Rapid Distinction and Semiquantitative Analysis of THC and CBD by Silver-Impregnated Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry

Abstract The control over the amount of psychoactive THC (Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) in commercial cannabidiol (CBD) products has to be strict. A fast and simple semiquantitative Ag(I)-impregnated paper spray mass spectrometric method for differentiating between THC and CBD, which show no difference in standard single-stage or tandem MS, was established. Because of a different binding affinity to Ag(I) ions, quasi-molecular Ag(I) adducts [THC + Ag]+ and [CBD + Ag]+ at m/z 421 and 423 give different fragmentation patterns. The product ions at