Mass spectrometric differentiation of cannabinoid-containing samples

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Forensic Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis with various applications.
• Accurate identification and quantification of cannabinoid profiles are crucial for research and regulation.
• Existing methods may require complex sample preparation or lack comprehensive comparative analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a direct-inlet probe mass spectrometry (DIP-MS) method coupled with multiple regression for cannabinoid analysis.
• To establish a reliable procedure for confirming the presence of cannabinoids in complex mixtures.
• To enable quantitative comparison between different cannabinoid-containing samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing direct-inlet probe mass spectrometry for sample introduction and ionization.
• Employing multiple regression analysis to process mass spectral data.
• Establishing relative intensity standards from known cannabinoid controls.
• Regressing spectral data from unknown samples against established cannabinoid standards.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated high coefficients of determination for confirming the presence of cannabinoid mixtures.
• Showcased the utility of regression coefficients for effective sample comparison.
• Validated the method's accuracy in identifying and differentiating cannabinoid profiles.

Conclusions:

• The DIP-MS/multiple regression procedure offers a robust and efficient approach for cannabinoid confirmation and comparative analysis.
• This method provides a valuable tool for researchers and regulatory bodies dealing with cannabinoid-based products.
• The technique facilitates precise characterization of cannabinoid content in diverse samples.