From the Human Body to the Water System: Cannabinoids and Their Metabolites

Abigail Castellanos

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: BS.CHEM/FOREN/SCI

Faculty Research Mentor: Mingjing Sun

Abstract:

As cannabis usage persists within communities following its legalization across regions globally, the aftermath of consumption raises ever-growing concerns for environmental and public health as cannabinoids and their metabolites are introduced into water systems. The exploration of novel metabolites through cytochrome pathways has expanded present-day knowledge on cannabis metabolism, but the impact of these metabolites when released through bodily excretions into the wastewater system remain limited. Cannabinoids within the human body can already pose adverse effects upon consumption; these impacts are further complicated with the successful detection of metabolite residues in both surface and tap waters.

Cannabis has been used both recreationally and pharmaceutically for their psychoactive properties, and the rate of usage and release is expected to increase as extension of legalization make cannabis more readily accessible. The extent in which cannabis metabolites persevere within the water system is typically explored using liquid chromatography paired with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) due to its reliability and high specificity. Cannabinoid detection in a variety of sample matrices, such as biological specimens and water system samples, using LC-MS is cost effective and reduces risk of heat degradation from alternatives like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The detection of cannabinoids and their metabolites utilizing LC-MS methodology for monitoring consumption trends and health impacts is crucial to understanding residues from common cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC).