ANALYSIS OF CANNABINOIDS BY LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY - THERMOSPRAY MASS-SPECTROMETRY AND LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY - TANDEM MASS-SPECTROMETRY

A rapid method based on liquid chromatography and thermospray mass spe ctrometry without any derivatization or pre-purification steps has bee n developed for the identification and quantification of cannabinoids in drugs from cannabis plants. The extracts were separated on a Cls re versed-phase column with an acidic acetonitrile-water gradient. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed with a thermospray int erface and protonated molecular ions were obtained from the cannabinoi ds of interest. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry experim ents on the molecular ions gave additional structural information onli ne. The sensitivity and selectivity of the method was sufficient to en able the detection of 100 pg of the cannabinoids.