4. Conclusions

In this study, an analytical protocol involving the combination of HS-SPME coupled to GC–MS and ASE coupled to HPLC-HRMS (Orbitrap®) was applied for the in-depth profiling and fingerprinting of cannabinoids and terpenes in an authorised medical grade variety of Cannabis sativa L. (Bediol®). HS-SPME was shown to be an excellent technique to investigate both the cannabis inflorescence and derived macerated oil volatile composition. In particular, HS-SPME extraction provides an accurate profile concerning plausible terpenes fingerprint of different cannabis chemotypes, as presented in this study.

LC-HRMS-Orbitrap, used to investigate cannabinoids extracted from inflorescences and macerated oils, showed high-throughput performances, as it can be used both for quantification of target analytes and to investigate untargeted fraction to obtain a very complex prolife as an expression of plant phytocomplex at the same time.

These approaches are nowadays essential and pivotal in order to understand the composition of Cannabis sativa chemotypes currently used for their role in therapeutic management, as they are able to provide comprehensive information essential to then correlate the phytochemical characteristics of cannabis and the clinical results obtained when managed and administered to patients as well.
