Methods of preparing cannabinoids or derivatives thereof

A method of preparing a compound of Formula (I):

• or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:
• R1 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C(═O)—(C1-C10 alkyl), or Si(C1-C10 alkyl)3;
• R2 is hydrogen or C1-C10 alkyl;
• R3 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl;
• R4 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, or C2-C10 alkenyl;
• R5 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, or C2-C10 alkenyl;
• and
• R6 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C(═O)(OH), or C(═O)—(C1-C6 alkyl);
• the method comprising:
• admixing a catalyst, an oxidizing agent, and a compound of Formula (II):
• wherein each is independently a single bond or a double bond, and wherein only one is a double bond, to form a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,
• wherein the catalyst is I2, Br2, or Cl2;
• and
• the oxidizing agent comprises one or more of O2, S8, benzoquinone, chloranil, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, diacetyl peroxide, ditertbutyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, peroxybenzoic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and dimethyl sulfoxide.