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Cannabis is a complex phytochemical matrix rich in active cannabinoids such as Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Their accurate quantification is critical for quality control, patient safety, and regulatory compliance in medical cannabis.
A laboratory developed High Performance Liquid Chromatography – Diode Array Detector (HPLC DAD) method was compared with the pharmacopoeial reference HPLC method described in Ph. Eur. 11.5. The laboratory method featured an Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC system calibrated with a Cayman Chemicals 11-cannabinoid certified reference mixture; by comparison, the pharmacopoeial method incorporated Herbal Reference Standard (HRS) and Cannabidiol Chemical Reference Standard (CRS).
Both methods demonstrated comparable limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ), confirming equivalent sensitivity. The laboratory developed method achieved a shorter analysis time of 13 minutes with satisfactory precision, whereas the pharmacopoeial method required 35 minutes but ensured superior reproducibility and regulatory reliability.
In summary, the laboratory developed method provides a rapid and efficient solution for routine analysis, while the pharmacopoeial reference method remains indispensable for compliance. Their complementary strengths support robust quality assurance in cannabinoid quantification.