Challenges of Extracting and Determining Cannabinoids in Different Matrices.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Accurate cannabinoid analysis is vital for understanding their therapeutic potential.
• The cannabis market offers diverse products like dried flowers, extracts, and edibles.
• Standardized analytical methods are lacking for various cannabis matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature on challenges in analyzing cannabinoids.
• To cover cannabinoid analysis in plant material, oils, and edibles.
• To highlight the need for standardized analytical techniques.

Main Methods:

• A literature search was conducted.
• Identified sample preparation and analytical techniques were reviewed.
• Associated challenges in cannabinoid determination were cataloged.

Main Results:

• Cannabis plant material analysis faces challenges from matrix complexity and co-extraction.
• Analysis of cannabinoids in oils requires consideration of carrier oil properties.
• Edible analysis is complex due to diverse matrices, making it resource-intensive.

Conclusions:

• Analyzing cannabinoids in different matrices necessitates a comprehensive approach.
• Regulatory guidance, method development, and innovation are essential.
• Standardized, validated methods tailored to each matrix are needed for novel cannabinoids.