Consumables

Abstract

The present invention relates to a consumable product comprising one or more discrete portions of aerosol-forming material, the aerosol-forming material comprising an aerosol former material, a binder, and one or more cannabinoids, each discrete portion comprising from about 0.3 to about 4 mg of the one or more cannabinoids. The present invention also relates to a non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising the consumable product, a method for forming the one or more discrete portions of aerosol-forming material, and a method for delivering an aerosol containing one or more cannabinoids.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to consumables that include one or more discrete portions of aerosol-forming material, methods of making the consumables, and non-combustion aerosol delivery systems that include the consumables. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Alternatives to these types of articles emit inhalable aerosols or vapors by releasing compounds from a substrate material through heating without combustion. These may be referred to as non-combustion smoking articles, aerosol-generating assemblies, or non-combustion aerosol delivery systems.

[0003] One example of such a product is a heating device that releases a compound by heating, rather than burning, a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may optionally contain tobacco material. The heating volatilizes at least one component of the material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. These products may be referred to as non-combustion heating devices, tobacco heating devices, or tobacco heating products (THPs). A variety of different configurations are known for volatilizing at least one component of a solid aerosolizable material.

[0004] Another example is an e-cigarette / tobacco heating product hybrid device, also known as an e-cigarette hybrid device. These hybrid devices contain a liquid source (which may or may not contain nicotine) that is vaporized by heating to produce an inhalable vapor or aerosol. The device further contains a solid aerosolizable material (which may or may not contain tobacco material), the components of which are entrained in the inhalable vapor or aerosol to produce the inhalation vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, there is provided a consumable product comprising one or more discrete portions of aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material comprising an aerosol former material, a binder, and one or more cannabinoids, each discrete portion comprising from about 0.3 to about 4 mg of the one or more cannabinoids.

[0006] The consumable may include or consist of an aerosol-forming material. The consumable may also include one or more other elements, such as a carrier, a filter, or an aerosol-modifying substance (e.g., an ingredient for flavoring or otherwise modifying the properties of an aerosol passing through or over the aerosol-modifying substance).

[0007] In one embodiment, the weight of each individual portion of aerosol-forming material within the consumable varies by no more than about 10%.

[0008] In one embodiment, the individual portions of aerosol-forming material are generally circular, cylindrical, or hemispherical.

[0009] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming one or more discrete portions of aerosol-forming material, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a slurry, the slurry comprising: (i) an aerosol former material; (ii) a binder; (iii) one or more cannabinoids, and (iv) a solvent; (b) forming one or more discrete portions of the slurry; (c) drying one or more discrete portions of the slurry to form one or more discrete portions of aerosol-forming material; Methods are provided wherein each individual portion contains from about 0.3 to about 4 mg of one or more cannabinoids.

[0010] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing an aerosol containing one or more cannabinoids, the method comprising the step of heating discrete portions of aerosol-forming material, the aerosol-forming material comprising an aerosol former material, a binder and one or more cannabinoids, wherein the discrete portions of the aerosol-forming material comprise from about 0.3 to about 4 mg of the one or more cannabinoids.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising a consumable as described herein and a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, which may comprise an aerosol generation device configured to generate an aerosol from the consumable as described herein when the consumable is used with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0012] To the extent that they are combinable, features described herein in the context of one embodiment of the invention are expressly disclosed in combination with each and every other embodiment.

[0013] A further aspect of the invention described herein may provide for the use of the consumable in the generation of an inhalable aerosol.

[0014] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery system including an aerosol delivery device and an aerosol-producing article, the device including multiple heating elements and the article including multiple individual portions of aerosol-generating material. [Figure 2A]2A-2C are views of the aerosol delivery article of FIG. 1 from different angles. [Figure 2B] 2 is another view of the aerosol delivery article of FIG. 1 from a different angle. [Figure 2C] 2 is another view of the aerosol delivery article of FIG. 1 from a different angle. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional top view of a heating element of the aerosol delivery article of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an aerosol delivery system including an aerosol delivery device and an aerosol-producing article, the device including a plurality of inductive work coils, and the article including a plurality of individual portions of aerosol-generating material and corresponding susceptor portions. [Figure 5A] 5A and 5B are views of the aerosol delivery article of FIG. 4 from different angles. [Figure 5B] 5 is another view of the aerosol delivery article of FIG. 4 from a different angle. [Figure 5C] 5 is another view of the aerosol delivery article of FIG. 4 from a different angle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The aerosol-forming materials described herein are materials that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. Each aerosol-forming material may be, for example, in the form of a solid or a gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is a homogeneous solid.

[0018] The aerosol-generating material may be an "amorphous solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a "monolithic solid." The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dry gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the retained fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the aerosol-generating material's surroundings), or the retained fluid may be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water.

[0019] The aerosol-forming material may have any suitable water content, such as from 1% to 15% by weight. Suitably, the water content of the aerosol-forming material may be from about 5%, 7%, or 9% by weight to about 15%, 13%, or 11% by weight (wet weight basis) (WWB). The water content of the aerosol-forming material may be determined, for example, by Karl Fischer titration or gas chromatography with thermal conductivity detection (GC-TCD).

[0020] consumables The present invention provides consumables that can be used in aerosol delivery systems, such as non-combustion aerosol delivery systems. The consumables may be referred to as "articles" or "aerosol-producing articles" throughout this disclosure.

[0021] The consumable comprises one or more discrete portions of aerosol-forming material, the aerosol-forming material comprising an aerosol former material, a binder, and one or more cannabinoids, each discrete portion containing from about 0.3 to about 4 mg of the one or more cannabinoids, i.e., the total amount of cannabinoids in each discrete portion is from about 0.3 to about 4 mg.

[0022] An advantage of the consumable product of the present invention is that there is a controlled and defined amount of cannabinoid within each individual portion of aerosol-forming material, which allows for control of the amount of cannabinoid that is aerosolized during use, resulting in the delivery of a precise dose of cannabinoid to the user.

[0023] In this regard, during use, each individual portion of aerosol-forming material is generally heated separately and independently, with a set number of portions (often only one) being heated above the aerosol-forming temperature at any one time. Only the portion or portions of the material that are heated above the aerosol-forming temperature will emit an aerosol, thereby allowing control of the amount of cannabinoid aerosolized at any one time.

[0024] Conversely, if the material were not in discrete portions (but rather a continuous or bulk solid or liquid), and / or the amount of cannabinoid within each of the discrete portions were not controlled, the amount of cannabinoid aerosolized at any one time may not be precisely controlled or determinable. In this case, the amount of cannabinoid delivered to the user may not be controllable or determinable.

[0025] Precise control of the amount of cannabinoid aerosolized is particularly important with the presence of one or more cannabinoids (e.g., as opposed to another active substance) in the aerosol-generating material because it is usually desirable and / or required, for health and / or regulatory reasons, that the amount of cannabinoid delivered to the user be controlled or known. Control of the price of the entire consumable product can be another advantage to having a controlled and determined amount of cannabinoid in each individual portion.

[0026] A consumable is an article containing or consisting of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that generates heat upon use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0027] The susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration by a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor can be a conductive material, such that penetration of the varying magnetic field into the conductive material results in induction heating of the heating material. The heating material can be a magnetic material, such that penetration of the varying magnetic field into the magnetic material results in magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor can be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms.

[0028] An aerosol modifier is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol-generation area, configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example, by changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or another property of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided within an aerosol modifier-releasing component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0029] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may include, for example, one or more of a fragrance, a colorant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, a string, or granules. The aerosol modifier may not include a filtering material.

[0030] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to provide thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material and form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to provide one or more of vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol-generating material.

[0031] In some embodiments, the consumable product may include from about 1 to about 15 individual portions of aerosol-forming material. In some embodiments, the consumable product may include from about 1 to about 10 individual portions, such as from about 2 to about 8 individual portions or from about 2 to about 6 individual portions.

[0032] In some embodiments, the individual portions of aerosol-forming material are disposed on a substrate. In some embodiments, about 1 to about 15 individual portions of aerosol-forming material, e.g., about 1 to about 10 individual portions, about 2 to about 8 individual portions, or about 2 to about 6 individual portions, are disposed on the surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the individual portions of aerosol-forming material are arranged in a 1 to 3×N array, where N depends on the number of individual portions disposed on the substrate.

[0033] In some embodiments, the consumable product includes at least two separate portions of aerosol-forming material.

[0034] In embodiments in which individual portions of aerosol-generating material are deposited on a carrier, the individual portions of aerosol-generating material are separated from one another so that each of the individual portions can be individually or selectively energized (e.g., heated) to produce an aerosol.

[0035] In some embodiments, the individual portions of aerosol-forming material are generally circular, cylindrical, or hemispherical. The individual portions may take any other shape, such as square or rectangular. In some embodiments, the individual portions of aerosol-forming material are in the form of dots, stripes, or lines.

[0036] The individual portions of aerosol-generating material may have a diameter d and a thickness ta, as shown in Figures 2A-2C. The thickness of the individual portions of aerosol-generating material may be any suitable thickness. For example, the thickness ta may range from 50 μm to 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness ta is about 50 μm to about 200 μm, or about 50 μm to about 100 μm, or about 60 μm to about 90 μm, suitably about 77 μm. In other embodiments, the thickness ta may be greater than 200 μm, such as about 50 μm to about 400 μm, or about 1 mm, or about 1.5 mm.

[0037] In some implementations, each individual portion of aerosol-generating material may have a mass of 20 mg or less, such that the amount of material aerosolized at any one time by a given aerosol-generating component is relatively small. For example, the mass per portion may be 20 mg or less, or 10 mg or less, or 5 mg or less.

[0038] Each individual portion of aerosol-forming material may have a mass of from about 0.1 to about 4 mg. In some embodiments, each individual portion of aerosol-forming material has a mass of from about 0.5 to about 3 mg, from about 0.5 to about 2 mg, or from about 0.5 to about 1 mg.

[0039] In some embodiments, one or more individual portions of aerosol-generating material have the same composition. In some embodiments, at least two individual portions of aerosol-generating material are different from one another. When the individual portions of aerosol-generating material are different from one another, this may allow a user to customize the aerosol received for each inhalation or inhalation session.

[0040] In some embodiments, the weight of each individual portion of aerosol-forming material within the consumable varies by no more than about 10%, such as no more than about 8%, about 7%, about 5%, or about 3%.

[0041] In some embodiments, each individual portion of aerosol-forming material within the consumable has the same or substantially the same weight.

[0042] In some embodiments, the total amount of cannabinoids in any given individual portion is within about 10% of the total amount of cannabinoids in any of the other individual portions, i.e., the amount of cannabinoids in any given individual portion is between about 90% and about 110% of the total amount of cannabinoids in any of the other individual portions.

[0043] In some embodiments, the total amount of cannabinoids in any given individual portion is within about 5%, within about 4%, within about 3%, or within about 2% of the total amount of cannabinoids in any of the other individual portions.

[0044] In some embodiments, the consumable includes at least two separate portions of aerosol-forming material, and the weight of any given separate portion is within about 10% of the weight of any of the other separate portions, i.e., the weight of any given separate portion is between about 90% and about 110% of the weight of any of the other separate portions.

[0045] In some embodiments, the total weight of any given individual portion is within about 5%, about 4%, about 3%, or about 2% of the total weight of any other individual portion.

[0046] In some embodiments, the consumable product includes at least two individual portions of aerosol-generating material, wherein a first individual portion of the aerosol-generating material has a weight of about 1 to about 20 mg, and the weight of each of the other individual portions is between about 90% and about 100% of the weight of the first individual portion.

[0047] In some embodiments, during use, for example, when the aerosol-forming material is heated to a temperature of 350°C or less, e.g., from about 220°C to about 280°C or from about 250°C to about 280°C, for a period of at least 1 second, e.g., from about 1 second to about 5 seconds or from about 1 second to about 3 seconds, at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% by weight of the one or more cannabinoids are aerosolized.

[0048] In some embodiments, at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 100% by weight of the one or more cannabinoids contained within a single discrete portion of aerosol-forming material are aerosolized during a single puff. A single puff may be for about 1 second to about 5 seconds at a temperature of 350°C or less, such as about 220°C to about 280°C or about 250°C to about 280°C. For example, a single puff may be for 3 seconds at a temperature of 350°C or less, such as about 220°C to about 280°C or about 250°C to about 280°C.

[0049] Carrier The individual portions of the aerosol-forming material may be present on or in a carrier support (or carrier component). The carrier may function as a support on which the aerosol-forming material is formed, thereby facilitating manufacturing. The carrier may also provide rigidity to the aerosol-forming material, facilitating handling.

[0050] The carrier may be any suitable material that can be used to support the aerosol-generating material. In some cases, the carrier may be formed from a material selected from metal foil, paper, carbon paper, greaseproof paper, ceramic, carbon allotropes such as graphite and graphene, plastic, cardboard, wood, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the carrier may comprise or consist of a tobacco material, such as a sheet of reconstituted tobacco. In some cases, the carrier may be formed from a material selected from metal foil, paper, cardboard, wood, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the carrier comprises paper. In some cases, the carrier itself may be a laminated structure comprising layers of materials selected from the foregoing list. In some cases, the carrier may also function as a flavor support. For example, the carrier may be impregnated with flavors or tobacco extract.

[0051] In some cases, the carrier may be magnetic. This feature may be used to secure the carrier to an assembly during use or to generate a particular aerosol-generating material shape. In some cases, the consumable may include one or more magnets that can be used to secure the consumable to an induction heater during use.

[0052] In some cases, the carrier may be substantially or entirely impermeable to gases and / or aerosols. This prevents the passage of aerosols or gases through the carrier layer, thereby controlling the flow and ensuring that the flow is delivered to the user. This can also be used to prevent condensation or other deposition of gases / aerosols during use, for example, on the surface of a heater provided in the aerosol generation assembly. This may improve consumption efficiency and hygiene.

[0053] In some cases, the surface of the carrier that contacts the aerosol-generating material may be porous. For example, in one case, the carrier comprises paper. Porous carriers such as paper are particularly suitable for the present invention. A porous (e.g., paper) layer contacts the aerosol-generating layer and forms a strong bond. The aerosol-generating material is formed by drying a gel; without being limited by theory, it is believed that the slurry from which the gel is formed partially impregnates the porous carrier (e.g., paper), such that when the gel solidifies and forms crosslinks, the carrier is partially bonded within the gel. This results in a strong bond between the gel and the carrier (and between the dried gel and the carrier).

[0054] Additionally, surface roughness can contribute to the strength of the bond between the aerosol-generating material and the carrier. The paper roughness (of the surface that abuts the carrier) may suitably be in the range of 50 to 1000 Bekk seconds, suitably 50 to 150 Bekk seconds, suitably 100 Bekk seconds (measured at air pressure intervals of 50.66 to 48.00 kPa). (A Bekk smoothness tester is an instrument used to measure the smoothness of a paper surface; air at a specified pressure is leaked between a smooth glass surface and a paper sample, and the time (in seconds) for a certain amount of air to seep between these surfaces is the "Bekk smoothness.")

[0055] Conversely, the surface of the carrier facing away from the aerosol-generating material may be placed in contact with the heater, and a smoother surface may provide more efficient heat transfer. Thus, in some cases, the carrier is positioned with a rougher side abutting the aerosol-generating material and a smoother side facing away from the aerosol-generating material.

[0056] In one particular example, the carrier may be a foil backed with paper. The paper layer abuts the layer of aerosol-generating material, and this abutment provides the properties discussed in the previous paragraph. The foil backing is substantially impermeable and provides control of the aerosol flow path. The metal foil backing may also help conduct heat to the aerosol-generating material.

[0057] In other cases, the foil layer of a paper-backed foil abuts the aerosol-generating material, and the foil is substantially impermeable, thereby preventing water provided to the aerosol-generating material from being absorbed into the paper, which could weaken the structural integrity of the paper.

[0058] In some cases, the carrier is formed from or includes a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. The metal carrier may allow for better conduction of thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material. Additionally or alternatively, the metal foil may function as a susceptor in an induction heating system. In certain embodiments, the carrier includes a metal foil layer and a carrier layer, such as cardboard. In these embodiments, the metal foil layer may have a thickness of less than 20 μm, e.g., about 1 μm to about 10 μm, suitably about 5 μm.

[0059] In some cases, the carrier may have a thickness of from about 0.017 mm to about 2.0 mm, suitably from about 0.02 mm, 0.05 mm or 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm or 0.5 mm.

[0060] An exemplary consumable product (also called an aerosol-producing product) 4 including a carrier 42 is shown in Figures 2A-2C. Figure 2A is a top view of the product 4, Figure 2B is an end view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the product 4, and Figure 2C is a side view along the width axis of the product 4.

[0061] In some cases, the carrier 42 is roughly rectangular parallelepiped-shaped, having a length l, a width w, and a thickness tc, as shown in Figures 2A-2C. The length may be about 10 mm to about 150 mm, for example, about 20 mm to about 100 mm or about 30 mm to about 80 mm. The width may be about 4 mm to about 40 mm, for example, about 5 mm to about 30 mm or about 7 mm to about 25 mm.

[0062] As a specific example, the length of the carrier component 42 may be 30 to 80 mm, the width may be 7 to 25 mm, and the thickness may be between 0.2 and 1 mm, however, it should be understood that the above are exemplary dimensions of the carrier component 42, and that in other implementations, the carrier component 42 may have different dimensions as desired.

[0063] In some implementations, the carrier component 42 may include one or more protrusions extending along the length and / or width of the carrier component 42 to help facilitate handling of the item 4 by a user.

[0064] Suitably, the thickness of the carrier layer may be in the range of about 10 μm, 15 μm, 17 μm, 20 μm, 23 μm, 25 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm or 0.1 mm to about 2.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm or 0.5 mm. The carrier may comprise two or more layers, and the thicknesses mentioned herein refer to the combined thicknesses of the layers.

[0065] Aerosol-Generating Materials cannabinoids The one or more cannabinoid compounds may be selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM) and cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabicitran (CBT), and combinations thereof.

[0066] In some embodiments, the one or more cannabinoids include (or are) cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or a combination thereof.

[0067] In some embodiments, the one or more cannabinoids include (or are) cannabidiol (CBD) and / or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

[0068] In some embodiments, the one or more cannabinoids include (or are) cannabidiol (CBD).

[0069] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises nicotine and cannabidiol (CBD).

[0070] In some embodiments, the aerosol production comprises nicotine, cannabidiol (CBD), and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

[0071] Each individual portion of the aerosol-forming material contains from about 0.3 to about 4 mg of one or more cannabinoids. In some embodiments, each individual portion of the aerosol-forming material contains from about 0.3 to about 3.5 mg, from about 0.3 to about 3 mg, from about 0.3 to about 2.5 mg, from about 0.5 to about 2 mg, from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mg, or from about 0.5 to about 1 mg of one or more cannabinoids.

[0072] The aerosol-forming material may comprise from about 1%, 2%, 5%, 12%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 40%, 45%, 50%, or 60% by weight of one or more cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises from about 1 to about 60% by weight of one or more cannabinoids, such as from about 5 to about 50% or from about 20 to about 45% by weight of one or more cannabinoids.

[0073] Aerosol-forming materials The aerosol-forming material may comprise from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 12%, or 13% to about 18%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 45%, 55%, 65%, 75%, or 80% by weight of aerosol former material (all calculated on a dry weight basis). In exemplary embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises 1-80%, 1-50%, 5-35%, 10-25%, 12-20%, or 13-18% by weight of aerosol former material (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0074] The aerosol former material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythrit, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0075] In some embodiments, the aerosol former material comprises one or more polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin, esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate, and / or aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

[0076] In some embodiments, the aerosol former material comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of propylene glycol and glycerol, in some embodiments, the ratio of propylene glycol to glycerol is about 1:0 to about 0:1, e.g., 5:1 to about 1:5, about 2:1 to about 1:2, or about 1:1 to about 1:2.

[0077] In some embodiments, the aerosol former material comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of glycerol.

[0078] Binder In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) a hydrocolloid. In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of alginate, pectin, starch (and derivatives), cellulose (and derivatives such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)), gum, silica or silicone compounds, clay, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) one or more of alginate, pectin, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, acacia gum, fumed silica, PDMS, sodium silicate, kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0079] In some embodiments, the binder is a cellulosic binder that may be selected from the group consisting of hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and combinations thereof.

[0080] In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) a non-cellulosic binder, which may be selected from the group consisting of agar, xanthan gum, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, pectin, carrageenan, starch, alginate, and combinations thereof, hi some embodiments, the non-cellulosic binder is alginate.

[0081] In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) one or more of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose, alginate, pectin, guar gum, and acacia gum.

[0082] In some embodiments, the binder comprises alginate and / or pectin.

[0083] In some embodiments, the binder comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of alginate and pectin.

[0084] In some embodiments, the binder comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more of carboxymethylcellulose, alginate, and pectin.

[0085] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises from about 0.5% to about 60% by weight of binder, e.g., from about 5% to about 50% by weight, from about 10% to about 35% by weight, from about 15% to about 30% by weight, or from about 15% to about 25% by weight.

[0086] Filler The aerosol-forming material may further comprise a bulking agent. The use of a bulking agent can help reduce the viscosity of the aerosol-forming material, for example, when high levels of aerosol-former material are present.

[0087] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises less than about 50% by weight of filler, such as about 1% to 50% by weight, or 5% to 40% by weight, or 5% to 30% by weight, or 10% to 20% by weight.

[0088] In other embodiments, the aerosol-forming material contains less than 20% by weight of filler, suitably less than 10% by weight or less than 5% by weight. In some cases, the aerosol-forming material contains less than 1% by weight of filler, and in some cases, the aerosol-forming material contains no filler.

[0089] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 18%, or 20% to about 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, or 30% by weight of filler (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-forming material may comprise 5-45%, 10-40%, 18-35%, or 20-30% by weight of filler (all calculated on a dry weight basis). These amounts represent the total amount of filler in the aerosol-forming material.

[0090] When present, the filler may include one or more inorganic filler materials such as calcium carbonate, chitosan, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic adsorbents such as molecular sieves. The filler may also include one or more organic filler materials such as wood pulp, tobacco pulp, hemp fiber, starch and starch derivatives such as maltodextrin, cellulose and cellulose derivatives such as milled cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, and nanocrystalline cellulose. In certain cases, the aerosol-forming material does not include calcium carbonate, such as chalk.

[0091] In some embodiments, the filler is fibrous. For example, the filler may be a fibrous organic filler material such as wood pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose or a cellulose derivative, such as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and / or nanocrystalline cellulose.

[0092] In some cases, the filler includes maltodextrin or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).

[0093] As is well understood by those skilled in the art, microcrystalline cellulose can be formed by depolymerizing cellulose through a chemical process (e.g., using an acid or enzyme). One exemplary method for forming microcrystalline cellulose involves acid hydrolysis of cellulose using an acid such as HCl. The cellulose produced after this treatment is crystalline (i.e., no amorphous regions remain). Suitable methods and conditions for forming microcrystalline cellulose are well known in the art.

[0094] In some cases, the filler comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of wood pulp, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.

[0095] In some cases, the filler comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of wood pulp and calcium carbonate.

[0096] In some cases, the filler comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of wood pulp.

[0097] The aerosol-forming material may comprise from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 12%, or 13% to about 15%, 17%, or 20% by weight wood pulp (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0098] The aerosol-forming material may comprise from about 10%, 20%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or 45% to about 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70% by weight of calcium carbonate (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0099] acid The aerosol-generating material may include an acid. The acid may be an organic acid. In some embodiments, the acid may be at least one of a monoprotic acid, a diprotic acid, and a triprotic acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may contain at least one carboxyl functional group. In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of an alpha-hydroxy acid, a carboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, a tricarboxylic acid, and a keto acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be an alpha-keto acid.

[0100] In some embodiments, the acid may be at least one of succinic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, levulinic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, formic acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, propionic acid, and pyruvic acid.

[0101] Suitably, the acid is lactic acid. In other embodiments, the acid is benzoic acid. In other embodiments, the acid may be an inorganic acid. In some of these embodiments, the acid may be a mineral acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, boric acid, and phosphoric acid. In some embodiments, the acid is levulinic acid.

[0102] In embodiments in which the aerosol-forming material includes nicotine, it is particularly preferred to include an acid. In such embodiments, the presence of an acid can stabilize dissolved species in the slurry from which the aerosol-forming material is formed. The presence of an acid can reduce or substantially prevent evaporation of nicotine during drying of the slurry, thereby reducing nicotine loss during production.

[0103] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming material includes a binder, including a cellulosic binder and / or a non-cellulosic binder, an active agent, and an acid.

[0104] Flavoring agents In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may further include a flavoring agent.

[0105] The aerosol-forming material may comprise from about 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, or 35% by weight to about 45%, 50%, or 60% by weight of flavoring (all calculated on a dry weight basis). In exemplary embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises from 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 35% by weight to about 42%, 45%, or 47% by weight of flavoring. For example, the aerosol-forming material may comprise 1-60%, 1-45%, 10-45%, 20-50%, 30-50%, 30-45%, or 35-45% by weight of flavoring.

[0106] As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "flavoring" refer to materials that may be used, where local regulations permit, to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in products intended for adult consumers.They may be any naturally occurring flavoring material, botanical material, extracts of botanical material, synthetically derived material, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tomato, etc.). Tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, eggplant, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, Sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento, mace, damián, maji The additives may include other additives such as cholam, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway seeds, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners.They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0107] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco.

[0108] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may include a sensation eliciting agent intended to achieve somatic sensations typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to, or instead of, scent or taste nerves, and may include agents that produce heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. A suitable heating agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol or WS-3 (N-ethyl-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanecarboxamide).

[0109] coloring agent The aerosol-generating material may include a colorant. The addition of a colorant can change the visual appearance of the aerosol-generating material. The presence of a colorant in the aerosol-generating material can enhance the visual appearance of the aerosol-generating material. By adding a colorant to the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material can be color-matched to other components of the article that includes the aerosol-generating material.

[0110] Depending on the desired color of the aerosol-generating material, various colorants may be used. The color of the aerosol-generating material may be, for example, white, green, red, purple, blue, brown, or black. Other colors are also contemplated. Natural or synthetic colorants, such as natural or synthetic dyes, food-grade colorants, and pharmaceutical-grade colorants, may be used. In certain embodiments, the colorant is caramel, which may impart a brown appearance to the aerosol-generating material. In such embodiments, the color of the aerosol-generating material may be similar to the color of other components (e.g., tobacco material) in the aerosol-generating composition that includes the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the addition of a colorant to the aerosol-generating material makes it visually indistinguishable from other components in the aerosol-generating composition.

[0111] The colorant may be incorporated into the aerosol-forming material during its formation (e.g., when forming a slurry containing the materials that form the aerosol-forming material) or may be applied to the aerosol-forming material after its formation (e.g., by spraying it onto the aerosol-forming material).

[0112] active substance In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises an additional active agent in addition to one or more cannabinoids.

[0113] As used herein, an active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically derived. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, thiamin, vitamins such as B6, B12, or C, melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or another botanical material.

[0114] In one embodiment, the active agent is a legally permitted recreational drug.

[0115] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine, hi some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0116] In some embodiments, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanical substances, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical substance" includes any material derived from a plant, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fiber, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, shells, etc. Alternatively, the material may comprise a synthetically derived active compound naturally occurring in the botanical substance. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, chips, strips, sheets, etc. Exemplary botanicals include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, and lavender. The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: Mentha acuta (peppermint), Mentha cv (peppermint), Egyptian mint, Peppermint piperita (peppermint), Eau de Cologne mint, Candy mint, Curly mint, Kentucky kernel mint, Horse mint, Pineapple mint, Pennyroyal mint, Green mint, and Apple mint.

[0117] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substance is tobacco.

[0118] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substances are selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0119] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substances are selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0120] For example, in some cases, the aerosol-forming composition includes an aerosol-forming material and further includes tobacco material and / or nicotine. In some cases, the aerosol-forming composition may include 5 to 60% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco material and / or nicotine. In some cases, the aerosol-forming composition may include from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 70%, 60%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, or 30% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of the active substance. In some cases, the aerosol-forming composition may include from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 70%, 60%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, or 30% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of the tobacco material. For example, the aerosol-forming composition may contain 1-70%, 10-50%, 15-40%, or 20-35% by weight of tobacco material. In some cases, the aerosol-forming composition may contain from about 1%, 2%, 3%, or 4% to about 20%, 18%, 15%, or 12% by weight of nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-forming composition may contain 1-20%, 2-18%, or 3-12% by weight of nicotine.

[0121] In some cases, the aerosol-forming composition includes an active agent such as tobacco extract. In some cases, the aerosol-forming composition may include 5-60% by weight of tobacco extract (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, the aerosol-forming composition may include from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% by weight to about 60%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, or 30% by weight of tobacco extract (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-forming composition may include 10-50%, 15-40%, or 20-35% by weight of tobacco extract. The tobacco extract may contain nicotine in a concentration such that the aerosol-forming composition includes from 1%, 1.5%, 2%, or 2.5% by weight to about 10%, 8%, 6%, 5%, 4.5%, or 4% by weight of nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming composition may comprise 1-10%, 2.5-8%, or 2-6% nicotine by weight. In some cases, there may be no nicotine present in the aerosol-forming composition other than that provided by the tobacco extract.

[0122] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming composition does not contain tobacco material but does contain nicotine. In some such cases, the aerosol-forming composition may contain from about 1%, 2%, 3%, or 4% to about 20%, 18%, 15%, or 12% by weight of nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-forming composition may contain 1-20%, 2-18%, or 3-12% by weight of nicotine.

[0123] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is substantially free of tobacco. By "substantially free," we mean that the material contains less than 1% by weight of tobacco, for example, less than 0.5% by weight of tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material does not contain tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming material does not contain fiber materials.

[0124] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming composition does not include tobacco fiber. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming composition does not include fibrous material.

[0125] method According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming one or more discrete portions of aerosol-forming material, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a slurry, (i) an aerosol former material; (ii) a binder; and (iii) one or more cannabinoids; and (iv) a solvent; (b) forming one or more discrete portions of the slurry; (c) drying one or more discrete portions of the slurry to form one or more discrete portions of aerosol-forming material; Methods are provided wherein each individual portion contains from about 0.3 to about 4 mg of one or more cannabinoids.

[0126] The method may be used to form a consumable product of the invention. Thus, according to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming a consumable product (e.g., a consumable product as described herein) comprising one or more discrete portions of aerosol-forming material, the method comprising: (a) preparing a slurry, the slurry comprising: (i) an aerosol former material; (ii) a binder; and (iii) one or more cannabinoids; and (iv) a solvent; (b) forming one or more discrete portions of the slurry; (c) drying one or more discrete portions of the slurry to form one or more discrete portions of aerosol-forming material; Methods are provided wherein each individual portion contains from about 0.3 to about 4 mg of one or more cannabinoids.

[0127] Step (b) may include forming one or more discrete portions of the slurry on a carrier, in which case the entire consumable will include a carrier as described herein.

[0128] Step (b) may, for example, involve casting the slurry on a support.

[0129] The drying step (c) may optionally remove about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% to about 80%, 90%, or 95% (WWB) of the water in the slurry.

[0130] The drying step (c) may, in some cases, reduce the thickness of the material by at least 80%, suitably 85% or 87%. For example, the slurry may be cast at a thickness of 2 mm and the resulting dried aerosol-generating material may have a thickness of 0.2 mm.

[0131] During step (c), the slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, or 90% by weight of the solvent.

[0132] The slurry itself may also form part of the present invention. In some cases, the slurry solvent may consist essentially of or consist of water. In some cases, the slurry may contain about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% by weight of solvent (WWB).

[0133] When the solvent comprises water, the dry weight content of the slurry can match the dry weight content of the aerosol-forming material. Accordingly, discussions herein of solid compositions are expressly disclosed in conjunction with the slurry aspects of the invention.

[0134] Non-combustion aerosol delivery system One aspect of the present invention provides a non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising a consumable product as described herein and a non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0135] A non-combustion aerosol delivery system may also be referred to as an aerosol generating assembly. A non-combustion aerosol delivery device may be referred to as an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0136] A non-combustion aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosolizable materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are not burned or combusted to facilitate delivery of the aerosol to a user. Furthermore, as is common in the art, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol," as well as related terms such as "vaporize," "volatilize," and "aerosolize," may generally be used interchangeably.

[0137] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0138] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0139] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device is a non-combustion heating device.

[0140] Non-combustion aerosol delivery systems often, but not necessarily, comprise modular assemblies that include both reusable aerosol delivery devices and replaceable items (also referred to as consumables). In some implementations, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may comprise a power source and a controller (i.e., control circuitry). The power source may be, for example, a power source, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery, or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source comprises a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transfer material proximate the heat-generating power source. In some implementations, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may also comprise an aerosol-generating component.

[0141] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating component is a heater that can interact with the aerosolizable material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosolizable material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating component can generate an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the aerosol-generating component can generate an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat to the aerosol, e.g., by one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurized, or electrostatic means.

[0142] The heater is configured to heat the consumable, and therefore the aerosol-generating material, without burning it. In some cases, the heater may be a thin-film, electrically resistive heater. In other cases, the heater may comprise an induction heater or the like. The heater may be a combustion-based heat source or a chemical heat source that undergoes an exothermic reaction to generate heat during use. The aerosol-generating assembly may include multiple heaters. The heater may be battery-powered.

[0143] The consumable may further comprise a cooling element and / or a filter. The cooling element, if present, may act or function to cool the gas or aerosol components. In some cases, the cooling element may act to cool the gas components so that they condense to form an aerosol. The cooling element may also act to move hot portions of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device away from the user. The filter, if present, may include any suitable filter known in the art, such as a cellulose acetate plug.

[0144] In some cases, the aerosol-generating assembly may be a non-combustion heating device. That is, the aerosol-generating assembly may contain a solid tobacco-containing material (and no liquid aerosol-generating material). In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may include tobacco material. Non-combustion heating devices are disclosed in WO 2015 / 062983, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0145] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol using the non-combustion aerosol delivery system described herein. In some embodiments, the method includes heating the aerosol-generating material to a temperature of 350°C or less. In some embodiments, the method includes heating the aerosol-generating material to a temperature of about 220°C to about 280°C. In some embodiments, the method includes heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material to a temperature of about 220°C to about 280°C over a use session.

[0146] As used herein, a "use session" refers to a single period of use of the non-combustion aerosol delivery system by a user. A use session begins when power is first applied to at least one heating unit present in the heating assembly. The device is ready for use after a period of time has elapsed since the start of the use session. A use session ends when power is no longer applied to any of the heating elements. The end of a use session may coincide with the end of the article (when the total particulate matter yield (mg) in each puff is deemed unacceptably low by the user). A session has a duration of multiple puffs. The session may have a duration of less than 7 minutes, or less than 6 minutes, or less than 5 minutes, or less than 4 minutes 30 seconds, or less than 4 minutes, or less than 3 minutes 30 seconds. In some embodiments, a use session may have a duration of 2 to 5 minutes, or 3 to 4.5 minutes, or 3.5 to 4.5 minutes, or suitably 4 minutes. A session may be initiated by a user activating a button or switch on the device, initiating a temperature increase in at least one heating element.

[0147] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a schematic diagram of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system 1 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The aerosol delivery system 1 comprises two main components: an aerosol delivery device 2 and a consumable item (also referred to as an aerosol-producing item) 4.

[0148] The aerosol delivery device 2 comprises an outer housing 21, a power source 22, a control circuit 23, a plurality of aerosol generating components 24, a receptacle 25, a mouth end 26, an air inlet 27, an air outlet 28, a touch-sensitive panel 29, an inhalation sensor 30, and an end-of-use indicator 31.

[0149] The outer housing 21 may be formed from any suitable material, such as a plastic material. The outer housing 21 is arranged such that the power source 22, control circuitry 23, aerosol generating component 24, receptacle 25, and inhalation sensor 30 are located within the outer housing 21. The outer housing 21 also defines an air inlet 27 and an air outlet 28, which are described in more detail below. A touch-sensitive panel 29 and an end-of-use indicator are located on the exterior of the outer housing 21.

[0150] The outer housing 21 further includes a mouth end 26. The outer housing 21 and the mouth end 26 are formed as a single component (i.e., the mouth end 26 forms a part of the outer housing 21). The mouth end 26 is defined as the region of the outer housing 21 that includes the air outlet 28 and is shaped so that a user can comfortably place their lips around the mouth end 26 to engage the air outlet 28. In FIG. 1 , the thickness of the outer housing 21 decreases toward the air outlet 28, resulting in a relatively thin portion of the device 2 that may be more easily accepted by the user's lips. However, in other implementations, the mouth end 26 may be a removable component that is separate from but can be coupled to the outer housing 21 and may be removed for cleaning and / or replacement with another mouth end 26.

[0151] Power source 22 is configured to provide operating power to aerosol delivery device 2. Power source 22 may be any suitable power source, such as a battery. For example, power source 22 may include a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. Power source 22 may be removable or may form an integral part of aerosol delivery device 2. In some implementations, power source 22 may be recharged by connecting device 2 to an external power supply (such as a mains power source) via an associated connection port, such as a USB port (not shown), or by a suitable wireless receiver (not shown).

[0152] Control circuitry 23 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery device 2 to provide specific operational functions of the aerosol delivery device 2. Control circuitry 23 may be considered to logically comprise various subunits / circuit elements associated with various aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery device. For example, control circuitry 23 may comprise a logical subunit for controlling the recharging of power source 22. Additionally, control circuitry 23 may comprise a logical subunit for communications, e.g., to facilitate data transfer to and from device 2. However, the primary function of control circuitry 23 is to control the aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material, as described in more detail below. It will be appreciated that the functionality of control circuitry 23 can be provided in a variety of different ways, for example, using one or more suitably programmed programmable computers and / or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets configured to provide the desired functionality. Control circuitry 23 may be connected to power supply 23, receive power from power source 22, and distribute or control the supply of power to other components of the aerosol delivery device 2.

[0153] In the described implementation, the aerosol delivery device 2 further comprises a receptacle 25 configured to receive an aerosol production item 4, such as a consumable item described herein.

[0154] The receptacle 25 is appropriately sized to removably receive the item 4 therein. Although not shown, the device 2 may include a hinged door or removable portion of the outer housing 21 to allow access to the receptacle 25 so that a user may insert and / or remove the item 4 from the receptacle 25. The hinged door or removable portion of the outer housing 21 may also act to retain the item 4 within the receptacle 25 when closed. When the aerosol product item 4 is depleted, or when the user simply desires to switch to a different aerosol product item 4, the aerosol product item 4 may be removed from the aerosol delivery device 2 and a replacement aerosol product item 4 may be placed in the receptacle 25 in its place. Alternatively, the device 2 may include a permanent opening in communication with the receptacle 25 through which the item 4 can be inserted into the receptacle 25. In such implementations, a retention mechanism may be provided to retain the item 4 within the receptacle 25 of the device 2 .

[0155] As can be seen in Figure 1, the device 2 comprises several aerosol-generating components 24. In the described implementation, the aerosol-generating components 24 are heating elements 24, more specifically resistive heating elements 24. The resistive heating elements 24 receive an electric current and convert the electrical energy into heat. The resistive heating elements 24 are made of NiChrome (Ni) which generates heat when it receives an electric current. 20 Cr 80 ) In one implementation, the heating element 24 may comprise an electrically insulating substrate having resistive tracks disposed thereon. However, as discussed above and as will be appreciated, the heating element may be of any suitable form.

[0156] 3 is a cross-sectional top view of the aerosol delivery device 2 showing the arrangement of the heating element 24 in more detail. In FIGS. 1 and 3, the heating element 24 is arranged so that the surface of the heating element 24 forms part of the surface of the receptacle 25. That is, the outer surface of the heating element 24 is flush with the inner surface of the receptacle 25. More specifically, the outer surface of the heating element 24 that is flush with the inner surface of the receptacle 25 is the surface of the heating element 24 that is heated (i.e., its temperature increases) when an electric current is passed through the heating element 24.

[0157] The heating elements 24 are arranged such that when the article 4 is received in the receptacle 25, each heating element 24 aligns with a corresponding individual portion of the aerosol-generating material 44. Thus, in this example, six heating elements 24 are arranged in a 2×3 array that roughly corresponds to the 2×3 array arrangement of the six individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 44 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. However, as discussed above, the number of heating elements 24 may vary in different implementations, such as 8, 10, 12, 14, etc. heating elements 24. In some implementations, the number of heating elements 24 is greater than or equal to 6 and less than or equal to 20.

[0158] 3, it should be understood that each heating element 24 is positioned to align with a corresponding portion of aerosol-generating material 44, as indicated by the corresponding letter following the reference numeral 24 / 44. Thus, each of the heating elements 24 can be individually activated to heat a corresponding portion of aerosol-generating material 44.

[0159] Although heating element 24 is shown flush with the inner surface of receptacle 25, in other implementations heating element 24 may protrude into receptacle 25. In either case, article 4 contacts the surface of heating element 24 when present within receptacle 25 such that heat generated by heating element 24 is conducted to aerosol-forming material 44 via carrier component 42.

[0160] In some implementations, to improve heat transfer efficiency, the receptacle may include a component that applies a force to the surface of the carrier component 42 to press the carrier component 42 against the heater element 24, thereby increasing the efficiency of heat transfer by conduction to the aerosol-forming material 44. Additionally or alternatively, the heater element 24 may be configured to move toward / away from the article 4 and may be pressed against a surface of the carrier component 42 that does not contain the aerosol-forming material 44.

[0161] In use, device 2 (more specifically, control circuitry 23) is configured to deliver power to heating element 24 in response to user input. Broadly speaking, control circuitry 23 is configured to selectively apply power to heating element 24, which in turn heats corresponding portions of aerosol-forming material 44 to generate an aerosol. When a user inhales on device 2 (i.e., inhales at mouth end 26), air is drawn into device 2 through air inlet 27, enters receptacle 25, where it mixes with the aerosol generated by heating aerosol-forming material 44, and is then delivered to the user's mouth via air outlet 28. That is, the aerosol is delivered to the user through mouth end 26 and air outlet 28.

[0162] 1 includes a touch-sensitive panel 29 and an inhalation sensor 30. Collectively, the touch-sensitive panel 29 and the inhalation sensor 30 act as a mechanism for receiving user input to trigger the generation of aerosol and may therefore be loosely referred to as a user input mechanism. The received user input may be said to indicate a user's desire to generate aerosol.

[0163] Touch-sensitive panel 29 may be a capacitive touch sensor and can be operated by a user of device 2 by placing their finger or another suitable conductive object (e.g., a stylus) on the touch-sensitive panel. In the described implementation, the touch-sensitive panel includes an area that the user can press to initiate aerosol generation. Control circuitry 23 may be configured to receive a signal from touch-sensitive panel 29 and use this signal to determine whether the user is pressing (i.e., activating) an area of ​​touch-sensitive panel 29. When control circuitry 23 receives this signal, control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power from power source 22 to one or more of heating elements 24. Power may be supplied for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) from the moment a touch is detected or in response to the length of time a touch is detected. In other implementations, touch-sensitive panel 29 may be replaced by a user-operable button or the like.

[0164] Inhalation sensor 30 may be a pressure sensor, microphone, or the like configured to detect a drop in pressure or airflow caused by a user inhaling on device 2. Inhalation sensor 30 is located in fluid communication with the airflow path (i.e., in fluid communication with the airflow path between inlet 27 and outlet 28). Similar to what is described above, control circuitry 23 may be configured to receive a signal from the inhalation sensor and use this signal to determine whether a user is inhaling on aerosol delivery system 1. When control circuitry 23 receives this signal, control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power from power source 22 to one or more of heating elements 24. Power may be supplied for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) from the moment inhalation is detected or in response to the length of time inhalation is detected.

[0165] In the described example, both the touch-sensitive panel 29 and the inhalation sensor 30 detect the user's desire to begin generating aerosol for inhalation. The control circuitry 23 may be configured to provide power to the heating element 24 only when signals from both the touch-sensitive panel 29 and the inhalation sensor 30 are detected. This may help prevent unintended activation of the heating element 24 due to accidental activation of one of the user input mechanisms. However, in other implementations, the aerosol delivery system 1 may have only one of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and the inhalation sensor 30.

[0166] These aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 (i.e., puff detection and touch detection) may themselves be performed in accordance with established techniques (e.g., using conventional inhalation sensors and inhalation sensor signal processing techniques, and using conventional touch sensors and touch sensor signal processing techniques).

[0167] Turning now to the operation of device 2, in response to detecting a signal transmission from either or both of touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30, control circuit 23 is configured to supply power to one or more of heating elements 24.

[0168] In some implementations, control circuitry 23 may be configured to generate a warning signal indicating end-of-use of item 4, for example, when each of heating elements 24 has been activated a predetermined number of times, or when a given heating element 24 has been activated a predetermined number of times and / or for a given cumulative activation time and / or a given cumulative activation power. In FIG. 1 , device 2 includes end-of-use indicator 31, which in this implementation is an LED. However, in other implementations, end-of-use indicator 31 may comprise any mechanism capable of providing a warning signal to a user. That is, end-of-use indicator 31 may be an optical element for delivering a light signal, a sound generator for delivering an auditory signal, and / or a vibrator for delivering a tactile signal. In some implementations, indicator 31 may be combined with or otherwise provided by a touch-sensitive panel (e.g., if the touch-sensitive panel includes a display element). Device 2 may prevent further activation of device 2 when the warning signal is being output. When the user replaces the item 4 and / or turns off the warning signal via manual means such as a button (not shown), the warning signal may be turned off and the control circuit 23 resets.

[0169] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol delivery system 200 includes components broadly similar to those described in connection with Figure 1, except that the reference numbers have been increased by 200. For efficiency, components having similar reference numbers should be understood to be broadly the same as their counterparts in Figures 1 and 2A-2C unless otherwise specified.

[0170] The aerosol delivery device 202 comprises an outer housing 221, a power source 222, a control circuit 223, an inductive work coil 224a, a receptacle 225, a mouth end 226, an air inlet 227, an air outlet 228, a touch-sensitive panel 229, an inhalation sensor 230, and an end-of-use indicator 231.

[0171] The aerosol-producing article 204 comprises a carrier component 242, an aerosol-generating material 244, and a susceptor element 244b, as shown in more detail in Figures 8A-8C. Figure 5A is a top view of the article 4, Figure 5B is an end view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the article 4, and Figure 5C is a side view along the width axis of the article 4.

[0172] 4 and 5 illustrate an aerosol delivery system 200 that uses induction to heat an aerosol-forming material 244 to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

[0173] In the described implementation, the aerosol generation component 224 is formed of two parts: an inductive work coil 224a disposed within the aerosol delivery device 202, and a susceptor 224b located within the aerosol product article 204. Thus, in this described implementation, each aerosol generation component 224 comprises elements distributed between the aerosol product article 204 and the aerosol delivery device 202.

[0174] Induction heating is a process in which a conductive object, called a susceptor, is heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field through the object. This process is explained by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may include an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are appropriately positioned relative to one another so that the resulting varying magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of current. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated within the object, the flow of the eddy currents against the object's electrical resistance causes the object to heat. This process is called Joule, Ohmic, or resistive heating.

[0175] The susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration by a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The heating material can be an electrically conductive material, such that penetration of the varying magnetic field into the conductive material results in induction heating of the heating material. The heating material can be a magnetic material, such that penetration of the varying magnetic field into the magnetic material results in magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The heating material can be both electrically conductive and magnetic, such that the heating material can be heated by both heating mechanisms.

[0176] Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process by which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by penetrating a changing magnetic field into the object. The magnetic material can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the field. Thus, when a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the applied changing magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes the generation of heat within the magnetic material.

[0177] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, the penetration of a varying magnetic field into the object can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating within the object. Furthermore, the magnetic field can be strengthened by the use of magnetic materials, which can enhance Joule heating.

[0178] In the described implementation, the susceptors 224b are formed from aluminum foil, although it should be understood that other metallic and / or conductive materials may be used in other implementations. As can be seen in Figure 5, the carrier component 242 includes several susceptors 224b whose size and position correspond to the individual portions of the aerosol-forming material 244 disposed on the surface of the carrier component 242. That is, the susceptors 224b have widths and lengths similar to the individual portions of the aerosol-forming material 244.

[0179] The susceptor is shown embedded in the carrier component 242. However, in other implementations, the susceptor 224b may be placed on a surface of the carrier component 242.

[0180] The aerosol delivery device 202 includes a plurality of inductive work coils 224a, shown schematically in Figure 4. The work coils 224a are shown adjacent to the receptacle 225 and are generally flat coils arranged such that the axis of rotation about which a given coil is wound extends into the receptacle 225 and is roughly perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 242 of the article 204. The exact windings are not shown in Figure 4, and it should be understood that any suitable inductive coil may be used.

[0181] Control circuitry 223 includes a mechanism for generating an alternating current through one or more of induction coils 224a. The alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field, as described above, which in turn heats the corresponding susceptor 224b. The heat generated by susceptor 224b is transferred accordingly to the portion of aerosol-generating material 244.

[0182] 1 and 2A-2C, control circuitry 223 is configured to supply current to work coil 224a in response to receiving signals from touch-sensitive panel 229 and / or inhalation sensor 230. Any of the techniques previously described for selecting which heating element 24 is heated by control circuitry 23 may similarly be applied to select which work coil 224a is energized (and thus which portion of aerosol-generating material 244 is subsequently heated) in response to receiving signals from touch-sensitive panel 229 and / or inhalation sensor 230 by control circuitry 223 to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0183] While the above describes an inductively heated aerosol delivery system in which work coil 224a and susceptor 224b are distributed between article 204 and device 202, an inductively heated aerosol delivery system may also be provided in which work coil 224a and susceptor 224b are located solely within device 202. For example, with reference to Figure 4, susceptor 224b may be provided above inductive work coil 224a and positioned such that susceptor 224b contacts the underside of carrier component 242 (similar to aerosol delivery system 1 shown in Figure 1).

[0184] Accordingly, FIG. 4 illustrates a more specific implementation in which inductive heating may be used in aerosol delivery device 202 to generate an aerosol for user inhalation to which the techniques described in this disclosure may be applied.

[0185] While the above describes a system in which an array of aerosol-generating components 24 (e.g., heater elements) is provided to energize individual portions of aerosol-generating material, in other implementations, the article 4 and / or the aerosol-generating components 24 may be configured to move relative to one another. That is, there may be fewer aerosol-generating components 24 than individual portions of aerosol-generating material 44 provided on the carrier component 42 of the article 4, such that relative movement between the article 4 and the aerosol-generating components 24 is required so that each of the individual portions of aerosol-generating material 44 can be individually energized. For example, a movable heating element 24 may be provided within a receptacle 25 such that the heating element 24 can move relative to the receptacle 25. In this manner, the movable heating element 24 can be translated (e.g., in the width and length directions of the carrier component 42) so that the heating element 24 can be aligned with each of the individual portions of aerosol-generating material 44. This approach can reduce the number of aerosol-generating components 42 required while still providing a similar user experience.

[0186] While the above describes implementations in which device 2 can be configured or operated using a touch-sensitive panel 29 attached to device 2, device 2 may instead be configured or controlled remotely. For example, control circuitry 23 may be provided with corresponding communications circuitry (e.g., Bluetooth) that allows control circuitry 23 to communicate with a remote device, such as a smartphone. Thus, touch-sensitive panel 29 may actually be implemented using an app running on the smartphone, or the like. The smartphone may then send user input or configuration to control circuitry 23, which may be configured to act based on the received input or configuration.

[0187] While the above describes implementations in which an aerosol is generated by energizing (e.g., heating) the aerosol-generating material 44, which is then inhaled by the user, it should be understood that in some implementations, the generated aerosol may be passed through or over an aerosol-modifying component to modify one or more properties of the aerosol before being inhaled by the user. For example, the aerosol delivery device 2, 202 may include a breathable insert (not shown) inserted in the airflow path downstream of the aerosol-generating material 44, 244 (e.g., the insert may be positioned at the outlet 28, 228). The insert may include a material that changes any one or more of the flavor, temperature, particle size, nicotine concentration, etc. of the aerosol as it passes through the insert before entering the user's mouth. For example, the insert may include tobacco or treated tobacco. Such a system may be referred to as a hybrid system. The insert may include any suitable aerosol-modifying material, which may include the aerosol-generating materials described above.

[0188] While the above describes implementations in which the aerosol delivery device 2, 202 includes an end-of-use indicator 31, 231, it should be understood that the end-of-use indicator 31, 231 may be provided by another device remote from the aerosol delivery device 2, 202. For example, in some implementations, the control circuitry 23, 223 of the aerosol delivery device 2, 202 may include a communication mechanism that enables data transfer between the aerosol delivery device 2, 202 and a remote device, such as a smartphone or smartwatch. In these implementations, when the control circuitry 23, 223 determines that the item 4, 204 has reached its end-of-use, the control circuitry 23, 223 is configured to send a signal to the remote device, which is configured to generate an alarm signal (e.g., using a display on the smartphone). Other remote devices and mechanisms for generating an alarm signal may be used, as described above.

[0189] In some implementations, the item 4, 204 may include an identifier, such as a readable barcode or RFID tag, and the aerosol-delivery device 2, 202 may include a corresponding reader. The device 2, 202 may be configured to read the identifier on the item 4, 204 when the item is inserted into the receptacle 25, 225 of the device 2, 202. The control circuitry 23, 223 may be configured to recognize the presence of the item 4, 204 (and thus enable heating and / or reset an end-of-life indicator) or identify the type and / or location of the portion of aerosol-generating material relative to the item 4, 204. This may affect the portion that the control circuitry 23, 223 aerosolizes and / or how the portion is aerosolized, for example, by adjusting the aerosol-generation temperature and / or heating duration. Any suitable technique for identifying the item 4, 204 may be used.

[0190] Furthermore, when a portion of aerosol-generating material is provided on the carrier component 42, 242, the portion may, in some implementations, include weakened areas, such as through-holes, vents, or regions of relatively thin aerosol-generating material, in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 42, 242. This may be the case when the hottest portion of the aerosol-generating material is the area that directly contacts the carrier component (in other words, in a scenario where heat is applied primarily to the surface of the aerosol-generating material that contacts the carrier component 42, 242). Thus, the through-holes may provide a channel for the generated aerosol to escape and be released into the airflow through the environment / device 2, 202, rather than causing a potential buildup of aerosol between the carrier component 42, 242 and the aerosol-generating material 44, 244. Such buildup of aerosol may reduce the heating efficiency of the system because, in some implementations, the buildup of aerosol may cause lifting of the aerosol-generating material from the carrier component 42, 242, thereby reducing the efficiency of heat transfer to the aerosol-generating material. Each section of aerosol-forming material may optionally be provided with one or more weakened regions.

[0191] Thus, a method for generating an aerosol from a consumable or aerosol-producing article containing individual portions of the aerosol-generating materials described herein has been described. The method includes heating a first portion of the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol-generating material, and heating a second aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol-generating material. The steps of heating the first aerosol-generating material and heating the second aerosol-generating material may be configured to occur substantially simultaneously or may occur sequentially. Aerosol-delivery devices and aerosol-delivery systems are also described.

[0192] While the embodiments described above focus in some respects on some particular exemplary aerosol delivery systems, it will be appreciated that the same principles are applicable to aerosol delivery systems using other technologies, i.e., the particular manner in which various aspects of the aerosol delivery system function is not directly related to the principles underlying the examples described herein.

[0193] To address various problems and advance the art, this disclosure illustrates, by way of example, various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely to aid understanding and teach the claimed invention. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limitations on the present disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein, and thus, it will be understood that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly recited in the claims. The present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

[0194] Method for delivering an aerosol Another aspect of the invention is a method of providing an aerosol containing one or more cannabinoids, comprising heating discrete portions of an aerosol-forming material, the aerosol-forming material comprising an aerosol former material, a binder, and one or more cannabinoids, wherein the discrete portions comprise from about 0.3 to about 4 mg of the one or more cannabinoids.

[0195] The heating step may include heating the individual portions of the aerosol-forming material to a temperature of 350°C or less, such as from about 220°C to about 280°C or from about 250°C to about 280°C.

[0196] In either case, the aerosol delivered may contain a particular dose or amount of one or more cannabinoids. In some embodiments, for example, when the aerosol-forming material is heated to a temperature of 350°C or less, e.g., about 220°C to about 280°C or about 250°C to about 280°C, for at least 1 second, e.g., about 1 second to about 5 seconds, or about 1 second to about 3 seconds, about 95% or more, e.g., about 99% or more, or about 100% (i.e., all or substantially all) of the one or more cannabinoids are aerosolized when the aerosol-forming material is heated to a temperature of 280°C for 3 seconds. In one aspect, the above-referenced dose or amount of cannabinoids is aerosolized when the aerosol-forming material is heated to a temperature of 280°C for 3 seconds.

[0197] Thus, the amount or dose of the cannabinoid(s) in the aerosol is about or substantially the same as the amount of the cannabinoid(s) in the aerosol-forming material, thereby allowing precise control of the amount of cannabinoid(s) inhaled by the user.

[0198] Illustrative Embodiments 1. A consumable product comprising one or more individual portions of aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material comprising an aerosol former material, a binder, and one or more cannabinoids, each individual portion comprising from about 0.3 to about 4 mg of the one or more cannabinoids. 2. The consumable of embodiment 1, wherein the consumable comprises about 1 to about 15 individual portions of aerosol-forming material. 3. The consumable of embodiment 2, wherein the consumable comprises about 1 to about 10 individual portions of the aerosol-forming material. 4. The consumable of embodiment 1, wherein the consumable comprises two or more individual portions of aerosol-forming material. 5. The consumable of embodiment 4, wherein the consumable comprises about 2 to about 15 individual portions of aerosol-forming material. 6. The consumable of embodiment 5, wherein the consumable comprises about 2 to about 10 individual portions of the aerosol-forming material. 7. The consumable of embodiment 6, wherein the consumable comprises about 2 to about 8 individual portions of aerosol-forming material. 8. The consumable of embodiment 7, wherein the consumable comprises about 2 to about 6 individual portions of aerosol-forming material. 9. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the individual portions of aerosol-forming material has a mass of 20 mg or less. 10. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the discrete portions of aerosol-forming material has a mass of 10 mg or less. 11. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the discrete portions of aerosol-forming material has a mass of 5 mg or less. 12. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the discrete portions of aerosol-forming material has a mass of from about 0.1 to about 4 mg. 13. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the discrete portions of aerosol-forming material has a mass of about 0.5 to about 3 mg. 14. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the discrete portions of aerosol-forming material has a mass of about 0.5 to about 2 mg. 15. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the discrete portions of aerosol-forming material has a mass of about 0.5 to about 1 mg. 16. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each individual portion of aerosol-forming material within the consumable has the same or substantially the same weight. 17. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the total amount of cannabinoids in any given individual portion is within about 10% of the total amount of cannabinoids in any of the other individual portions. 18. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the amount of cannabinoid in any given individual portion is between about 90% and about 110% of the total amount of cannabinoid in any other individual portion. 19. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the total amount of cannabinoids in any given individual portion is within about 5% of the total amount of cannabinoids in any of the other individual portions. 20. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the total amount of cannabinoids in any given individual portion is within about 4% of the total amount of cannabinoids in any of the other individual portions. 21. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the total amount of cannabinoids in any given individual portion is within about 3% of the total amount of cannabinoids in any of the other individual portions. 22. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the total amount of cannabinoids in any given individual portion is within about 2% of the total amount of cannabinoids in any of the other individual portions. 23. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the total weight of any given individual portion is within about 5% of the total weight of any of the other individual portions. 24. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the total weight of any given individual portion is within about 4% of the total weight of any of the other individual portions. 25. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the total weight of any given individual portion is within about 3% of the total weight of any of the other individual portions. 26. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the total weight of any given individual portion is within about 2% of the total weight of any of the other individual portions. 27. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the weight of each individual portion is the same or substantially the same. 28. The consumable of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the consumable comprises at least two discrete portions of aerosol-generating material, wherein a first discrete portion of the aerosol-generating material has a weight of about 1 to about 20 mg, and wherein the weight of each of the other discrete portions is between about 90% and about 100% of the weight of the first discrete portion. 29. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least 70% by weight of the one or more cannabinoids is aerosolized when the aerosol-forming material is heated to a temperature of 280°C for 3 seconds. 30. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least 80% by weight of the one or more cannabinoids is aerosolized when the aerosol-forming material is heated to a temperature of 280°C for 3 seconds. 31. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least 90% by weight of the one or more cannabinoids is aerosolized when the aerosol-forming material is heated to a temperature of 280°C for 3 seconds. 32. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least 95% by weight of the one or more cannabinoids is aerosolized when the aerosol-forming material is heated to a temperature of 280°C for 3 seconds. 33. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least 99% by weight of the one or more cannabinoids is aerosolized when the aerosol-forming material is heated to a temperature of 280°C for 3 seconds. 34. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein 100% by weight of the one or more cannabinoids is aerosolized when the aerosol-generating material is heated to a temperature of 280°C for 3 seconds. 35. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the individual portions of aerosol-forming material contains from about 0.3 to about 4 mg of one or more cannabinoids. 36. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the individual portions of aerosol-forming material contains from about 0.3 to about 3.5 mg of one or more cannabinoids. 37. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the individual portions of aerosol-forming material contains from about 0.3 to about 3 mg of one or more cannabinoids. 38. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the individual portions of aerosol-forming material contains from about 0.3 to about 2.5 mg of one or more cannabinoids. 39. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the individual portions of aerosol-forming material contains from about 0.5 to about 2 mg of one or more cannabinoids. 40. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the individual portions of aerosol-forming material contains from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mg of one or more cannabinoids. 41. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein each of the individual portions of aerosol-forming material contains from about 0.5 to about 1 mg of one or more cannabinoids. 42. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises from about 1 to about 60% by weight of the one or more cannabinoids. 43. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises about 5 to about 50% by weight of the one or more cannabinoids. 44. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises about 20 to about 45% by weight of the one or more cannabinoids. 45. The consumable of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 1-80% by weight of the aerosol former material. 46. ​​The consumable of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 1-50% by weight of the aerosol former material. 47. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 5-35% by weight of the aerosol former material. 48. The consumable of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 10-25% by weight of the aerosol former material. 49. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 12-20% by weight of the aerosol former material. 50. The consumable of any of the previous embodiments, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 13-18% by weight of the aerosol former material. 51. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises between about 0.5% and about 60% by weight of binder. 52. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises between about 5% and about 50% by weight of the binder. 53. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises between about 10% and about 35% by weight of binder. 54. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises about 15% to about 30% by weight of binder. 55. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises about 15% to about 25% by weight of the binder. 56. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises less than 20% by weight of a filler. 57. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises less than 10% by weight of a filler. 58. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises less than 5% by weight of a filler. 59. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises less than 1% by weight of a filler. 60. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol-generating material does not include a filler. 61. The consumable of any of embodiments 1-55, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 5-45 wt.% filler. 62. The consumable of embodiment 61, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 10 to 40 wt. % filler. 63. The consumable of embodiment 61, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 18 to 35 wt. % filler. 64. The consumable of embodiment 61, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 20-30 wt.% filler. 65. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the filler is fibrous. 66. The consumable of any of the previous embodiments, wherein the filler is a fibrous organic filler material such as wood pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose, or a cellulose derivative such as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and / or nanocrystalline cellulose. 67. The consumable of any preceding embodiment, wherein the filler comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of wood pulp.

Claims

1. 1. A consumable product comprising one or more discrete portions of aerosol-forming material, the aerosol-forming material comprising an aerosol former material, a binder, and one or more cannabinoids, each discrete portion comprising from about 0.3 to about 4 mg of the one or more cannabinoids.

2. 10. The consumable product of claim 1, wherein each of the individual portions comprises from about 0.1 to about 4 mg of aerosol-forming material.

3. 3. The consumable product of claim 1 or 2, wherein the individual portions of aerosol-forming material are located on a carrier.

4. 4. The consumable product of claim 3, wherein the carrier is formed from a material selected from metal foil, paper, carbon paper, greaseproof paper, ceramic, carbon allotropes such as graphite and graphene, plastic, cardboard, wood, or combinations thereof.

5. 5. The consumable of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the consumable comprises at least two discrete portions of aerosol-forming material, and wherein the total amount of cannabinoids in any given discrete portion is within 10% of the total amount of cannabinoids in any of the other discrete portions.

6. 6. The consumable product of claim 1, wherein the consumable product comprises at least two discrete portions of aerosol-forming material, the weight of any given discrete portion being within 10% of the weight of any of the other discrete portions.

7. 7. The consumable product of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more cannabinoids are selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM) and cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabicitran (CBT), and combinations thereof.

8. 8. The consumable product of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more cannabinoids are selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and combinations thereof, preferably the one or more cannabinoids are selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and combinations thereof.

9. 9. A consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the discrete portions of aerosol-forming material contains from about 0.5 to about 2 mg, for example from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mg, of the one or more cannabinoids.

10. 10. The consumable product of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises from about 1 to about 60% by weight of one or more cannabinoids.

11. The consumable product of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 1 to 80% by weight of aerosol former material.

12. 12. The consumable of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the aerosol former material comprises one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythrit, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

13. 13. The consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the binder is selected from the group consisting of alginates, pectin, starch (and derivatives), cellulose (and derivatives such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)), gums, silica or silicone compounds, clays, polyvinyl alcohols and combinations thereof, such as the group consisting of alginates, pectin, carboxymethylcellulose and combinations thereof.

14. The consumable product of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises from about 0.5% to about 60% by weight of binder.

15. 15. A consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aerosol-generating material further comprises a filler, preferably the filler is a fibrous organic filler material such as wood pulp, hemp fibre, cellulose or a cellulose derivative such as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and / or nanocrystalline cellulose.

16. 16. The consumable product of claim 15, wherein the filler is present in the aerosol-forming material in an amount of less than 20% by weight.

17. 1. A method of forming one or more discrete portions of an aerosol-forming material, comprising: (a) preparing a slurry, said slurry comprising: (i) an aerosol former material; (ii) a binder; (iii) one or more cannabinoids, and (iv) a solvent; (b) forming one or more discrete portions of the slurry; (c) drying one or more discrete portions of the slurry to form one or more discrete portions of the aerosol-forming material; wherein each individual portion contains from about 0.5 to about 2 mg of said one or more cannabinoids.

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the method includes forming one or more discrete portions of the slurry on a carrier.

19. A non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising the consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and a non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

20. 20. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of claim 19, wherein the non-combustion aerosol delivery device is a non-combustion heating device.

21. 1. A method of delivering an aerosol containing one or more cannabinoids, the method comprising the step of heating discrete portions of an aerosol-forming material, the aerosol-forming material comprising an aerosol former material, a binder, and one or more cannabinoids, the discrete portions comprising from about 0.5 to about 2 mg of the one or more cannabinoids.

22. 22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the heating step comprises heating the discrete portions of aerosol-forming material to a temperature of 350° C. or less, such as from about 220° C. to about 280° C.

23. 23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein the heating step comprises heating the discrete portions of aerosol-forming material for at least 1 second, such as from about 1 second to about 5 seconds or from about 1 second to about 3 seconds.

24. 24. The method of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein about 95% or more, such as about 99% or more or about 100% of the one or more cannabinoids are aerosolized during the heating step.

25. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the heating step comprises heating the discrete portions of aerosol-forming material to a temperature of 280°C for 3 seconds.

Images