There are over 60 cannabinoids found in marijuana (dried Cannabis). Among these cannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been known as the primary psychoactive cannabinoid. Other important cannabinoids for medical purposes in states with legalized marijuana include cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN).  Most analytical methods for the extraction of cannabinoids from marijuana samples include destructive solvent extractions, which destroy and consume marijuana samples. Therefore, increase the cost associated with each analysis of marijuana.  Multiple testing of marijuana sample for the purpose of quality control is somehow discouraged. In our research, we adopt heated headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) for headspace extraction of cannabinoids in marijuana samples to eliminate such limitations and leave the marijuana sample intact after extraction and chemical analysis. <br/><br/>In this presentation, an automated heated HS-SPME extraction process developed for the extraction of cannabinoids from marijuana samples will be described. Cannabinoid standard reference materials and actual marijuana plant materials were used during the optimization of extraction conditions. During extraction method development, standard reference materials were placed in a vial and the solvent was evaporated under gentle air stream before HS-SPME. Marijuana plant material was ground and sieved before being weighed out into sample vials for HS-SPME.  Unlike liquid extraction methods, the HS-SPME method only required the sample to be sealed in the sample vial.  No solvent is needed during the extraction process.  The optimized extraction temperature for cannabinoids was found to be 150°C, and the optimal extraction time was found to be 5 minutes.  Under the optimal condition, the HS-SPME was capable of extracting THC, CBD, CBN from the headspace of 10 mg marijuana in a 20 mL vial. After HS-SPME extraction, the original marijuana remained intact with only little discoloration. We believe this HS-SPME extraction process for cannabinoid testing with almost no consumption of valuable marijuana products can encourage more marijuana testing for the purpose of quality control.

Heated headspace solid phase microextraction of marijuana for chemical testing

251st National Meeting (2016)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.