Analysis of Cannabinoids in Biological Specimens: An Update

Abstract

Cannabinoids are still the most consumed drugs of abuse worldwide. Despite being considered less harmful to human health, particularly if compared with opiates or cocaine, cannabis consumption has important medico-legal and public health consequences. For this reason, the development and optimization of sensitive analytical methods that allow the determination of these compounds in different biological specimens is important, involving relevant efforts from laboratories. This paper will discuss cannabis consumption; toxicokinetics, the most detected compounds in biological samples; and characteristics of the latter. In addition, a comprehensive review of extraction methods and analytical tools available for cannabinoid detection in selected biological specimens will be reviewed. Important issues such as pitfalls and cut-off values will be considered.

Comparison between Blood, Non-Blood Fluids and Tissue Specimens for the Analysis of Cannabinoid Metabolites in Cannabis-Related Post-Mortem Cases

“…This study revealed that urine, a non-blood bodily fluid, could be utilized for the analysis of cannabinoid metabolites [21]. Despite examining almost four times more cases than the Saenz et al [13] study, a lower proportion of urine specimens tested positive for THC-OH and THC.…”

CannibiSenS: an on-demand rapid screen for THC in human saliva

“…However, this technique is limited by several factors such as temperature change, antibody binding constants, diffusion rates, device orientation, and lack of specificity. 15…”

“…However, this technique is limited by several factors such as temperature change, antibody binding constants, diffusion rates, device orientation, and lack of specificity. 15 In the past decades, electrochemical techniques have been explored for the detection of THC in various bodily fluids. Many researchers have used screen printed electrodes and glassy carbon electrode platforms with mediator chemistry for THC detection by square wave voltammetry and chronoamperometric techniques.…”

Analytical techniques for screening of cannabis and derivatives from human hair specimens

“…39 Improper selection of the extraction method may lead to degradation of THC and its conversion into a chemical that may yield a false positive/negative result. 40 Advanced available extraction methodologies have also been employed to increase the yield of THC. 41 These methodologies involve ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), 42 microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE), matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), pressurized fluid extraction (PFE), and micropulverized extraction.…”