Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are a group of natural substances, of which over 100 different representatives are known to date. These substances are mainly found in the hemp plant (cannabis plant). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), probably the best-known representative of this class of substances, has a psychoactive and intoxicating effect in the human body, as do some other cannabinoids. The use of cannabinoids for medical purposes has been possible in Germany since 1 March 2017. Nevertheless, cannabinoids are subject to the Narcotics Act, as there is an increased risk of these substances being abused as drugs due to the effects mentioned above. The legalisation of cannabis is the subject of controversial debate, but is increasingly coming into focus. The global market is constantly growing.

The use of cannabinoids for medical purposes requires robust and reliable methods for the production and analysis of these substances. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), both natural and synthetic cannabinoids can be separated and analysed quickly and reliably. HPLC columns with a C18-modified stationary phase are often used for this purpose.

Below you will find a list of selected manufacturers with corresponding sample applications showing the analysis of various cannabinoids: