A Simple and Rapid Spectro-electrochemical Analysis of delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC) using Carbon and Platinum Screen Printed Electrodes

This research introduces a new voltammetric method for detecting delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), addressing the widespread concern over marijuana's illegal use. Utilizing methanol, potassium nitrate as a supporting electrolyte, and a screen-printed carbon electrode, the study developed a precise approach to identify THC and its functional groups via spectral analysis. Experiments yielded a linear THC detection range from 1.875 to 30 mu mol L-1, with a high correlation coefficient of 0.995 and a detection limit of 0.57x10-5 mu mol L-1. FTIR analysis highlighted a phenol group, undergoing oxidation, as a key indicator of THC presence. To confirm THC in seized cannabis samples, the study applied a spectroelectrochemical method alongside preparative thin layer chromatography for sample purification, using a hexane:acetone mix. This approach efficiently isolates THC, proving the method's effectiveness for forensic and analytical applications in drug control.