A Uhplc–Ms/Ms Method for the Quantification of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol in Decoctions and in Plasma Samples for Therapeutic Monitoring of Medical Cannabis

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> Monitoring of blood levels of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) is necessary for optimization of administration of medical cannabis. We describe the validation of a ultra-HPLC-MS/MS method for quantifying THC and CBD from plasma and decoctions and its application for therapeutic drug monitoring.<b>Materials & methods:</b> Analyses were performed by using a TSQ Quantiva™ Triple Quadrupole coupled to a Ultimate 3000 UHPLC system with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization after sample preparation with a straightforward method with deuterated internal standards. <b>Results:</b> The method has been validated following EMA guidelines and is linear in plasma from 0.16 to 10 ng/ml for both THC and CBD and in decoctions from 4.7 to 600 ng/ml. <b>Conclusion:</b> Given the unpredictable pharmacokinetic behavior of THC and CBD in patients, monitoring of plasma concentrations is strongly recommended for patients under treatment with medical cannabis.