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Giorgetti A, Fais P, Pascali JP, Mohamed S, Rossi F, Garagnani M, Pelletti G. External hair contamination from cannabis and "light cannabis" delivered by smoking and vaping: An in vitro study. Drug Test Anal 2023. [PMID: 38145896 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
External contamination of hair by cannabis smoking requires a careful evaluation in forensic toxicology. Medical and recreational cannabis are increasingly consumed by e-cigarettes, which give rise to side-stream vapor. Moreover, products containing low Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and rich in cannabidiol (CBD) started spreading legally. The goal of the present study was to assess whether hair analysis could allow to distinguish the type of delivered product, with low or high Δ9-THC, and the delivering mode, by smoking or vaping. Contamination of blank hair was mimicked by in vitro exposure to low- (0.4%) and high-Δ9-THC (9.7%) products delivered by smoking and vaping within a small confined system. Cannabis vaping extracts were prepared to deliver identical target Δ9-THC doses. Eighty samples were analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and quantified for Δ9-THC and CBD. After contamination by cannabis smoking, THC levels were in line with past in vitro and in vivo studies. Samples exposed to cannabis (169.30 ng/mg) showed significantly higher Δ9-THC than hair exposed to "light cannabis" (35.54 ng/mg), and the opposite was seen for the CBD/Δ9-THC ratio. Hair contaminated by vaping or smoking did not show a statistically different Δ9-THC content. Under our in vitro conditions, hair analysis might allow to discriminate whether external contamination is determined by products containing low or high Δ9-THC, but not the delivering mode. More research is needed in real-life conditions, to see whether the same also applies to the interpretation of forensic casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Giorgetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Fais
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jennifer Paola Pascali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Susan Mohamed
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Garagnani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Guido Pelletti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Madden O, Walshe J, Kishore Patnala P, Barron J, Meaney C, Murray P. Phytocannabinoids - An Overview of the Analytical Methodologies for Detection and Quantification of Therapeutically and Recreationally Relevant Cannabis Compounds. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2021; 53:211-231. [PMID: 34328047 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2021.1949694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The legalization of the cultivation of low Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and high cannabidiol (CBD) Cannabis Sativa plants is gaining momentum around the world due to increasing demand for CBD-containing products. In many countries where CBD oils, extracts and CBD-infused foods and beverages are being sold in health shops and supermarkets, appropriate testing of these products is a legal requirement. Normally this involves determining the total Δ9-THC and CBD and their precursor tetrahydrocannabinolic acids (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). As our knowledge of the other relevant cannabinoids expands, it is likely so too will the demand for them as additives in many consumer products ensuring a necessity for quantification methods and protocols for their identification. This paper discusses therapeutically relevant cannabinoids found in Cannabis plant, the applicability and efficiency of existing extraction and analytical techniques as well as the legal requirements for these analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Madden
- Research and Technology Transfer, Shannon ABC, Limerick Institute of Technology, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Jessica Walshe
- Research and Technology Transfer, Shannon ABC, Limerick Institute of Technology, Limerick, Ireland.,Department of Applied Science, Limerick Institute of Technology, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Prem Kishore Patnala
- Research and Technology Transfer, Shannon ABC, Limerick Institute of Technology, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Claire Meaney
- Research and Technology Transfer, Shannon ABC, Limerick Institute of Technology, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Patrick Murray
- Research and Technology Transfer, Shannon ABC, Limerick Institute of Technology, Limerick, Ireland
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3
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Scholz C, Madry MM, Kraemer T, Baumgartner MR. LC-MS/MS Analysis of Δ9-THC, CBN and CBD in Hair: Investigation of Artefacts. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:504-511. [PMID: 34041537 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In forensic toxicology, high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is increasingly used for the fast and sensitive measurement of a wide range of drugs. For our routine casework, a liquid chromatography atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS/MS) method for the quantification of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabidiol (CBD) in hair was established and fully validated. Separation was achieved using a Kinetex® C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 100 Å, 1.7 μm, Phenomenex) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. Measurements were performed on a QTrap 5,500 mass spectrometer (Sciex, Darmstadt, Germany). Unexpected signals were observed in authentic THC-positive hair samples. First, a signal with a slightly shifted retention time of THC whose origin could be assigned to the isomer Δ8-THC. Second, additional peaks exhibiting the same fragments as CBN and Δ9-THC but eluting at different retention times were detected. Spiking experiments and enhanced product ion scans (EPI) pointed to the origin of these additional signals as result of in-source decarboxylation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (Δ9-THCA-A) into Δ9-THC and further partial oxidation of Δ9-THC into CBN, respectively. Positive findings of Δ9-THCA-A in hair have been shown to derive from external contamination, therefore, the herein described artefacts may be used as indirect markers for external contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clementine Scholz
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milena M Madry
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Lobegeier V, Chaseling J, Cresswell S, Krosch MN, Wright K. Comparison of in-scene presumptive tests for the detection of Cannabis traces on the inner surfaces of clip seal plastic bags. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2020.1823474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Lobegeier
- Scientific Section, Forensic Services Group, Queensland Police Service, Cairns, Australia
| | - Janet Chaseling
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
| | - Sarah Cresswell
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
| | - Matt N. Krosch
- Quality Management Section, Forensic Services Group, Queensland Police Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kirsty Wright
- Genomics Research Centre, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
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Jones NS, Comparin JH. Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:608-669. [PMID: 33385148 PMCID: PMC7770462 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Comparin
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
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Karschner EL, Swortwood-Gates MJ, Huestis MA. Identifying and Quantifying Cannabinoids in Biological Matrices in the Medical and Legal Cannabis Era. Clin Chem 2020; 66:888-914. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvaa113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundCannabinoid analyses generally included, until recently, the primary psychoactive cannabis compound, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and/or its inactive metabolite, 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC, in blood, plasma, and urine. Technological advances revolutionized the analyses of major and minor phytocannabinoids in diverse biological fluids and tissues. An extensive literature search was conducted in PubMed for articles on cannabinoid analyses from 2000 through 2019. References in acquired manuscripts were also searched for additional articles.ContentThis article summarizes analytical methodologies for identification and quantification of multiple phytocannabinoids (including THC, cannabidiol, cannabigerol, and cannabichromene) and their precursors and/or metabolites in blood, plasma, serum, urine, oral fluid, hair, breath, sweat, dried blood spots, postmortem matrices, breast milk, meconium, and umbilical cord since the year 2000. Tables of nearly 200 studies outline parameters including analytes, specimen volume, instrumentation, and limits of quantification. Important diagnostic and interpretative challenges of cannabinoid analyses are also described. Medicalization and legalization of cannabis and the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act increased demand for cannabinoid analyses for therapeutic drug monitoring, emergency toxicology, workplace and pain-management drug testing programs, and clinical and forensic toxicology applications. This demand is expected to intensify in the near future, with advances in instrumentation performance, increasing LC-MS/MS availability in clinical and forensic toxicology laboratories, and the ever-expanding knowledge of the potential therapeutic use and toxicity of phytocannabinoids.SummaryCannabinoid analyses and data interpretation are complex; however, major and minor phytocannabinoid detection windows and expected concentration ranges in diverse biological matrices improve the interpretation of cannabinoid test results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Karschner
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Division of Forensic Toxicology, Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE
| | | | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
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Mantinieks D, Wright P, Di Rago M, Gerostamoulos D. A systematic investigation of forensic hair decontamination procedures and their limitations. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:1542-1555. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Mantinieks
- Department of Forensic Medicine Monash University Southbank VIC 3006 Australia
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine 65 Kavanagh Street Southbank VIC 3006 Australia
| | - Paul Wright
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences RMIT University PO Box 71 Bundoora VIC 3083 Australia
| | - Matthew Di Rago
- Department of Forensic Medicine Monash University Southbank VIC 3006 Australia
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine 65 Kavanagh Street Southbank VIC 3006 Australia
| | - Dimitri Gerostamoulos
- Department of Forensic Medicine Monash University Southbank VIC 3006 Australia
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine 65 Kavanagh Street Southbank VIC 3006 Australia
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Van Elsué N, Yegles M. Influence of cosmetic hair treatments on cannabinoids in hair: Bleaching, perming and permanent coloring. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 297:270-276. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kieliba T, Lerch O, Andresen-Streichert H, Rothschild MA, Beike J. Simultaneous quantification of THC-COOH, OH-THC, and further cannabinoids in human hair by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with electron ionization applying automated sample preparation. Drug Test Anal 2018; 11:267-278. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Kieliba
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | | | | | - Markus A. Rothschild
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Justus Beike
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
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11
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The effectiveness of decontamination procedures used in forensic hair analysis. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2018; 14:349-357. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-018-9994-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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12
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Doran GS, Deans R, De Filippis C, Kostakis C, Howitt JA. Work place drug testing of police officers after THC exposure during large volume cannabis seizures. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 275:224-233. [PMID: 28412574 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Police officers responsible for the seizure and removal of illegally grown cannabis plants from indoor and outdoor growing operations face the prospect of THC exposure while performing their work duties. As a result, a study investigating the amount of THC on hands and uniforms of officers during raids on cannabis growing houses (CGHs) and forest cannabis plantations (FCPs) and in the air at these sites was conducted. Swabs of gloves/hands, chests, and heads/necks were collected and analysed for THC. Results of hand swabs indicated that officers removing plants from FCPs were exposed to THC concentrations up to 20 times those involved in raids at CGHs, which was mainly associated with the number and size of plants seized. Air samples collected inside cannabis houses showed no detectable THC. Air samples collected inside the cargo area of the storage trucks used during FCP raids indicated that THC can be volatilised when lush plants are compressed by other seized plants loaded on top of them in the truck over a period of several days, allowing composting of plants at the bottom of the load to commence. The elevated temperature and humidity inside the truck may assist the decarboxylation of THCA to THC, as well as increasing the rate of volatilisation of THC. More than 100 urine samples were collected from officers in raids on both CGHs and FCPs and all tested negative for THC. Removal of cannabis plants by officers often resulted in cuts, abrasions and ruptured blisters on exposed skin surfaces, particularly at FCPs. The results in this study suggest that even when small areas of damaged skin are directly exposed to THC by contact transfer, the likelihood of showing a positive THC urine test is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S Doran
- Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia.
| | - Ralph Deans
- Drug & Alcohol Testing Unit, Professional Standards Command, New South Wales Police Force, Redfern, NSW 2016, Australia
| | - Carlo De Filippis
- Drug & Alcohol Testing Unit, Professional Standards Command, New South Wales Police Force, Redfern, NSW 2016, Australia
| | | | - Julia A Howitt
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
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Berthet A, De Cesare M, Favrat B, Sporkert F, Augsburger M, Thomas A, Giroud C. A systematic review of passive exposure to cannabis. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 269:97-112. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Moosmann B, Auwärter V. Reply to Restolho et al. 'Contactless decontamination of hair samples: cannabinoids'. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:289-290. [PMID: 27783890 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bjoern Moosmann
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
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Simultaneous quantification of 11 cannabinoids and metabolites in human urine by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry using WAX-S tips. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 408:6461-71. [PMID: 27422645 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9765-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive cannabinoid urine quantification method may improve clinical and forensic result interpretation and is necessary to support our clinical research. A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry quantification method for ∆(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH), ∆(9)-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCAA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), ∆(9)-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), 11-nor-9-carboxy-THCV (THCVCOOH), THC-glucuronide (THC-gluc), and THCCOOH-glucuronide (THCCOOH-gluc) in urine was developed and validated according to the Scientific Working Group on Toxicology guidelines. Sample preparation consisted of disposable pipette extraction (WAX-S) of 200 μL urine. Separation was achieved on a Kinetex C18 column using gradient elution with flow rate 0.5 mL/min, mobile phase A (10 mM ammonium acetate in water), and mobile phase B (15 % methanol in acetonitrile). Total run time was 14 min. Analytes were monitored in both positive and negative ionization modes by scheduled multiple reaction monitoring. Linear ranges were 0.5-100 μg/L for THC and THCCOOH; 0.5-50 μg/L for 11-OH-THC, CBD, CBN, THCAA, and THC-gluc; 1-100 μg/L for CBG, THCV, and THCVCOOH; and 5-500 μg/L for THCCOOH-gluc (R (2) > 0.99). Analytical biases were 88.3-113.7 %, imprecisions 3.3-14.3 %, extraction efficiencies 42.4-81.5 %, and matrix effect -10 to 32.5 %. We developed and validated a comprehensive, simple, and rapid LC-MS/MS cannabinoid urine method for quantification of 11 cannabinoids and metabolites. This method is being used in a controlled cannabis administration study, investigating urine cannabinoid markers documenting recent cannabis use, chronic frequent smoking, or route of drug administration and potentially improving urine cannabinoid result interpretation.
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Metabolites of synthetic cannabinoids in hair—proof of consumption or false friends for interpretation? Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 408:3445-52. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9422-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kuwayama K, Miyaguchi H, Yamamuro T, Tsujikawa K, Kanamori T, Iwata YT, Inoue H. Micro-pulverized extraction pretreatment for highly sensitive analysis of 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol in hair by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2015; 29:2158-2166. [PMID: 26467228 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE A primary metabolite of Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-nor-9-carboxytetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH), serves as an effective indicator for cannabis intake. According to the recommendations of the Society of Hair Testing, at least 0.2 pg/mg of THC-COOH (cut-off level) must be present in a hair sample to constitute a positive result in a drug test. Typically, hair is digested with an alkaline solution and is subjected to gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) with negative ion chemical ionization (NICI). METHODS It is difficult to quantify THC-COOH at the cut-off level using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) without acquisition of second-generation product ions in triple quadrupole-ion trap mass spectrometers, because large amounts of matrix components in the low-mass range produced by digestion interfere with the THC-COOH peak. Using the typical pretreatment method (alkaline dissolution) and micro-pulverized extraction (MPE) with a stainless bullet, we compared the quantification of THC-COOH using GC/MS/MS and LC/MS/MS. RESULTS MPE reduced the amount of matrix components in the low-mass range and enabled the quantification of THC-COOH at 0.2 pg/mg using a conventional triple quadrupole liquid chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer. On the other hand, the MPE pretreatment was unsuitable for GC/MS/MS, probably due to matrix components in the high-mass range. The proper combination of pretreatments and instrumental analyses was shown to be important for detecting trace amounts of THC-COOH in hair. CONCLUSIONS In MPE, samples can be prepared rapidly, and LC/MS/MS is readily available, unlike GC/MS/MS with NICI. The combination of MPE and LC/MS/MS might therefore be used in the initial screening for THC-COOH in hair prior to confirmatory analysis using GC/MS/MS with NICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Kuwayama
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
| | - Hajime Miyaguchi
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
| | - Tadashi Yamamuro
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
| | - Kenji Tsujikawa
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
| | - Tatsuyuki Kanamori
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
| | - Yuko T Iwata
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Inoue
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
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Moosmann B, Roth N, Auwärter V. Finding cannabinoids in hair does not prove cannabis consumption. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14906. [PMID: 26443501 PMCID: PMC4595642 DOI: 10.1038/srep14906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hair analysis for cannabinoids is extensively applied in workplace drug testing and in child protection cases, although valid data on incorporation of the main analytical targets, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH), into human hair is widely missing. Furthermore, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A), the biogenetic precursor of THC, is found in the hair of persons who solely handled cannabis material. In the light of the serious consequences of positive test results the mechanisms of drug incorporation into hair urgently need scientific evaluation. Here we show that neither THC nor THCA-A are incorporated into human hair in relevant amounts after systemic uptake. THC-COOH, which is considered an incontestable proof of THC uptake according to the current scientific doctrine, was found in hair, but was also present in older hair segments, which already grew before the oral THC intake and in sebum/sweat samples. Our studies show that all three cannabinoids can be present in hair of non-consuming individuals because of transfer through cannabis consumers, via their hands, their sebum/sweat, or cannabis smoke. This is of concern for e.g. child-custody cases as cannabinoid findings in a child’s hair may be caused by close contact to cannabis consumers rather than by inhalation of side-stream smoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjoern Moosmann
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Roth
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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