next, generally in the following amounts: about 0.5% lecithin, 0.15% xanthan gum, about 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 about 2 minutes. The mixture is allowed to cool to room temperature.

[0139] After the mixture has cooled, about 10 lb of melted chocolate is added and allowed to temper before depositing in a mold, then cooling to about 55° F.

Example 2

[0140] 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, xanthan gum was the most effective and provided the best emulsification of the oil and water, at the lowest viscosity.

[0141] 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 about 15 minutes.

[0142] The method used to produce the invention emulsifications, included first heating extra virgin organic coconut oil to between about 120 to about 220 degrees F. CO.sub.2 extracted Cannabis oil is added. In a high speed blender (or similar machine) coconut water is added to the coconut fat (oil) to ensure emulsification. While blending, xanthan gum powder is added in an amount between about 0.15% and about 0.45% of the total volume of finished product. Percentages 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

[0143] 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 cannabinoid/caffeine emulsification and a Cannabis infused elixir and are summarized in the tables below.

[0144] 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-US-00002 TABLE 2 Cannabis infused sugar (Serving size 1 tsp) Sugar Product #1 #2 #3 #4 #5* Cannabis Oil (mg/tsp) 20 40 20 40 40 Sugar (lbs)  5  3 10  3   Alcohol (oz) 20 12 40 12  6 Lecithin (%)**  2  2  2  1  0 Cyclodextrin (%)**  0  0    0.03    0.12    0.25 *The sugar used in this sample was maple sugar. **% of final product.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Cannabinoid/caffeine 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-US-00004 TABLE 4 Cannabinoid elixirs (flavored syrups) (Serving size 1 oz) Amount in Component emulsification THC 10 mg/oz Flavored syrup 99.64% Cyclodextrin  0.16% Xanthan Gum  0.12% Cannabis Oil  0.04%

[0145] 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-US-00005 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% .sup. 25% 12.5% 0

[0146] 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-US-00006 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%  12.5% 12.5%

[0147] 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-US-00007 TABLE 7 Results for Comparison to Other Cannabis Edibles 1 Much 2 Somewhat 3 No 4 Somewhat 5 Much Time 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%

[0148] 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.

[0149] The water-soluble cannabinoid composition and caffeine emulsifications of the invention provide 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 emulsifications make the Cannabis oil molecules hydrophilic, and thus water-soluble, which makes the THC bioavailable, faster acting, and more highly metabolizable.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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 claims. The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples.

[0152] Note that in the specification and claims, “about” or “approximately” means within twenty percent (20%) of the numerical amount cited.

[0153] Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference.