Characterization of the Volatile Components of Cannabis Preparations by Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled to Headspace-Gas Chromatography with Mass Detector (SPME-HSGC/MS)

Abstract

Solid phase microextraction coupled to headspace sampling and GC/MS technique was applied to the characterization of the volatile components of several Cannabis preparations (hashish). Different parameters of the analytical method (fiber, coating thickness, sampling and exposition temperatures, sample preparation) were evaluated to optimize the characterization of the volatile components. α-Pinene, β-myrcene, limonene, 4-carene, trans-3(10) caren-2-ol, 4,7,7-trimethylbicyclo [4.1.0] heptan-3-ol, caryophyllene, β-humulene, azulene, gurjunene, ledene and caryophyllene oxide were identified among the volatile components of all hashish preparations. Moreover, a suitable internal standard (nonane) was chosen, the reproducibility and linearity of the method were evaluated in order to carry out the quantitative determination of caryphyllene, the most abundant volatile terpene. Its quantity ranged from 800 to 3000 µg/g.