Plasma concentrations of eleven cannabinoids in cattle following oral administration of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa)

Michael D Kleinhenz,Johann F Coetzee,Katie E Kleinhenz,Zhoumeng Lin,Andrew Curtis,Shawnee Montgomery,Miriam Martin,Geraldine Magnin,Jason Griffin

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-69768-4

Michael D Kleinhenz, Johann F Coetzee + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-69768-4

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Abstract

Cannabinoid production for medicinal purposes has renewed interest in utilizing byproducts of industrial hemp (IH) as a feed source for livestock. However, the presence of bioactive residues in animal tissues may pose a risk to consumers. The purpose of this study was to characterize the plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of cannabinoids and their metabolites in cattle after a single oral exposure to IH. Eight castrated male Holstein calves received a single oral dose of 35 g of IH to achieve a target dose of 5.4 mg/kg cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). Blood samples were collected for 96 h after dosing. Plasma cannabinoid concentrations were profiled using liquid chromatography coupled with mass-spectroscopy (UPLC) and PK parameters were calculated using noncompartmental methods. The cannabinoids CBDA, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-A (THCA-A), cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) were detected in all cattle after IH dosing. The geometric mean maximum concentration of CBDA of 72.7 ng/mL was observed at 14 h after administration. The geometric mean half-life of CBDA was 14.1 h. No changes in serum biochemistry analysis were observed following IH dosing compared to baseline values. These results show acidic cannabinoids, especially CBDA, are readily absorbed from the rumen and available for distribution throughout the body.

Highlights

Cannabinoid production for medicinal purposes has renewed interest in utilizing byproducts of industrial hemp (IH) as a feed source for livestock
The absence of published data describing the disposition of bioactive phytocannabinoid compounds including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA-A), and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) in edible tissues after hemp consumption is a significant impediment to future animal health and production research in this field
The objective of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics of the cannabinoid, CBDA, and to describe the presences of other cannabinoids found in plasma after administration of industrial hemp with known cannabinoid content to cattle

Summary

Introduction

Cannabinoid production for medicinal purposes has renewed interest in utilizing byproducts of industrial hemp (IH) as a feed source for livestock. No changes in serum biochemistry analysis were observed following IH dosing compared to baseline values These results show acidic cannabinoids, especially CBDA, are readily absorbed from the rumen and available for distribution throughout the body. The 2018 Farm Bill took the additional step of removing industrial hemp (IH) from the DEA list of Schedule I drugs renewing interest in hemp cultivation as a novel agricultural commodity Hemp plants, and their by-products, are considered to have nutritional and potentially therapeutic value when used as a feed source in livestock. The objective of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics of the cannabinoid, CBDA, and to describe the presences of other cannabinoids found in plasma after administration of industrial hemp with known cannabinoid content to cattle

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