Cannabinoid containing cannabis extract infused into rolling paper

Abstract

A rolling paper is formed according to a modified conventional paper-making process. The end product is infused with cannabinoids from an oil extract from the cannabis plant. Since paper-making is highly water intensive and the cannabinoid containing cannabis extract is an oil that is ordinarily immiscible in the water, an emulsifier is used to allow the cannabinoids to evenly disperse in the making of the paper. The addition of the cannabinoids and the emulsifier is done prior to the drying of the paper. Preferably, the emulsifier and cannabinoids are added during the sizing step of the paper-making. Preferably the emulsifier is a starch-like carbohydrate, a modified starch, more preferably hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose. The cannabinoid containing cannabis extract can be added at the pulping, web-forming step and/or preferably at the sizing step of paper-making.

Claims

1. A method of paper-making comprising: infusing a cannabinoid prior to a dried paper product being formed, wherein infusing the cannabinoid includes a step of adding cannabinoid containing cannabis extract during a pulping step, a web forming step, and/or a sizing step.

2. A method of paper-making as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cannabinoid containing cannabis extract is added to the sizing step of the paper-making.

3. A method of paper-making as claimed in claim 2 wherein an emulsifying agent is used for creating an emulsion comprising the cannabinoid containing cannabis extract during the sizing step of the paper-making.

4. A method of paper-making as claimed in claim 3 wherein said emulsifying agent is selected from the group consisting of a modified starch, Dextrin, tapioca, and hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose.

5. A method of paper-making as claimed in claim 3 wherein said emulsifying agent is hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose.

6. A method of paper-making as claimed in claim 2 wherein said cannabinoid containing cannabis extract is placed onto one or more rollers used in the sizing step of paper-making.

7. A method of paper-making as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of adding cannabinoid containing cannabis extract is during the pulping and sizing steps.

8. A method of paper-making as claimed in claim 7 wherein said cannabinoid containing cannabis extract is emulsified by use of a component selected from the group consisting of a modified starch, Dextrin, tapioca, and hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose.

9. A method of paper-making as claimed in claim 7 wherein said cannabinoid containing cannabis extract is emulsified by use of a hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose composition.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a chemical formula showing one form of a single starch unit used in connection with the present invention and

(2) FIG. 2 shows a representative set of chemical formula showing cannabinoid structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(3) According to the preferred embodiment, cannabinoids are infused into paper during the paper-making/creation process. It is well known that the paper-making process uses a significant amount of water in the various steps of the process. According to well-known paper-making processes, there are three or four principal steps, pulping, filling or web forming, and sizing (and then drying). A binding agent is often used in the creation of paper. To form conventional rolling papers, a binding agent is used in one step, a filling agent used in another step and a sizing agent also used.

(4) According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the infusion of the cannabinoids, in the form of a liquid, is desirably done during the sizing step but can also or alternatively be performed during the pulping, binding step and/or the filling step of paper-making. FIG. 1 shows a representative chemical formula for the single starch unit useful in connection with the present invention.

(5) The basic chemical formula for a single representative starch unit for use in the present invention is shown in FIG. 1.

(6) Since cannabinoids in liquid form, made from extracting cannabis plant material is substantially an oil and hydrophobic, merely adding it into one of the steps of the paper-making process, which uses quite a bit of water, will not result in consistency of concentration as the oily nature of the cannabinoid containing cannabis extract will tend to stay away from the water. FIG. 2 shows chemical formulas and are representative Cannabinoid structures used in the present invention.

(7) It is a critical component of the present invention to use an emulsifier, at least if the cannabinoid containing cannabis extract is to be added at the sizing step. The emulsifier will tend to surround the molecules of the cannabinoid containing cannabis extract and allow it to be much more evenly dispersed in and among the water molecules. This is preferably done during the sizing step but can alternatively or in addition be done during the pulping, web forming, binding and/or filling steps. The use of the emulsifier allows the paper pulp to remain quite stable with the cannabinoids infused therein. Then, the next steps, as are conventional, are followed to produce the right thickness, weight, length and width of the paper sheets. Preferably, the individual sheets are cut to size, interleaved, provided with at least one edge with a small quantity of water-activated adhesive, and sealed in an appropriate box.

(8) As mentioned, the use of an emulsifier during and at the sizing stage provides a stable emulsion for the cannabinoid containing cannabis extract. Preferably the emulsifying agent is a starch, more preferably a modified starch and even more preferably a hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose.

(9) The step of sizing, during the paper-making process, is generally done by spraying the sizing agent onto a set of rollers, carrying the paper pulp down the paper producing line of manufacture. It is during this spray step of sizing agent, before drying, that the cannabinoid containing cannabis extract is mixed with a carbohydrate starch emulsifier to make an emulsion which results in a composition which is capable of being mixed with water as the oily cannabinoid containing cannabis extract will become surrounded by the starchy emulsion and evenly dispensed in the water.

(10) The infusion of the cannabinoids into the paper, during the paper-making process, preferably during the sizing step, results in superior uniformity of the concentration of cannabinoids within the paper. Then, when this rolling paper is used with tobacco, cannabis, or another leafy substance the cannabinoid, infused into the paper, will be activated by the heat of the lighting or burning of the cigarette which will tend to jump start or boost the considered pleasant effect of the smoking of the same.

(11) By using an emulsifier with the cannabinoid containing cannabis extract, preferably a modified carbohydrate or starchy substance (See representative FIG. 1 of the basic chemical formula) more preferably hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose, the cannabinoids tend to become somewhat miscible with the water and this allows the same to be effectively used in the paper-making process. A uniform concentration of cannabinoids throughout the surface area of the paper is the result, far superior uniformity than that obtained by spraying cannabinoid containing cannabis extract onto the already dried, folding papers, at the time of use, and far more evenly concentrated and controlled in concentration than using a brush, dipping, and/or dropping small droplets of cannabinoid containing cannabis extract onto a rolled cigarette with dried rolling papers.

(12) The cannabinoids, when surrounded with the starchy/carbohydrate emulsifier leads to an emulsion which is a highly stable composition over long time periods (useful for shelf life of the rolling papers) and is also stable at a wide range of expected room temperatures.

(13) Appendix A shows a standard operating procedure of laboratory simulation of the cannabinoid infused rolling paper of the present invention. The Cannabinoid infused rolling paper is made from a combination of hemp, flax, rice and/or wood components.

APPENDIX A

(14) 1. Title: Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Creation

(15) 2. Purpose: This SOP describes the process of creating a cannabinoid infused rolling paper prototypes including hemp, flax, rice, and wood.

(16) 3. Scope: This procedure pertains to any manufacturing or processing personnel performing cannabinoid infused rolling paper prototype creation.

(17) 4. Responsibility: The Quality Assurance Manager shall ensure that any manufacturing and quality control personnel are trained and proficient to complete this SOP properly.

(18) 5. References:

(19) 5.1: The Papermaking Process a general guide to paper manufacture and formulation
6. Abbreviations and Definitions: 6.1: THC: Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, CAS#1972-08-3 6.2: CBD: Cannabidiol, CAS#13956-29-1 6.3: Blended Paper Slurry: a liquid combination of paper making components and cannabis oil
7. Frequency: 7.1: Utilize when the creation of a cannabinoid infused rolling paper prototype is needed.
8. Equipment and Supplies Necessary to Complete SOP: 8.1 C3001S: Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Creation Sheet 8.2 Cannabinoid Oils Corresponding which have been tested for potency and safety by 3rd party analytical services. 8.3 Calibrated Analytical Balance 8.4 Weighing Dish 8.5 500 mL graduated cylinder 8.6 Calculator 8.7 Pulping Blender with a >1 L capacity 8.9 Power Heat Press with a 1 ton capacity and the ability to heat up to at least 110 C 8.10 Papermaking raw materials: 8.10.1 Pulp: Hemp, Rice, Wood, Flax 8.10.2 Distilled Water 8.10.3 200 Proof Ethanol 8.10.4 Calcium Carbonate 8.10.5 Methyl Cellulose 8.10.6 Titanium Dioxide 8.10.7 Cationic Starch 8.10.8 Magnesium Carbonate 8.10.9 Papermaking Deckle and Screen Set 8.10.10 2 Dram Jar 8.10.11 Silicone rectangular basin 8.10.12 Drying Felt and Couch
9. General Information:
10. Procedure: 10.1 Utilize a Calibrated Mass Balance for each mass measurement located in C3001S: Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Creation Sheet 10.2 Choose the pulp type raw material: Hemp, Wood, Flax, or Rice 10.3 Create a Sample number for the prototype being created 10.4 Choose the desired number of prototypes to be created and the expected mass of a single paper 10.5 Dispense Water 10.5.1 Place the 500 mL graduated cylinder on the mass balance and press the tare button 10.5.2 Dispense 280 grams of water into the graduated cylinder and record the volume into C3001S: Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Creation Sheet 10.6 Dispense Ethanol 10.6.1 Place the 500 mL graduated cylinder with water on the mass balance and press the tare button 10.6.2 Dispense 152 grams of 200 proof ethanol into the graduated cylinder and record the change in volume into C3001S: Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Creation Sheet 10.6.3 Dispense the total contents of the 500 mL graduated cylinder into the pulping blender 10.7 Dispense Paper Making Constituents 10.7.1 Depending on the number of prototypes that were chosen to be made, the expected mass of a single paper, and the desired percentages of each component, C3001S: Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Creation Sheet will instruct the operator on how much of each paper constituent to dispense 10.7.2 Dispensing of Pulp Starter 10.7.2.1 Input the Desired % of pulp starter into C3001S: Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Creation Sheet 10.7.2.2 Place a weighing dish on the mass balance and press the tare button 10.7.2.3 Dispense the mass calculated from column Target Mass of pulp starter (mg) and record the mass in column Measured Mass of pulp starter (mg) 10.7.3 Dispensing of Calcium Carbonate 10.7.3.1 Input the Desired % of Calcium Carbonate into C3001S: Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Creation Sheet 10.7.3.2 Place a weighing dish on the mass balance and press the tare button 10.7.3.3 Dispense the mass calculated from column Calcium Carbonate (mg) and record the mass in column Measured Mass of Calcium Carbonate (mg) 10.7.4 Dispensing of Methyl Cellulose 10.7.4.1 Input the Desired % of Methyl Cellulose into C3001S: Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Creation Sheet 10.7.4.2 Place a weighing dish on the mass balance and press the tare button 10.7.4.3 Dispense the mass calculated from column Methyl Cellulose (mg) and record the mass in column Measured Mass of Methyl Cellulose (mg) 10.7.5 Dispensing of Titanium Dioxide 10.7.5.1 Input the Desired % of Titanium Dioxide into C3001S: Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Creation Sheet 10.7.5.2 Place a weighing dish on the mass balance and press the tare button 10.7.5.3 Dispense the mass calculated from column Titanium Dioxide (mg) and record the mass in column Measured Mass of Titanium Dioxide (mg) 10.7.6 Dispensing of Cationic Starch 10.7.6.1 Input the Desired % of Cationic Starch into C3001S: Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Creation Sheet 10.7.6.2 Place a weighing dish on the mass balance and press the tare button 10.7.6.3 Dispense the mass calculated from column Cationic Starch (mg) and record the mass in column Measured Mass of Cationic Starch (mg) 10.7.7 Dispensing of Magnesium Carbonate 10.7.7.1 Input the Desired % of Magnesium Carbonate into C3001S: Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Creation Sheet 10.7.7.2 Place a weighing dish on the mass balance and press the tare button 10.7.7.3 Dispense the mass calculated from column Magnesium Carbonate (mg) and record the mass in column Measured Mass of Magnesium Carbonate (mg) 10.7.8 Charge all mass measured constituents for the creation of a cannabinoid infused rolling paper prototype into the pulping blender 10.7.8.1 Blend on high for no less than 30 minutes 10.8 Dispense Cannabis Oil 10.8.1 Input the averaged triplicate potency for THC or CBD into C3001S: Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Creation Sheet and the associated sample number. 10.8.2 Dispense the mass calculated from column Target Mass of Cannabis Oil (mg) into a tared Dram Jar and record the mass in column Measured Mass of Cannabis Oil (mg) 10.8.3 Charge 1 mL of 200 proof ethanol into Dram Jar with dispensed cannabis oil. 10.8.4 Cap the Dram Jar and mix until no discernable bi-layer is detected. 10.8.5 Charge the ethanol cannabinoid tincture into the blended paper slurry and mix for a minimum of 20 minutes 10.8.6 The resulting mixture should appear even in texture and color, if not, mix for an additional 10 minutes. 10.9 Creation of the Cannabinoid Infused Rolling Paper Prototype Web 10.9.1 Build the Web making Deckle by sandwiching a screen and grid piece between two wooden deckle pieces 10.9.2 Place the completed Deckle into the silicone rectangular basin 10.9.3 Pour the blended paper and cannabinoid slurry through the deckle screen until the level of liquid in the silicone rectangular basin is above the screen level 10.9.4 Gently squeeze the sandwiched deckle together and move it back and forth under the slurry layer to achieve and even dispersion of web slurry 10.9.5 Lift the sandwiched deckle evenly out of the silicone rectangular basin and turn it 90 degrees so the deckle may rest above the slurry level and drain effluent white water back into the basin 10.9.6 Allow the deckle to drain for 10 minutes 10.9.7 After the initial drying period, remove the top wooden deckle 10.9.8 Lift the screen off of the grid and flip it over onto a couch drying sheet which has been placed on a drying felt sheet 10.9.9 Gently peel the screen material back revealing a web on the opposing couch drying sheet 10.9.10 Place another couch drying sheet and a felt drying sheet on top of the newly created web 10.9.11 Place the sandwiched web in the Power Heat Press and close the handle for a minimum of 700 seconds at 110 degrees celsius 10.9.12 Once the minimum amount of heated power pressing has been achieved, lift the Power Heat Press' handle and remove the sandwiched web 10.9.13 Peel away the top drying felt and couch sheet to reveal a newly dried paper than can be removed by peeling it away from the opposing couch and felt drying sheets. 10.10 QC Analysis for Content Uniformity 10.10.1 Cut as many rolling paper sized sheets out of the dried paper. The dimensions must be uniform between all samples i.e. L: 2.96 W: 1.72 Mass: 57.63 mg Area: 5.09{circumflex over ()}2 for a standard rolling paper 10.10.2 Measure the mass of each individual paper and assign a sample number. Repeat for all remaining papers 10.10.3 Submit all samples to the internal QC department or a 3rd party analytical lab for potency analysis 10.10.4 Once the results are ready, calculate the potency average, mean, standard deviation, and relative standard deviation 10.10.5 Compare computed statistical analysis with specified pass/fail criteria 10.10.5.1 In the measure of THC, a relative standard deviation of 10% or less constitutes a PASS designation 10.10.5.2 In the measure of THC, a relative standard deviation of greater than 10% constitutes a FAIL designation.

(20) Appendix B shows the Standard Operating Procedure for manufacturing and testing the sizing agent precisely in a laboratory environment. The sizing agent, with the emulsifier, is combined with the cannabinoid containing cannabis extract. That combination, too, can be first simulated in a lab for initial quantity and concentration control.

APPENDIX B

(21) 1. Title: Cannabinoid Infused Paper Sizing Agent Formulation for Rolling Paper Creation

(22) 2. Purpose: This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) describes the process of creating a cannabinoid infused paper sizing agent formulation for infusion into paper during the paper manufacturing process.

(23) 3. Scope: This procedure pertains to any manufacturing or processing personnel performing cannabinoid infused paper sizing agent formulation.

(24) 4. Responsibility: The Quality Assurance Manager shall ensure that any manufacturing and quality control personnel are trained and proficient to complete this SOP properly.

(25) 5. References:

(26) 5.1: The Papermaking Process a general guide to paper manufacture and formulation
6. Abbreviations and Definitions: 6.1: THC: Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, CAS#1972-08-3 6.2: Blended Paper Slurry: a liquid combination of paper making components and cannabis oil
7. Frequency: 7.1: Utilize when the creation of a cannabinoid infused sizing agent prototype is needed.
8. Equipment and Supplies Necessary to Complete SOP: 8.1 Worksheet C3002: Cannabinoid Infused Sizing Agent Formulation Sheet 8.2 Cannabinoid containing Oils with corresponding cannabinoid potency determined by a qualified testing laboratory 8.3 Calibrated Analytical Balance featuring a repeatability of +/0.1 g 8.4 2 Clean airtight containers with sufficient capacity to contain the volume of the formulation 8.7 Wand Homogenizer 8.8 Distilled Water 8.9 200 Proof Ethanol 8.10 Glycerin 8.11 Sorbitol 8.12 Methyl Cellulose 8.14 50 mL polypropylene screw-top tube 8.15 Laboratory Marker (Sharpie) 8.16 Glass Beaker with sufficient volume to contain the cannabis oil and ethanol used in the formulation.
9. General Information:
10. Procedure: 10.1 Utilize a Calibrated Mass Balance for each mass measurement 10.2 Assign a sample identification number for the prototype being created 10.3 Formulate the Sizing Agent Base Formulation: All data entry and calculations will occur on associated worksheet C3002S: Cannabinoid Infused Sizing Agent Formulation Sheet in the first tab entitled Sizing Agent Base Formulation 10.3.1 Place a Clean container with sufficient capacity to contain the volume of the formulation on the calibrated mass balance and press the tare button 10.3.2 Enter the Target Mass of Finished Formulation (g) into the worksheet 10.3.3 Designate and enter the Target composition of Glycerine in formulation (% w/w) into the worksheet. The worksheet will calculate a Calculated target Mass of Glycerine to add to formulation (g) 10.3.4 Dispense the Calculated target Mass of Glycerine to add to formulation (g) into the clean container located on the balance and record the Measured Mass of Glycerine Added to Formulation (g) into the worksheet. 10.3.5 Designate and enter the Target composition of water in formulation (% w/w) The worksheet will calculate a Calculated target Mass of Water to add to formulation (g) 10.3.6 Tare the mass of the Container and its contents located on the balance. 10.3.7 Dispense the Calculated target Mass of Water to add to formulation (g) into the container and record the Measured Mass of Water Added to Formulation (g) into the worksheet. 10.3.8 Designate and enter the Target composition of sorbitol in formulation (% w/w) The worksheet will calculate a Calculated target mass of Sorbitol to add to formulation (g) 10.3.9 Tare the mass of the Container and its contents located on the balance. 10.3.10 Dispense the Target Mass of Sorbitol to add to formulation (g) into the container located on the balance and record the Measured Mass of Sorbitol Added to Formulation (g) into the worksheet 10.3.11 Designate and enter the Target composition of Methylcellulose in formulation (% w/w) into the worksheet. The worksheet will calculate a Calculated target mass of MethylCellulose to add to formulation (g) 10.3.12 Tare the mass of the Container and its contents located on the balance. 10.3.13 Dispense Target Mass of Methylcellulose to add to formulation (g) and record the Measured Mass of Methylcellulose Added to Formulation (g) into the worksheet. 10.4 Infusion of Sizing Agent Base Formulation with Cannabinoid: All data entry and calculations will occur on associated work-sheet C3002S: Cannabinoid Infused Sizing Agent Formulation Sheet in the second tab entitled Infusion of Base Sizing Agent with Cannabinoids 10.4.1 Designate and enter the Desired Mass of Cannabinoid Infused Sizing agent to Formulate (g) into the worksheet 10.4.2 Designate and enter the Desired Target THC Potency of final sizing agent formula (% w/w) into the worksheet 10.4.3 Designate and enter the Cannabis Oil Utilized (sample #) into the worksheet 10.4.4 Designate and enter the Measured THC Potency of Cannabis Oil Used for formulation (% w/w) into the worksheet. 10.4.5.1 Once the information from steps 10.4.1 through 10.4.3 are entered, the work-sheet C3002S: Cannabinoid Infused Sizing Agent Formulation Sheet will calculate the Calculated Target Proportion of Cannabis Oil to add to Sizing Agent Formulation (% w/w) and Target Mass of Sizing Agent Base to add to formulation (g) 10.4.6 Prepare the Cannabis Oil in Ethanol Formulant 10.4.6.1. Place a clean glass beaker with an appropriate capacity to contain the volume of ethanol and cannabis oil for the formulation onto the analytical balance and tare the resulting mass. 10.4.6.2 Dispense the Calculated Target Mass of Cannabis Oil to add to formulation (g) reported in the worksheet into the clean glass beaker and record the resulting measurement into, Measured Mass of Cannabis Oil Added to Formulation (g) 10.4.6.3 Tare the glass beaker and its contents 10.4.6.4 Dispense the calculated, Target Mass of Ethanol to Add to formulation (mL) into the beaker containing the measured mass of cannabis oil and record the Measured mass of Etoh added (g) 10.4.6.5 swirl the contents of the glass beaker together until the oil has homogeneously dispersed into the ethanol to create a homogenous tincture and set aside. 10.4.7 Affix a label onto a clean airtight container with sufficient volume to contain the entire resulting formulation for the purpose of recording the tare mass of the vessel 10.4.8 Place the clean airtight container (with lid) to contain the formulation onto the calibrated analytical balance and measure the mass of the container. 10.4.9 Using a laboratory marker, record the tare mass of the container with lid onto the label 10.4.# Remove the lid of the clean airtight container press the tare button on the analytical balance to tare the mass of the container used for the formulation 10.4.10 While the airtight container remains on the analytical balance, dispense the Calculated Target Mass of Sizing Agent Base to add to formulation formulated in Procedure 10.3 and enter the resulting Measured Mass of Sizing Agent added (mg) into the worksheet 10.4.11 Press the Tare button on the analytical balance to re-zero the balance 10.4.12 While the airtight container remains on the analytical balance, pour the contents of the glass beaker containing the Cannabis Oil in Ethanol Formulant from Procedure 10.4.# into the airtight container ensuring that the entire contents are carefully added 10.4.13 Utilizing the Wand Homogenizer, mix formulation for 20 minutes. 10.4.14 Examine the resulting homogenized mixture for any sign of a lack of content uniformity 10.4.15 If there are signs of lack of content uniformity such as a non homogeneous coloration, oil slick on the top of the formulation or differing densities of material repeat procedure 10.4.# until there are no discernable signs of lack of formulation uniformity 10.5 Quality Control Analysis for Content Uniformity 10.5.1 Dispense 100 mg of resulting Cannabinoid Infused Paper Sizing Agent Formulation for Rolling Paper Creation into a fresh 50 mL polypropylene screw-top tube. Repeat two more times for a total of 3 samples. 10.5.2 Assign a sample number. Repeat for all remaining samples 10.5.3 Submit all samples to the internal quality control department or a 3rd party analytical lab for cannabinoid potency analysis 10.5.4 Once the cannabinoid potency results are available, calculate the potency average, mean, standard deviation, and relative standard deviation 10.5.5 Compare computed statistical analysis with specified pass/fail criteria 10.5.5.1 In the measure of THC, a relative standard deviation of 10% or less constitutes a PASS designation 10.5.1 In the measure of THC, a relative standard deviation of greater than 10% constitutes a FAIL designation. Repeat procedure 10.4.9, Utilizing the Wand Homogenizer, mix formulation for 20 minutes. and then repeat procedure 10.5 in its entirety.

(27) The disclosed embodiment is illustrative and not meant to be restrictive. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims herein as interpreted by the Courts. While specific configurations of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that the present invention can be applied in a wide variety of ways without departing from the basic teaching of the invention. There are many alternative ways of implementing the present invention as will appear and be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art of paper making and the chemistry and mechanics of paper-making.