Recent applications of mass spectrometry for the characterization of cannabis and hemp phytocannabinoids: From targeted to untargeted analysis

This review is a collection of recent applications of mass spectrometry studies for the characterization of phytocannabinoids in cannabis and hemp plant material and related products. The focus is mostly on recent applications using mass spectrometry as detector, in hyphenation to typical separation techniques (i.e., liquid chromatography or gas chromatography), but also with less common couplings or by simple direct analysis. The papers are described starting from the most common approach for targeted quanti-tative analysis, with applications using low-resolution mass spectrometry equipment, but also with the introduction of high-resolution mass analyzers as the detectors. This reflects a common trend in this field, and introduces the most recent applications using high-resolution mass spectrometry for untargeted anal-ysis. The different approaches used for untargeted analysis are then described, from simple retrospective analysis of compounds without pure standards, through untargeted metabolomics strategies, and sus-pect screening methods, which are the ones currently allowing to achieve the most detailed qualitative characterization of the entire phytocannabinoid composition, including minor compounds which are usu-ally overlooked in targeted studies and in potency evaluation. These approaches also represent power-ful strategies to answer questions on biological and pharmacological activity of cannabis, and provide a sound technology for improved classification of cannabis varieties. Finally, open challenges are discussed for future directions in the detailed study of complex phytocannabinoid mixtures. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This review focuses on recent applications of mass spectrometry studies for characterizing phytocannabinoids in cannabis and hemp plant material and related products. It discusses the common trend of using high-resolution mass spectrometry for untargeted analysis, as well as different approaches for untargeted analysis to achieve detailed qualitative characterization of the entire phytocannabinoid composition. These methods not only help answer questions about the biological and pharmacological activity of cannabis, but also provide a reliable technology for improved classification of cannabis varieties.