Quantification of THC in Cannabis plants by fast-HPLC-DAD: A promising method for routine analyses

Nowadays, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is mainly used in forensic sciences but suffers from limitations when the analysed compounds are thermally instable as it is the case for THC-A (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) which is converted into Delta(9)-THC (Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol) that subsequently partially degrades. We propose herein a Fast High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (Fast-HPLC-DAD) method which allows the efficient separation of CBN (Cannabinol), CBD (Cannabidiol), THC-A and Delta(9)-THC, the major cannabinoids compounds found in cannabis plants in less than 5 min. Our method allows also the proper quantification of Delta(9)-THC in plant extracts using an external calibration method with a very good accuracy as pointed out by a recovery of 100.53 +/- 3.12%. It is also an interesting low cost alternative to Ultra High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) for routine analyses in forensic sciences.