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Determination of Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-nor-carboxy-Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol in Human Plasma and Urine After a Commercial Cannabidiol Oil Product Intake

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Date 2024 Apr 9
PMID 38592642
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Abstract

Purpose: Cannabidiol (CBD) products are widely used for pain relief, sleep improvement, management of seizures etc. Although the concentrations of Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-THC) in these products are low (≤0.3% w/w), it is important to investigate if its presence and/or that of its metabolite 11-nor-carboxy-Δ-THC, is traceable in plasma and urine samples of individuals who take CBD oil products.

Methods: A sensitive GC/MS method for the determination of Δ-THC, 11-nor-carboxy-Δ-THC and CBD in plasma and urine samples was developed and validated. The sample preparation procedure included protein precipitation for plasma samples and hydrolysis for urine samples, solid-phase extraction and finally derivatization with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide) with 1% trimethylchlorosilane.

Results: For all analytes, the LOD and LOQ were 0.06 and 0.20 ng/mL, respectively. The calibration curves were linear (R ≥ 0.992), and absolute recoveries were ≥91.7%. Accuracy and precision were within the accepted range. From the analysis of biologic samples of 10 human participants who were taking CBD oil, it was realized that Δ-THC was not detected in urine, while 11-nor-carboxy-Δ-THC (0.69-23.06 ng/mL) and CBD (0.29-96.78 ng/mL) were found in all urine samples. Regarding plasma samples, Δ-THC (0.21-0.62 ng/mL) was detected in 10, 11-nor-carboxy-Δ-THC (0.20-2.44 ng/mL) in 35, while CBD (0.20-1.58 ng/mL) in 25 out of 38 samples, respectively.

Conclusion: The results showed that Δ-THC is likely to be found in plasma although at low concentrations. In addition, the detection of 11-nor-carboxy-Δ-THC in both urine and plasma samples raises questions and concerns for the proper interpretation of toxicological results, especially considering Greece's zero tolerance law applied in DUID and workplace cases.

Citing Articles

Enhancement and validation of a quantitative GC-MS method for the detection of ∆9-THC and THC-COOH in postmortem blood and urine samples.

Paknahad S, Jokar F, Koohi M, Ghadipasha M, Hassan J, Akhgari M MethodsX. 2024; 13:102962.

PMID: 39415877 PMC: 11480513. DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102962.

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