出版社：Japanese Association of Forensic Science and Technology
摘要：In blood testing for driving under the influence of cannabis, some foreign country authorities require detection of not only Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) but also its metabolites. Considering circulation of mixtures of Δ9-THC and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), it is necessary to prepare the analytical method to achieve sufficient chromatographic separation of unchanged forms and the major metabolites of Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC and their differentiation by mass spectrometry. In this study, we examined simultaneous analytical conditions for Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC and their major metabolites by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). As major metabolites of Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC, we analyzed 11-hydroxy-forms (11-hydroxy-Δ9-THC for Δ9-THC and 11-hydroxy-Δ8-THC for Δ8-THC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-forms (11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-THC for Δ9-THC and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ8-THC for Δ8-THC). In the LC/MS chromatograms, all compounds were completely separated by the cholesteryl column. In the mass spectrum, under positive condition, clear difference was recognized in MS2 spectrum of 11-hydroxy-forms and MS2 and MS3 spectra of 11-nor-9-carboxy-forms and it was possible to distinguish the compounds. However, Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC were difficult to be distinguished. In the GC/MS chromatograms, trimethylsilyl derivatives of Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC and their major metabolites were completely separated. And it is possible to distinguish the compounds by their mass spectra.
