Identification of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol compounds in Cannabis sativa using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract

Background: Narcotics are divided into three types natural, semisynthetic and synthetic. Cannabis is included in the Cannabaceae family with the species Cannabis sativa L. This plant is known as a plant that has psychotropic effects because it contains the main alkaloids cannabinol, cannabidiol, and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. Objective: This study aims to identify the presence of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in samples. Method: The method used is the Duquenois colour test, Fast Blue, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) confirmation. Result: The result shows that Dequenoise test positive giving a blue color and Fast Blue color test positive giving a brick red. The GC-MS analysis shows the presence of Δ9-Tetrahidrocannabivarin,  Cannabichrome, Dronabinol, Cannabigerol, and Cannabinol. The chromatogram revealed five peaks, with the main compound identified as dronabinol. Conclusion: Five compounds found in sample were 9-tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabichromene, dronabinol, cannabigerol, and cannabinol, which were positive for marijuana.