This study compares alternative approaches for analyzing phytocannabinoids in different plant materials. Three chromatographic analytical methods (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection and gas chromatography with mass spectrometric and flame ionization detection) were evaluated regarding selectivity, sensitivity, analytical accuracy, and precision. The performance of the methods was compared and all three methods were demonstrated to be appropriate tools for analyzing phytocannabinoids in cannabis. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection showed slightly better accuracy in determining phytocannabinoid acids, which are often difficult to quantify owing to their limited stability. Aspects of sample preparation, such as material homogenization and extraction, were also considered. A single ultrasonic-assisted ethanolic extraction of dried and powdered plant samples of cannabis was shown to be exhaustive for extracting the samples prior to analysis.

Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research Department of Genetic Resources for Vegetables Medicinal and Special Plants Crop Research Institute Šlechtitelů 29 78371 Olomouc Czech Republic

Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research Department of Phytochemistry Palacký University Šlechtitelů 27 78371 Olomouc Czech Republic

Laboratory of Growth Regulators The Czech Academy of Sciences Institute of Experimental Botany and Palacký University Šlechtitelů 27 78371 Olomouc Czech Republic

References provided by Crossref.org

Phytocannabinoid-rich galenic preparations for topical administration: extraction and stability testing

Investigation of the Effect of the Auxin Antagonist PEO-IAA on Cannabinoid Gene Expression and Content in Cannabis sativa L. Plants under In Vitro Conditions

Influence of Technological Maturity on the Secondary Metabolites of Hemp Concentrate (Cannabis sativa L.)