Analysis of carboxy-THC in hair using UPLC-MS/MS

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive component of cannabis and produces several metabolites including 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol (carboxy-THC).

After a positive identification of THC in hair, carboxy-THC can subsequently be analyzed to comply with the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) requirements. However, this analysis is very challenging, as carboxy-THC is found at low pg/mg concentrations, with typically limited sample availability, thus high sensitivity analytical techniques are required.

This webinar will discuss the development of a robust method for the analysis of carboxy-THC in hair using UPLC-MS/MS, that meets the routine guidelines for the confirmation cut-off concentrations recommended by the SoHT.

Keywords: Carboxy-THC, THC, SoHT, cannabis

Presenter: Jonathan Danaceau, Ph.D. (Principal Scientist, Waters Corporation)

Dr. Jonathan Danaceau, Ph.D. is a Principal Scientist with Waters. He received his B.S. in Biology from Allegheny College and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT). Jon came to Waters in 2011 after spending several years in the forensic toxicology and sports doping fields. Since joining Waters, he has focused on sample preparation and LC/MS/MS solutions for forensic, clinical research, and other bioanalytical applications. He is an expert in sample preparation and bioanalytical method development and has published several papers in these fields. Jon is currently with the Sample Preparation and Automation group within the Consumables and Lab Automation division at Waters.