Simultaneous quantification of 18 different phytocannabinoids in serum using a highly sensitive liquid...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Forensic Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cannabis-based medicines and phytocannabinoids offer therapeutic potential.
• Existing analytical methods often focus narrowly on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its metabolites.
• A comprehensive method is needed to quantify a wider range of cannabinoids in biological samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method.
• To enable simultaneous quantification of 18 phytocannabinoids and cannabinoid metabolites in human serum.
• To extend beyond the analysis of THC and its primary metabolites.

Main Methods:

• Development and validation of a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay.
• Simultaneous detection of 18 target analytes, including neutral cannabinoids, acidic precursors, and THC metabolites.
• Analysis of 55 forensic serum samples.

Main Results:

• The method successfully quantified 18 phytocannabinoids and cannabinoid metabolites.
• Limits of detection ranged from 0.0004 to 1 ng/mL; limits of quantification ranged from 0.004 to 2 ng/mL.
• Good linearity, acceptable bias, and precision were demonstrated, with recovery rates generally between 52-86%.

Conclusions:

• The validated LC-MS/MS method provides a robust tool for comprehensive cannabinoid profiling in serum.
• This method is suitable for forensic applications, offering detailed insights into cannabinoid exposure.
• The assay facilitates broader research into the therapeutic and toxicological effects of various cannabinoids.