Federal laws classify marijuana and its main psychoactive ingredient Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol as a Schedule 1 drug. However, there are many commercial products available that contain other cannabinoids derived from hemp, such as Δ-8-THC and cannabidiol (CBD), some of which have very similar structures to Δ-9-THC For example, the only difference between isomers Δ-8-THC, Δ-9-THC, and Δ-10-THC is the placement of a double bond. These similarities make separation and isolation of these cannabinoids challenging. In addition, while hemp plant samples have a federally regulated limit for Δ-9-THC concentration, no limit exists for the isomers, which have been shown to have intoxicating effects. There is a clear need for quantitative analysis of THC isomers in addition to other cannabinoids. This presentation will focus on developing and optimizing an LC-MS method for effective separation and quantitation of multiple cannabinoids, including Δ-8-THC, Δ-9-THC, and CBD. Once developed, the method will be used on hemp plant samples extracts and locally available Δ-8-THC vape cartridge samples in aims of quantifying different cannabinoids and checking compliance with regulatory guidelines. We aim to make a robust method that will eventually be adapted for use as a lab exercise in undergraduate analytical chemistry courses.

Developing LC-MS method for analysis of cannabinoids in vape cartridges and plant samples

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