title: GC-MS analysis of the total delta9-THC content of both drug- and fiber-type cannabis seeds.
abstract: A GC-MS method was performed to determine the total delta9-THC content in both drug- and fiber-type cannabis seeds. Drug-type seeds were found to contain much higher levels of delta9-THC (35.6-124 microg/g) than fiber (hemp) seeds (0-12 microg/g). The majority of delta9-THC was found to be located on the surface of the seeds. Approximately 90% of the total delta9-THC was removed by a simple, quick wash with chloroform. Washed drug-type seeds contained less than 10 microg/g. Separation of the seeds into the kernel and testa showed that the bulk of delta9-THC is located in the testa, mainly on the outside. The kernels of drug- and fiber-type cannabis seeds contained less than 2 and 0.5 microg delta9-THC/g seeds, respectively. Fluctuations in the delta9-THC content of different replicates of the same type of seeds could be the result of the degree of contamination on the outside of the seeds.
authors: National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
authors: S A
authors: SA
authors: Ross
authors: Z
authors: Z
authors: Mehmedic
authors: T P
authors: TP
authors: Murphy
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Elsohly
mesh_terms: D013759:Dronabinol / Q000032:analysis*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000032:analysis*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry*; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D013759:Dronabinol