A Goal-Oriented Approach to the Quantitative Determination of Cannabinoids by HPLC
Cannabis analysis has gained new importance in the USA in light of the legalization of marijuana in several states. Cannabis contains a number of chemical alkaloids known as cannabinoids. Of primary interest for potency are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN). In marijuana plants, THC and CBD exist predominately as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabinolic acid (CBDA). These gradually decarboxylate to THC and CBD through exposure to heat and light. There are, in fact, hundreds of cannabinoids present in extracts from the plant. In developing HPLC methods for the quantitative analysis of cannabinoid targets, it is useful to consider various possible analysis goals. Potency determinations focus primarily on THC and CBD, but there are myriad cannabinoids closely related to those targets. Proper attention to the analysis goals should dictate the parameters guiding method development. Here, we present three variants on analysis goals and how they guide the methodology and chromatographic outcome.
- Content Type:
- Application
- Document Number:
- PO-CON1704E
- Product Type:
- Liquid Chromatography
- Keywords:
- Cannabis, marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, cannabidiol, CBD, cannabinol, CBN, Pharmaceutical, Life Science, Manufacturing, QA/QC
- Language:
- English
- File Name:
- jpl217005
- File Size:
- 434kb