Detection of Cannabinoids in Blood Using GC-MS

Stacey Cuyuche

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: BS.CHEM/FOREN/SCI

Faculty Research Mentor: Mongelli, Matthew  Stokes-Huby, Heather

Abstract:

Cannabinoids are structurally diverse organic compounds that are frequently analyzed and require rigorous techniques for valid detection. Cannabinoid analysis in blood is analytically demanding due to the compounds’ low concentration and abundance, strong lipophilicity, and don't easily vaporize. Thus, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) remains a reliable and chemically well-established technique for this application, offering high selectivity and reproducible electron ionization fragmentation patterns. This paper focuses on the chemical and instrumental aspects of cannabinoid detection in blood using GC-MS, with emphasis on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its primary metabolites. There is significant emphasis placed on the sample preparation methods used to isolate cannabinoids from the blood matrix, the use of derivatization to improve the volatility and thermal stability, and the optimization of GC-MS operating conditions. Key method validation parameters, including sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and specificity during the process are also discussed and examined. Overall, the paper demonstrates why GC-MS remains a dependable and chemically sound method for analyzing cannabinoids in complex biological samples.