The Determination of CBD and General Cannabinoid Content in Hemp Oils Using HPLC with UV Detection

Introduction

Medical marijuana generally possesses high levels of the psychotropic tetrahydrocannabinol, d9-THC and lower levels of the non- psychotropic cannabidiol, CBD. Pain mitigation and reduced severity of nausea and seizures are just a few of the therapeutic benefits reported by medical cannabis patients. Little has been done to better understand the chemistry of benefits from CBD. To complicate matters, there is evidence that a combination of CBD, a host of other minor cannabinoids and a complex array of terpenoids may be the most beneficial - called the "entourage effect." CBD-rich oil has become increasingly popular and is administered via sublingual drops, gel capsules or as a topical ointment. The main source of CBD-rich oil is industrial hemp. Hemp is considered a rustic plant as it is frost resistant, adapts to poor soil, reproduces easily, and does not require chemical fertilizers/pesticides/ herbicides/fungicides to thrive. A hemp crop tends to resist mildew and requires less water than cotton. Hemp textiles are considered softer than cotton. CBD oil is derived as concentrate from CO₂ or butane extraction of hemp, sometimes followed by steam distillation or ethanol distillation for purification. The Farm Bill of 2014 distinguishes hemp from marijuana, yet interpreting the law is difficult in that "CBD oil" may be classified as marijuana. The FDA has issued warning letters to firms that market unapproved new drugs allegedly containing CBD. As part of these actions, the FDA has determined the cannabinoid content of some hemp products and many were found to contain levels of CBD that are very different from the label claim. It is important to note that such products are not approved by the FDA for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease. Like cannabis, hemp oil may be analyzed easily and effectively for its cannabinoid content. This application note highlights the use of a High Sensitivity HPLC method used with Shimadzu's "Cannabis Analyzer for Potency" to determine 11 important cannabinoids, including CBD, in hemp oil.

January 7, 2020 GMT