An improved method for the determination of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol and cannabidiol in hair by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

• Published in: Microchemical journal 2014-11, Vol.117, p.7-17
• Main Authors: Míguez-Framil, Martha, Cocho, José Ángel, Tabernero, María Jesús, Bermejo, Ana María, Moreda-Piñeiro, Antonio, Bermejo-Barrera, Pilar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: < DELTA > 9-THC; Cannabidiol; Cannabinol; Hair; Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
• ISSN: 0026-265X; 1095-9149
• DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2014.05.015

A fast high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) method for assessing 9-tetrahydrocannabinol ( 9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) in hair has been developed and validated. Hair samples were oven digested with 2.0M sodium hydroxide (100°C, 10min), and targets were further extracted by liquid–liquid extraction with hexane/ethyl acetate (9:1). A chromatographic run based on a gradient elution (0.1% (v/v) formic acid in acetonitrile and in ultrapure water) was performed in 5min. The limits of detection were 0.25, 0.21, and 0.22ngg−1, for 9-THC, CBN and CBD, respectively. The relative standard deviation of intra- and inter-day precision was lower than 4 and 7%, respectively, and intra- and inter-day analytical recoveries ranged from 95 and 106%, and 93 and 105%, respectively. The method was applied to hair samples collected from proven cannabis abusers. •Fast LC–MS/MS method for assessing cannabinoids in hair•Chromatographic run in 5min.• 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol were properly resolved.