Development and Validation of Methods for Quantification of Cannabinoids by GC-FID and LC-MS/MS in Commercial and Artisanal Cannabis Oils

• Grant number: 25/12262-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Alessandra Sussulini
• Grantee: Giovani Henrique Soares
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/01800-2 - Exploring the potential of cannabis in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, AP.R

Abstract

In recent years, the plant Cannabis sativa L. has once again attracted the attention of the scientific community, especially in the field of medicine. With technological advances, it was discovered that its oil contains a group of active molecules, known as cannabinoids, which have the ability to combat symptoms of certain diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. Among these molecules, cannabidiol (CBD), ¿9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN) stand out, as they are responsible for the beneficial effects of the extract due to their direct action on the endocannabinoid system. With the increasing demand for herbal treatments involving cannabis, companies have begun producing oils; however, due to the high cost of commercial products, many associations of patients and parents have obtained the right to produce homemade oils, leading to variability in extraction methods and chemical characteristics, which can result in different effects on individuals. Currently, there is no defined and validated technique by regulatory agencies for evaluating these oils. Therefore, it is necessary to standardize the analysis of these extracts and the concentrations of the main compounds. To achieve this, robust and rapid analytical techniques for separation and quantification, such as chromatography, should be used. Aiming to address this lack of standardization, the present research project seeks to develop and validate two analytical methods: one using gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and another using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the quantification of CBD, THC, CBG, and CBN in both commercial and homemade cannabis oils. (AU)