Using sesame seed oil to preserve and concentrate cannabinoids for paper spray mass spectrometry

Abstract

Screening for cannabis use can be complicated. Marijuana's legal status varies depending on where you live. In addition, an increasing number of synthetic cannabinoids have emerged. It is important to screen for both natural and synthetic cannabinoids in cases of driving under the influence and overdose. In this chapter, a technique called paper strip extraction is investigated to facilitate rapid screening for natural and synthetic cannabinoids using paper spray mass spectrometry. This involves spotting sesame oil, a preservative for THC, on a strip of paper and passing urine or oral fluid through the spot to preconcentrate and preserve cannabinoids. Paper spray mass spectrometry is an ambient ionization technique in which biofluid is analysed directly from paper by applying solvent and high voltage. Experiments outlined here investigate sesame oil's ability to preserve THC and its metabolites, preconcentrate both natural and synthetic cannabinoids, and the impact on the overall detection limits.