Chemical Quantification of CBD and THC and Bacteriological Analysis of Artisan Cannabis Sativa Extracts: TheImportance of Regulation

Abstract

Objectives Cannabis sativa is a plant species that has been used for millennia, especially in medicinal form, due to its great therapeutic potential. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main pharmacologically active substances found in the plant. Efficient methods of extraction, purification and, sometimes, the separation of these cannabinoids are necessary to obtain extracts and compounds that can be used in the search for safe and effective therapeutic responses. Methods In this work, it was possible to analyze the composition of cannabinoids in 41 extracts of Cannabis sp. (32 produced by associations and 9 produced by the patients themselves), determining the amount of THC and CBD in the samples, using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography technique (RP-HPLC), as well as the presence of bacteria, using the Gram method. Results The median concentrations of THC and CBD measured in the samples were 51% and 58%, lower than the expected concentration, respectively. Furthermore, the presence of a Gram positive microorganism was observed in only one sample, suggestive of Staphylococcus Aureus. Conclusion Although associations have a noble social function, quality control in the production of medicines is important, with proper titration of cannabinoids and microbiological analysis of samples, which can be implemented through regulation by the Public Power.