Method Development to Separate 24 Cannabinoids Using LC-MS
Celina Soliman
Co-Presenters: Elisa Laurenzano, Pia Poma
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Biology
Faculty Research Mentor: Mingjing Sun
Abstract:
While marijuana is illegal on a federal level, in the state of New Jersey it has been legal since 2022. Federally, marijuana is a Schedule I drug, meaning that it is illegal for both medical and recreational use. Marijuana is used by many for its mind-altering effects for changes in mood, but continued use can have serious consequences on cognition, perception, and coordination. Marijuana contains 100s of cannabinoids, the main components being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), and in this experiment, 24 main cannabinoids are analyzed. Major cannabinoids like THC produce a psychoactive effect, but CBD does not. Other minor cannabinoids, such as cannabinol, Delta 8 THC, CBDA, and CBG can share similar effects as THC and CBD without producing psychoactive effects. In this experiment, a fast and efficient method was developed to detect the presence of cannabinoids in edibles sold in dispensaries, to ensure the quality of the cannabis infused products being heavily marketed to consumers.