CIGAR INFUSEMENT

Abstract

Systems and methods for applying compounds, including cannabis metabolites, to plant materials and plant products are provided. Various solvents may be used to dissolve relatively pure cannabis isolates as part of the process. An immersion, a spray, and an injection method may be used to apply cannabinoids, terpenes, and other products to the plant materials and plant products.

Claims

1. A method for infusing a plant product with one or more compounds, the method comprising: integrating a solvent with at least one cannabis metabolite to create an infusing solution; and applying the infusing solution to the plant product.

2. The method of claim 2, wherein applying the infusing solution comprises: spraying the plant product with the infusing solution.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plant product is a pre-rolled cigar.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein applying the infusing solution comprises: injecting the pre-rolled cigar through a cut end of the cigar with the infusing solution.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the injecting operation comprises: using a syringe of less than 27 gauge.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the plant product is a tobacco leaf.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the tobacco leaf is fermented.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the cannabis metabolite is at least one selected from the group consisting of: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), 49-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromene (CBG), Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).

9. A method for infusing a tobacco leaf with a compound, the method comprising: providing solvent, wherein the solvent is at least one of acetone, benzyl alcohol, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, castor oil, citric acid, ethyl acetate, glycerol, glyceryl diacetate, glyceryl triacetate, hexane, isopropanol, methanol, methyl ethyl ketone, methylene chloride, monoglycerides, diglycerides, 1,2-propanediol, triethyl citrate, ethanol, or propylene glycol mono-esters; selecting at least one cannabis metabolite, where the at least one cannabis metabolite is one or more of tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabichromene, cannabigerol, cannabinol, as α-bisabolol, linalool, α-humulene, β-caryophyllene, (+)-limonene, myrcene, α-pinene, α-β-pinene, or terpinolene; combining the at least one cannabis metabolite with the solvent to form a cannabis-infusing solution; applying the cannabis-infusing solution to a plant product or a plant material; and drying the plant product or the plant material.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the cannabis-infusing solution is applied to a cigar having a cut end, a butt end, and a length.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein applying the cannabis-infusing solution comprises: injecting, through the cut end of the cigar, the cannabis-infusing solution.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the injecting operation occurs by inserting a syringe having a tip through the cut end so that the tip of the syringe is near a butt-end injection point, wherein the butt-end injection point is about ⅓ of the length of the cigar away from the butt end of the cigar.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for infusing plant products with cannabis metabolites and other compounds.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a method of infusing plant products using a spray technique.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of infusing plant products using an immersion technique.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of infusing plant products using an injection technique.

[0015] FIG. 5 is an example illustration of a cigar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The terminology used in the disclosure herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used in the description of the embodiments of the disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, as used herein, “and/or” refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, the term “about,” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount of a compound, amount, dose, time, temperature, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of 20%, 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.5%, or even 0.1% of the specified amount. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms used in the description, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0017] Aspects of the technology relate to infusing plant products, such as teas and tobacco, with various cannabis metabolites and other compounds. For example, the present technology may be used to enhance the field of tea and tobacco use. Additionally, certain cannabis metabolites and other compounds synthetically derived or extracted from cannabis plants may serve to enhance or add to the effects of tea and tobacco. While delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known to have a psychotropic effect, other cannabis metabolites are of interest. For example, cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies, cannabigerol (CBG) has shown promise as a potential stimulant, and cannabinol (CBN) may be an effective sleep aid. In other cases, cannabinoids with uncommon molecular architectures, such as cannabicyclol, may have benefits.

[0018] Additionally, the terpenes found in the cannabis plant or other sources may also serve to enhance and/or expand the tea consumption and tobacco consumption experience. As a particular example, linalool, found in both cannabis and lavender, has been shown to have calming effects.

[0019] Further, preliminary evidence has indicated a synergistic effect when multiple cannabis metabolites and other compounds are present simultaneously. For example, certain reports indicate that whole plant extracts seem to enhance the impact of a single cannabinoid and, in some cases, may provide different biological activities.

[0020] As such, it may be useful to infuse one or more cannabis metabolites and other compounds into plant products, such as tobacco leaves and tea leaves. Such infusing may take the form of single isolates, multiple isolates, terpenes, whole-plant extracts, other compounds, synthetically derived compounds, or any combination thereof. Thus, aspects of the present technology may be used to enhance the traditional tobacco consumption and tea consumption experience.

[0021] The technology described herein may be used to infuse plant material with cannabis metabolites and other compounds. The infused plant material may be tobacco leaves, ground tobacco, tobacco products (such as cigars), coffee products, such as beans, dried tea leaves and/or other herbal supplements. Cannabis metabolites may include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and other compounds that are present in varying amounts in cannabis and hemp plant material. These may also include tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidiol, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromene (CBG), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA). Additionally, the cannabis metabolites/other compounds may include terpenes such as α-bisabolol, linalool, α-humulene, β-caryophyllene, (+)-limonene, myrcene, α-pinene, α-β-pinene, and/or terpinolene. Each of the foregoing may be synthetically or naturally derived.

[0022] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a method 100 for infusing plant products and plant materials with cannabis metabolites and other compounds. Method 100 begins with select plant operation 102. In aspects of the technology, the plant material/plant product may be one of a dried tobacco leaf, ground tobacco, dried tea leaf, and/or other plant material. In other aspects of the technology, the plant may be a plant product, such as a cigar, cigarette, tea bag, or the like.

[0023] Method 100 proceeds to provide solvent operation 104. In operation 104, one or more solvents are selected and combined. In aspects of the technology, the one or more solvents may be a combination of any of the following: petroleum ether, pentane, n-hexane, hexanes, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. In some aspects of the technology, the solvent is limited to one or more food-grade solvents, such as acetone, benzyl alcohol, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, castor oil, citric acid, ethyl acetate, glycerol, glyceryl diacetate, glyceryl triacetate, hexane, isopropanol, methanol, methyl ethyl ketone, methylene chloride, monoglycerides, diglycerides, 1,2-propanediol, triethyl citrate, ethanol, propylene glycol mono-esters, and the like.

[0024] Method 100 then proceeds to select first cannabis metabolite/other compound operation 106. In operation 106, (e.g., one or more) cannabis metabolites and/or other compounds may be identified and selected. For example, the selected cannabis metabolites may include one or more of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN). The compounds/cannabis metabolites may also include tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).

[0025] Additionally, the cannabis metabolites/other compounds may include one or more terpenes such as α-bisabolol, linalool, α-humulene, β-caryophyllene, (+)-limonene, myrcene, α-pinene, β-pinene, and/or terpinolene. Further, the selected cannabis metabolites may come in the form of isolates, extracts, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the selected cannabis metabolites may be synthetic. For certain applications, it is desirable to select a composition of cannabis metabolite that substantially replicates the relative percentages of cannabis metabolites naturally present in a cannabis plant. In additional/alternative aspects of the technology, isolates, extracts, and synthetic cannabis metabolites may be combined.

[0026] The selection of the cannabis metabolite may be informed by the potential consumer use of the plant material. For certain applications that involve human, pet, or other animal consumption, the cannabis metabolite(s) or compositions thereof may be selected so as to limit the presence of cannabis waxes and lipids applied to the plant product. It has been observed that certain cannabis waxes and lipids may be harmful to a person if consumed via inhalation through smoking or ingestion. In alternative/additional aspects of the technology, terpenes may be added to alter/enhance the flavor of the plant product. This may occur when the plant material is intended to be used for human consumption. In other aspects, the one or more cannabis metabolites are selected to specifically reduce the presence of terpenes so as to prevent alteration of the taste/smell of the resulting plant product.

[0027] Method 100 then proceeds to combine solvent with cannabis metabolite operation 108. In operation 108, the cannabis metabolite selected in operation 106 is combined with the solvent selected in operation 104. Combining may involve mechanical agitation. In some aspects of the technology, the temperature of the solvent is kept at about 25° C. to 65° C., 35° C. to 65° C., 55° C. to 65° C. The temperature may be selected to aid with the dissolution of the cannabis metabolite in the solution.

[0028] As a particular example, food-grade ethanol may be combined with two cannabis metabolites, namely, a relatively pure form of CBG (e.g., above about 98% CBG by mass) and a relatively pure form CBN (e.g., above about 98% CBN by mass). In other examples, the source of CBN and CBG may be as low as 40% purity by mass. During operation 108, the temperature may be kept at a particular around 20° C. The resulting solution is referred to herein as a cannabis-infusing solution.

[0029] Method 100 then proceeds to apply cannabis infusing solution to plant material operation 110. In operation 110, the plant material is exposed to the cannabis-infusing solution. This may occur using a spray method, such as the spray method described with reference to FIG. 2, an immersion method, such as the immersion method described with reference to FIG. 3, and an injection method, such as the injection method described with reference to FIG. 4. Temperature, pressure, and atmosphere may be selected and controlled during the application phase.

[0030] Method 100 then proceeds to dry operation 112. In operation 112, some or all of the solvent present in the cannabis-infusing solution is evaporated from the plant material to form dried cannabis plant material. In examples, during operation 112, certain environmental factors may be controlled. For example, temperature, pressure, and humidity may be controlled. Additionally, the makeup of the atmosphere in the drying room may be controlled. For example, oxygen levels may be lowered/increased to help control oxidation. Such control may be determined by the cannabis metabolite selected. For example, CBN may be exposed to a relatively higher degree of heat (and thus faster drying) and oxygen relative to other cannabis metabolites without denaturing as quickly as said other cannabis metabolites. For example, CBD may denature faster at the same temperature and pressure vis-à-vis CBN. In other examples, denaturing is desired, so a high temperature/pressure is set, to allow for fast denaturing. This may be useful in applications where it is desirable to reduce THC.

[0031] Method 100 then proceeds to additional application decision 114. In decision 114, it is determined whether one or more cannabis metabolites will be added to the plant material/plant product. For example, operations 104-114 may be repeated one or more times with the same, similar, or different metabolites to the plant material selected in operation 102. This may allow for multiple applications of cannabis metabolites.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a spray method 200 for infusing plant products with cannabis metabolites. Method 200 begins with provide plant material 202. In operation 202, plant material is provided. In aspects of the technology, the plant material is a tobacco leaf that is unfermented. In other aspects of the technology, the tobacco leaf has already been fermented. In examples, the plant material may be a plant product, such as a cigar.

[0033] Method 200 then proceeds to spray operation 204. In spray operation 204, a cannabis-infusing solution is sprayed onto the plant material selected in operation 202. For example, an electrical or hand sprayer is used. In some aspects of the technology, an automated “sprayer” or atomizer may be utilized for the pre and/or post-fermentation process of spraying the plant material, such as spraying the solution onto a tobacco leaf before the leaf has been rolled into a cigar. In alternative examples, a sprayer is applied to the outside of a plant product (such as a cigar) after it has been finished.

[0034] FIG. 3 is an immersion method 300 for infusing plant products with cannabis metabolites. Method 300 begins with provide plant material 302. In operation 302, a plant material is provided. In aspects of the technology, the plant material is a tobacco leaf that is unfermented. In other aspects of the technology, the tobacco leaf has already been fermented. In some aspects, a cigar or other finished product is immersed.

[0035] FIG. 3 then proceeds to immerse operation 304. In operation 304, the one or more plant products selected in operation 302 may be immersed. For example, tobacco leaves (either pre or post-fermentation) may be submerged in a cannabis-infusing solution (e.g., the cannabis-infusing solution described above) for 15 seconds or longer. In examples, this allows the solution to completely cover the plant material (such as the leaves). The plant material (e.g., the leaves) are then removed and set aside to allow solvent (such as ethanol) to evaporate (e.g., the drying step) while retaining cannabinoids on the surface. Once the solvent, such as ethanol, has evaporated the leaves may be used in the cigar manufacturing process.

[0036] With references to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, FIG. 4 is an injection method for infusing plant products with cannabis metabolites/other compounds, and FIG. 5 is an example illustration of a plant product (in this case, a cigar 500). Method 400 begins with provide plant product operation 402. In operation 402, a plant product suitable for human consumption is provided. In aspects of the technology, the plant product may be one of a cigar 500 or a cigarette.

[0037] Method 400 then proceeds to inject operation 404. In operation 404, the plant product may be injected with a cannabis-infusing solution. This may be accomplished using a syringe. In some examples, the gauge of the syringe is equal to or less than 27 gauge. For example, one may inject the cigar 500 by inserting the syringe through the cut end 502. For example, a syringe may be thrust into the cut end 502 of the cigar 500 and pushed down laterally along the longitudinal axis 504. The cigar 502 may be injected one or more times near the center 506, where the desired amount of cannabis-infused solution is added. Diffusion of the solution throughout the cigar provides a cannabis solution throughout the entire cigar, although more concentrated in the center.

[0038] Inject operation 404 may relate to infusing the cigar at multiple locations. A cigar 500 may have a length defined by the distance from the cut end 502 to the butt end 510. Multiple injection locations may be selected. As illustrated, a butt-end injection point 520, a cut-end injection point 522, and/or a center 506 may be injection locations. For example, a butt-end injection point 520 may allow more cannabis metabolite to be present near the butt end 510 versus only an injection at the center 506. Similarly, injection near the cut-end injection point 522 may allow more cannabis metabolite to be present near the cut end 502 versus only an injection at the center 506. Injection at the cut-end injection point 522 and/or the butt end injection point 520 may occur by inserting a syringe into the cut end through the middle 501 and pushing the syringe laterally parallel to the axis 504 until the tip of the syringe is near the injection point of interest and depressing the syringe. In examples, the cut-end injection point 522 may be around ⅓ the total length of the cigar away from the cut end 502. Additionally, the butt-end injection point 522 may be around ⅓ the total length of the cigar away from the butt end 510.

[0039] For certain applications, injecting the cigar 500 at the butt-end injection point 520 versus the cut-end injection point 522 may have advantages. In some applications, the flame of a cigar 500 at the cut end may prematurely vaporize the cannabis metabolites resulting in cannabis metabolites being burned away before a user has the chance to inhale. Loading a cigar toward the butt-end 510 or the center 506 may allow the temperature of the smoke to vaporize the cannabinoids/other compounds in a manner so as to allow a fuller inhalation of cannabis metabolites/other compounds versus injection towards the cut end 512.

[0040] Tables 1-4 below illustrates prospective examples of various applications of cannabis metabolites to plant material using the systems and methods described herein. Each table indicates the treatment of plant material. The application of cannabis metabolites includes injection, immersion, or a spray method. For each table, column 1 indicates the proposed relative humidity during application and drying. Column 2 indicates the proposed metabolite(s) applied during the run. Column 3 indicates the proposed temperature during the drying phase of the run. Column 4 indicates the proposed atmosphere during the drying phase. Column 5 indicates the proposed amount of time the plant material may be dried.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Applied Atmosphere and Humidity metabolite Temperature Pressure Residence time 50% RH 33% CBD + 75 F. 1 atm 10 min 33% CBG + 33% CBC

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Applied Atmosphere and Humidity metabolite Temperature Pressure Residence time 25% RH 50% CBG + 200 F. <1 atm 2 min 50% CBN

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Applied Atmosphere and Humidity metabolite Temperature Pressure Residence time 25% RH 90% CBN + 200 F. 2 atm, 100% 200 min 10% THC oxygen

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Applied Atmosphere and Humidity metabolite Temperature Pressure Residence time 25% RH 90% CBN + 200 F. 2 atm, 100% 200 min 10% THC oxygen

Examples

[0041] In a first example, 98% CBG isolate (the remainder being undetectable trace components) and 95% CBN (with the remainder trace CBD/THC) was combined with food-grade ethanol. The resulting solution had a ratio of 100 mg CBN:70 mg CBG: 100 cubic centimeters of ethanol. One milligram of this infusing solution was sprayed onto a post-fermented tobacco leaf having a size of about 12 inches by 6 inches. The leaf was sprayed using a hand sprayer. The tobacco leaf was allowed to dry for a period of about 10 min in an environment of air at about 25° C. at a humidity of about 25% relative humidity. The result was a tobacco leaf having an average of 4.26% CBN and 3.55% CBG by weight.

[0042] In a second example, 98% CBG isolate (the remainder being undetectable trace components) was combined with food-grade ethanol. The resulting solution has a ratio of 100 mg CBN:100 cubic centimeters of ethanol. One milligram of this infusing solution was injected into the center of the cigar laterally through the cut end. The cigar was allowed to dry for a period of 10 min in an environment of air at about 25° C. at a humidity of about 25% relative humidity. The result was a cigar having an average of 1.41% CBG by weight.

[0043] In a third example, 98% CBN (the remainder being undetectable trace components) was combined with food-grade ethanol. The resulting solution has a ratio of 100 mg CBN:100 cubic centimeters of ethanol. One milligram of this infusing solution was injected into the center of the cigar laterally through the cut end. The cigar was allowed to dry for a period of 10 min in an environment of air at 25° C. at a humidity of about 25% relative humidity. The result was a cigar having an average of 1.26% CBN by weight.

[0044] This procedure may be scaled up. For example, if one needs 1000 cigars with CBN/CBG, a solution may be made with the following formula: 100 grams of CBG, 70 grams of CBN, and 0.5 liter of ethanol.

[0045] While various embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, various changes and modifications may be made which are well within the scope of the disclosed methods. Numerous other changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the disclosure.