Potency analysis of twelve cannabinoids in industrial hemp via ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract

RationaleWith an increasing appreciation for the unique pharmacological properties associated with distinct, individual cannabinoids of Cannabis sativa, there is demand for accurate and reliable quantification for a growing number of them. In this study, we developed rapid, sensitive, selective, accurate, and validated liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of cannabinoids.MethodsCrushed industrial hemp flower and leaf sample was extracted by 95% methanol aqueous, sonicated for 30 min. UPLC‐MS/MS analysis using Waters Acquity BEH‐C18 column and electrospray ionization(ESI) mass spectrometry detector.ResultsThe method was validated to demonstrate its reproducibility and precision, linearity, recovery investigation, and investigation of matrix effect. The concentration–response relationship for all analyzed cannabinoids were linear with R2 values >0.99, with intra‐ and inter‐day precision and relative errors below 12%. The recovery and matrix effect were measured as 66.1%–104.1% and 70.42%–110.75%.ConclusionsThis study established a UHPLC‐MS/MS method for the simultaneous and rapid quantitative determination of twelve cannabinoids in industrial hemp flowers and leaves in 11 min. The method was used to analyze 43 industrial hemp flower and leaf samples, with the data being statistically analyzed. Based on the statistical analysis of the cannabinoids, hemp from different regions and different varieties were well distinguished by the PLS‐DA model, with the main contributing substances being cannabidiol, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, and Δ8‐tetrahydrocannabinol.