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Cai Y, Zhang R, Zhang H, Li X. Potency analysis of twelve cannabinoids in industrial hemp via ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2024; 38:e9871. [PMID: 39034773 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE With an increasing appreciation for the unique pharmacological properties associated with distinct, individual cannabinoids of Cannabis sativa, there is demand for accurate and reliable quantification for a growing number of them. In this study, we developed rapid, sensitive, selective, accurate, and validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of cannabinoids. METHODS Crushed industrial hemp flower and leaf sample was extracted by 95% methanol aqueous, sonicated for 30 min. UPLC-MS/MS analysis using Waters Acquity BEH-C18 column and electrospray ionization(ESI) mass spectrometry detector. RESULTS The method was validated to demonstrate its reproducibility and precision, linearity, recovery investigation, and investigation of matrix effect. The concentration-response relationship for all analyzed cannabinoids were linear with R2 values >0.99, with intra- and inter-day precision and relative errors below 12%. The recovery and matrix effect were measured as 66.1%-104.1% and 70.42%-110.75%. CONCLUSIONS This study established a UHPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous and rapid quantitative determination of twelve cannabinoids in industrial hemp flowers and leaves in 11 min. The method was used to analyze 43 industrial hemp flower and leaf samples, with the data being statistically analyzed. Based on the statistical analysis of the cannabinoids, hemp from different regions and different varieties were well distinguished by the PLS-DA model, with the main contributing substances being cannabidiol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youxi Cai
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Research Center for Analysis and Measurement, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ruiting Zhang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Research Center for Analysis and Measurement, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Research Center for Analysis and Measurement, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Research Center for Analysis and Measurement, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Nahar L, Chaiwut P, Sangthong S, Theansungnoen T, Sarker SD. Progress in the analysis of phytocannabinoids by HPLC and UPLC (or UHPLC) during 2020-2023. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2024; 35:927-989. [PMID: 38837522 DOI: 10.1002/pca.3374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Organic molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors are known as cannabinoids. These molecules possess pharmacological properties similar to those produced by Cannabis sativa L. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC, also known as ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, UHPLC) have become the most widely used analytical tools for detection and quantification of phytocannabinoids in various matrices. HPLC and UPLC (or UHPLC) are usually coupled to an ultraviolet (UV), photodiode array (PDA), or mass spectrometric (MS) detector. OBJECTIVE To critically appraise the literature on the application of HPLC and UPLC (or UHPLC) methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids published from January 2020 to December 2023. METHODOLOGY An extensive literature search was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar and published materials including relevant books. In various combinations, using cannabinoid in all combinations, cannabis, hemp, hashish, C. sativa, marijuana, analysis, HPLC, UHPLC, UPLC, and quantitative, qualitative, and quality control were used as the keywords for the literature search. RESULTS Several HPLC- and UPLC (or UHPLC)-based methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids were reported. While simple HPLC-UV or HPLC-PDA-based methods were common, the use of HPLC-MS, HPLC-MS/MS, UPLC (or UHPLC)-PDA, UPLC (or UHPLC)-MS, and UPLC (or UHPLC)-MS/MS was also reported. Applications of mathematical and computational models for optimization of protocols were noted. Pre-analyses included various environmentally friendly extraction protocols. CONCLUSION During the last 4 years, HPLC and UPLC (or UHPLC) remained the main analytical tools for phytocannabinoid analysis in different matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutfun Nahar
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Phanuphong Chaiwut
- Green Cosmetic Technology Research Group, School of Cosmetic Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Sarita Sangthong
- Green Cosmetic Technology Research Group, School of Cosmetic Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Tinnakorn Theansungnoen
- Green Cosmetic Technology Research Group, School of Cosmetic Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Satyajit D Sarker
- Centre for Natural Products Discovery, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Karas LK, Patterson C, Fuller ZJ, Karschner EL. Automated extraction and LC-MS-MS analysis of 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol isomers and prevalence in authentic urine specimens. J Anal Toxicol 2024; 48:197-203. [PMID: 38581658 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkae031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
11-Nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THCCOOH) is the most frequently detected illicit drug metabolite in the military drug testing program. An increasing number of specimens containing unresolved Δ8-THCCOOH prompted the addition of this analyte to the Department of Defense drug testing panel. A method was developed and validated for the quantitative confirmation of the carboxylated metabolites of Δ8- and Δ9-THC in urine samples utilizing automated pipette tip dispersive solid-phase extraction and analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Analytes were separated isocratically over an 8.5-min runtime and detected on an MS-MS equipped with an electrospray ionization source operated in negative mode. A single point calibrator (15 ng/mL) forced through zero demonstrated linearity from 3 to 1,000 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-day precision were ≤9.1%, and bias was within ±14.1% for Δ8-THCCOOH and Δ9-THCCOOH. No interferences were found after challenging the method with different over-the-counter drugs, prescription pharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse and several cannabinoids and cannabinoid metabolites, including Δ10-THCCOOH. Urine specimens presumptively positive by immunoassay (n = 2,939; 50 ng/mL Δ9-THCCOOH cutoff) were confirmed with this analytical method. Δ8-THCCOOH and Δ9-THCCOOH were present together above the 15 ng/mL cutoff in 33% of specimens. However, nearly one-third of the specimens analyzed were positive for Δ8-THCCOOH only. This manuscript describes the first validated automated extraction and confirmation method for Δ8- and Δ9-THCCOOH in urine that provides adequate analyte separation in urine specimens with extreme isomer abundance ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa K Karas
- United States Army Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory, 2490 Wilson Street, Fort Meade, MD 20755, USA
| | - Courtney Patterson
- United States Army Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory, 2490 Wilson Street, Fort Meade, MD 20755, USA
| | - Zachary J Fuller
- United States Army Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory, 2490 Wilson Street, Fort Meade, MD 20755, USA
| | - Erin L Karschner
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Division of Forensic Toxicology, Dover AFB, 115 Purple Heart Drive, Dover, DE 19902, USA
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Nair VS, Heybroek M, Boyle E, Rogers M, Campbell T, Eichner D, Hill K. Prevalence of carboxy-Δ 8 -tetrahydrocannabiniol in antidoping samples. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38176407 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Δ9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC) is usually the primary psychoactive agent in cannabis preparations. Recently, products containing another isomer, Δ8 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8 -THC), have become available for sale. Δ8 -THC exists naturally in the cannabis plant at very low concentrations; hence, the Δ8 -THC present in most of the above-mentioned products is likely to be manufactured synthetically. A surge in popularity of these products, coupled with little oversight to ensure purity and potency, has led to reports of adverse events. Workplace drug testing programs as well as many sporting organizations prohibit the use of cannabinoids. Carboxy-Δ9 -THC (Δ9 -THC-COOH) is the targeted urinary metabolite for detection of cannabis use. The proliferation of products containing Δ8 -THC, which metabolizes to Δ8 -THC-COOH, presents analytical complexity with respect to separation and quantification of the individual isomers as well as legal complexity with respect to lack of clarity around the legal status of Δ8 -THC. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of Δ8 -THC use in the athlete community by monitoring for Δ8 -THC-COOH in samples collected for antidoping. A high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was utilized to resolve Δ8 and Δ9 -THC-COOH. One thousand samples with a presumptive Δ9 -THC-COOH finding in routine screening were analyzed by the above LC-MS/MS method. Approximately 12% of samples contained Δ8 -THC-COOH at relative abundances between 5% and 100% of total carboxy-THC content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod S Nair
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, South Jordan, Utah, USA
| | - Mari Heybroek
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, South Jordan, Utah, USA
| | - Emily Boyle
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, South Jordan, Utah, USA
| | - Mason Rogers
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Thane Campbell
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, South Jordan, Utah, USA
| | - Daniel Eichner
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, South Jordan, Utah, USA
| | - Kevin Hill
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Baird SN, Frazee CC, Garg U. Evaluation of a Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid (Δ9-THC-COOH) Immunoassay and a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Method for the Detection of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid (Δ8-THC-COOH). J Appl Lab Med 2023:7128224. [PMID: 37071885 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) is a naturally occurring or synthetically prepared cannabinoid that elicits psychological and physiological experiences commonly reported for its more infamous isomer, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Unlike Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC products are generally legal under federal law and there has been a rise in their usage. One of the main targets for detection and quantitation of Δ9-THC is its inactive metabolite, 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC-COOH). METHODS This study evaluated the ability of the currently used Δ9-THC-COOH immunoassay and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods to detect 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC-COOH) and distinguish it from Δ9-THC-COOH. RESULTS The EMIT II Plus® Cannabinoid immunoassay for Δ9-THC-COOH with a cutoff of 20 ng/mL showed positive results for Δ8-THC-COOH with concentrations of 30 ng/mL or higher. Although many of the ion fragments generated by mass spectrometry were found to overlap between the 2 compounds, the GC-MS method presently used to quantify Δ9-THC-COOH separated the 2 compounds sufficiently to identify them independently by relative retention time. CONCLUSION Current immunoassays and GC-MS methods should be evaluated for the ability to detect and distinguish the presence of Δ8-THC-COOH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena N Baird
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Clinton C Frazee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Uttam Garg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, United States
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LoParco CR, Rossheim ME, Walters ST, Zhou Z, Olsson S, Sussman SY. Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol: a scoping review and commentary. Addiction 2023; 118:1011-1028. [PMID: 36710464 DOI: 10.1111/add.16142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive substance from the Cannabis plant that has been rising in popularity in the United States since the 2018 US Farm Bill implicitly legalized it. This study reviewed research from peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed (e.g. anecdotal and news) reports related to delta-8 THC to summarize current knowledge and implications for public health and safety. METHODS A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Google as search engines, leading to the identification of 103 documents that were summarized. The themes that emerged were (1) legality, (2) use (popularity, motives, psychoactivity/potency, benefits/consequences), (3) synthesis (byproducts, laboratory testing) and (4) retail (availability, price, packaging, youth-oriented marketing). A second author independently coded 20% of the documents, which verified the categorization of articles by these emergent themes. RESULTS Most research used animal/cell models or focused upon ways to identify the chemical structure of delta-8 THC in various products. Findings suggest that people often use delta-8 THC as a substitute for other substances. Anecdotally, delta-8 THC is a less potent psychoactive than delta-9 THC; however, several negative consequences have been reported. There is no federal age restriction for purchase/possession of delta-8 THC products. Delta-8 THC is readily accessible on-line, is typically less expensive than delta-9 THC and is often marketed in ways that would seemingly appeal to children. There are no regulations on synthesis, resulting in products being contaminated and/or yielding inconsistent effects. There have been thousands of calls to US poison control centers due to accidental delta-8 THC exposure among minors. CONCLUSIONS Most research on delta-8 THC is largely anecdotal, not peer-reviewed and does not involve human subjects. Future research should examine delta-8 THC use using nationally representative samples to more clearly understand the prevalence and consequences of use. Laws are needed to mitigate the risks of using delta-8 THC, particularly quality control of synthesis and minimum purchase age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy R LoParco
- School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Matthew E Rossheim
- School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Scott T Walters
- School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Zhengyang Zhou
- School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Sofia Olsson
- School of Medicine, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Steve Y Sussman
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Processes in Doping System: Quantification Reports in Mixed Martial Arts Fighters. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10122734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed martial arts (MMA) has always been surrounded by controversy due to the unusual muscle development of its participants, so it is crucial to know the strategies that have been implemented to reduce doping cases. The main purpose of this paper is to describe the various cases of doping detected by USADA in UFC MMA participants. In addition, strategies that are being developed to reduce cases of positive doping are proposed. From the UFC USADA database, doping cases were extracted, obtaining the substance or substances involved; the formula, physiological effect and the athletes involved; the dates of the sampling; if it was out of competition or in-competition and the sanction time. The substances that were most involved were found to be Ostarine (22), Clomiphene (9), Diuretics (10) and Stanozolol (9). Some sanctions were diminished because they were treated with contamination of supplements (cases of Ostarine) and cases of contamination of meat (Clomiphene). When contaminated supplements were reported, they were added to the list of high-risk supplements maintained as part of USADA’s online dietary supplement safety education and awareness resource—Supplement 411. There were also cases in which positive doping could be avoided through the early report of therapeutic use exemptions. The methodology that the USADA has implemented allows us to register the athletes with positive doping, check the risk of the supplements before being bought and provide a teaching portal. These efforts are necessary to implement in all countries in which MMA is practiced, avoiding the participation of doped martial artists.
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La Maida N, Di Giorgi A, Pichini S, Busardò FP, Huestis MA. Recent challenges and trends in forensic analysis: Δ9-THC isomers pharmacology, toxicology and analysis. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 220:114987. [PMID: 35985136 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) isomers, especially Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), are increasing in foods, beverages, and e-cigarettes liquids. A major factor is passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act (AIA) that removed hemp containing less than 0.3 % Δ9-THC from the definition of "marijuana" or cannabis. CBD-rich hemp flooded the market resulting in excess product that could be subjected to CBD cyclization to produce Δ8-THC. This process utilizes strong acid and yields toxic byproducts that frequently are not removed prior to sale and are currently inadequately studied. Pharmacological activity is qualitatively similar for Δ8-THC and Δ9-THC, but most preclinical studies in mice, rats, and monkeys documented greater ∆9-THC potency. Both isomers caused graded dose-response effects on euphoria, blurred vision, mental confusion and lethargy, although Δ8-THC was at least 25 % less potent. The most common analytical methodologies providing baseline resolution of ∆8-THC and ∆9-THC in non-biological matrices are liquid-chromatography coupled to diode-array detection (LC-DAD or LC-PDA), while liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry is preferred for biological matrices. Other available analytical methods are gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (QNMR). Current knowledge on the pharmacology of ∆8-THC and other ∆9-THC isomers are reviewed to raise awareness of the activity of these isomers in cannabis products, as well as analytical methods to discriminate ∆9-THC qualitatively, and quantitatively and ∆8-THC in biological and non-biological matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia La Maida
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic, and Orthopedic Sciences, Università la Sapienza, V. Le Regina Elena 366, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Giorgi
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Science and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 10/a, 60124, Ancona, Italy
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, V. Le Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Science and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 10/a, 60124, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Thevis M. The 39th Manfred Donike workshop on doping analysis. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:1812-1813. [PMID: 34825508 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Thevis
- Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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