Cannabis sativa L. is a plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family known primarily for its recreational use due to the psychoactive properties of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Despite this, several compounds belonging to the category of phytocannabinoids have shown in recent years a number of potentially promising therapeutic effects that have increased the interest in the pharmaceutical field towards this plant. However, the content of these compounds is very variable and influenced by different factors, such as growing conditions and time of the year. An indication of the status and age of Cannabis samples is provided by the content of CBN, a minor phytocannabinoid and degradation product of other phytocannabinoids, including THC. In this research work an innovative, solid state analytical approach has been developed to observe and evaluate the variations in the content of two phytocannabinoids (CBN and CBD) in Cannabis-derived products over time. In order to simulate the ageing of the Cannabis samples, an artificially accelerated ageing procedure has been developed and optimised by using high temperatures. The analyses were carried out using an innovative ATR-FTIR method for solid state analysis, enabling direct analysis of a solid sample without any pretreatment phase. This study has allowed the development of an innovative analytical approach for the evaluation of the age and state of conservation of Cannabis samples and may be a useful tool both in the industrial, pharmaceutical and forensic fields.

Department for Life Quality Studies Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna Corso d'Augusto 237 Rimini 47921 Italy

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Charles University Akademika Heyrovského 1203 Hradec Králové 50003 Czech Republic

Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna Via San Donato 15 Bologna 40126 Italy

Research group of Pharmaco Toxicological Analysis Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna Via Belmeloro 6 Bologna 40126 Italy

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