Methods for the analysis of cannabinoids in biological materials: a review

Various methods for the analysis of cannabinoids in biological materials, including plant and human body materials, are reviewed. Chromatographic methods, such as TLC, GC and HPLC, and non-chromatographic methods, mainly immunoassays, are discussed and compared. Chromatography is most commonly used in the analysis of plant material, with GC apparently offering the most advantages. Immunoassays, such as radioimmunoassay and fluorescence polarisation immunoassay, and enzyme immunoassay methods, such as enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, can be used for human body materials; however, GC-MS is still necessary for confirmation and accurate quantification. Preferred methods are suggested for various specific purposes.