Thermal isomerization of CBCan to THCan [nonaromatic analogues of plant cannabinoids cannabichromene (CBC) and Δ1-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), respectively] is predicted in silico and demonstrated experimentally. Density functional theory calculations support a similar isomerization mechanism for the corresponding plant cannabinoids. Docking studies suggest that THCan, although nonaromatic, has a CB1 receptor binding affinity similar to that of natural THC.

Herein we report a laser micrometer-based technique to measure real-time dimensional changes occurring orthogonal to the surface of adsorbed polymer films. With particular regard to electromechanical actuators, this technique compliments the widely used bending beam method (BBM). Advantages of this technique include facile integration of commercially available hardware, minimal restrictions on electrode composition, and detection limits within the micrometer regime. The general utility of this technique to analyze polymers exhibiting stimulus-induced dimensional changes is presented with an emphasis on electromechanical actuators and vaporesistive sensors.