The Potency Determination of 16 Cannabinoids by UHPLC with Diode-Array Detection

Introduction

Since the legalization of cannabis in several US states and, recently, Canada, the quantitative determination of cannabinoids in cannabis products has been of great interest. There are more than 100 cannabinoids that can be found in the plant or extracts. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the highest priority in potency testing along with their acidic forms. The acidic forms, Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), are primarily found in the plant, subsequently converting to THC and CBD through decarboxylation from exposure to heat and light. Traditional HPLC is the gold standard for cannabinoids analysis, including the acidic forms, providing nearly complete separation of the cannabinoids, and robust quantitation. Several methods have been developed for optimal results of resolution, sensitivity, and throughput. To assist in optimizing for high throughput while maintaining sensitivity and resolution, this application note proves a 4.5-minute isocratic method using a UHPLC system.

January 7, 2020 GMT