Cloud point extraction of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol from cannabis resin

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2013 Apr;405(10):3117-23. doi: 10.1007/s00216-013-6743-2. Epub 2013 Jan 27.

Abstract

A cloud point extraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/UV) method was developed for the determination of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in micellar phase. The nonionic surfactant "Dowfax 20B102" was used to extract and pre-concentrate THC from cannabis resin, prior to its determination with a HPLC-UV system (diode array detector) with isocratic elution. The parameters and variables affecting the extraction were investigated. Under optimum conditions (1 wt.% Dowfax 20B102, 1 wt.% Na2SO4, T = 318 K, t = 30 min), this method yielded a quite satisfactory recovery rate (~81 %). The limit of detection was 0.04 μg mL(-1), and the relative standard deviation was less than 2 %. Compared with conventional solid-liquid extraction, this new method avoids the use of volatile organic solvents, therefore is environmentally safer.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Cannabis / chemistry*
  • Chemical Fractionation / methods*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / methods*
  • Dronabinol / analysis
  • Dronabinol / isolation & purification*
  • Plant Extracts / analysis
  • Plant Extracts / isolation & purification*
  • Resins, Plant / chemistry*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Resins, Plant
  • Dronabinol