Determination of Seventeen Phytocannabinoids in Various Matrices by UHPLC-HRMS/MS

A simple ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) method to determine seventeen phytocannabinoids was developed and validated for Cannabis plants, resins and their extracts, and oils. The analysis was challenging because of the complexity of matrices, the large differences in the concentration of phytocannabinoids and their pattern in various cultivars, and the structural similarity of these analytes. Method performance characteristics were obtained using internal reference materials. The analytes were isolated from dry hemp by repeated extraction using ethanol with recoveries in the range of 95-100%. For the resinous matrices and oils, samples were directly dissolved in ethanol. Repeatability was 2-12% for all analyte-matrix combinations. Limits of quantification (LOQs) were within the range of 0.5-1.0 mg/kg for dry hemp, 2.5-5.0 mg/kg for resins, and 0.25-0.50 mg/kg for oils. As a result of high matrix dilution, calibration standards in net solvent could be used for phytocannabinoids quantification because matrix effects were almost eliminated. Nevertheless, to ensure the trueness of generated data regardless of the matrix tested, internal standards of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-D3 (A9-THC-D3), cannabidiol-D3 (CBD-D3) and cannabinol-D3 (CBN-D3) were also used.
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) belonging to the Cannabaceae family, is an annual plant finding a number of uses as food (seeds, oil, or flour) and also in pharmaceutical and cosmetics [...]