Columns | Navigating the Lab

Robert Thomas investigates the costs that go into heavy metal testing through an informative exercise that debunks claims that a larger panel would significantly increase costs.

The second part of this column will take a look at specific examples in the public domain of elemental contamination of cannabis consumer products, which shows that other elements are worthy of consideration and should be a part of the regulatory framework.

The first part of this column examines the fractured nature of state-based regulations and compares it with the federal limits for pharmaceutical products and dietary supplements.

In the latest installment of this series, Atkins examines techniques utilized for testing microbiological pathogens, along with the role and mechanisms of cell culture techniques including its strong points and limitations for testing cannabis products.

A look at the advocacy and guidance conducted by the ACIL within the cannabis industry.

The big four heavy metals required by the majority of states is totally inadequate, but how many are actually worthy of consideration? Here, Rob Thomas takes a look at the other metals and how ICP-MS can be used.

A look at why understanding the conditions in which microorganisms thrive, grow, and multiply is important in both controlling microbial growth and optimizing for microbial testing.

In part I of this series, we start the discussion on the important microbiological targets for the cannabis market and understand their significance as a threat to health and safety.

In this installment, we finish our discussion of energy and elements used in atomic spectroscopy by examining an important analytical technique: inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS).

Here we continue the discussion of energy and elements used in atomic spectroscopy by looking at one of the most commonly used analytical techniques in the elemental analytical laboratory—inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).

Currently in the life cycle of the cannabis industry, it is not obvious where the heavy metal regulatory landscape will end up. Clearly, the big four are not enough, but what is a realistic panel that reflects the real world of cannabinoid production?

In this column, we attempt to explore in depth the theory and methodology of our common laboratory techniques and show how an understanding of interworking of those techniques allow for more flexibility in analysis.

Let’s investigate the differences between the commercially available detector in terms of sample type, size, and selectivity to understand which detectors fit into the most common types of cannabis GC analyses.

Let’s try to understand the functioning and chemistry of GC columns and how to change and manipulate the resolution equation and column chemistry to maximize our own analyses.

Understand the function and chemistry of GC systems and how to adapt that function and methodology to our own analyses.

Let’s take a deeper look into GC instrumentation.

What is the overall scope of spectroscopy and how can it be used as a tool to improve analyses?

We finish looking at liquid chromatography with a deeper examination of the mechanics, physics, and chemistry of different spectrometers that are used in analytical laboratories.

A deeper look into the chemistry, physics, and methodology of HPLC methods.

From simple separations to detailed wavelength analysis, we examine the important concepts and techniques needed to make liquid chromatography work its best in the laboratory.

This article takes a look at the major atomic spectroscopy techniques and compares their performance characteristics and in particular examines the limits of quantitation for the four heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, and Hg) currently being regulated in cannabis and hemp by most states in the US.

An in depth look at the most common PPE in laboratories and cleaning procedures that can be enhanced to increase safety.

Here we examine the history of cannabis in the US, the role the USP played in that field, and the new role the USP is taking with cannabis for medical use.

We once again go beyond cannabi¬noids and look at the importance and chemistry of flavonoids in cannabis.

Some of the most common pesticides monitored within the cannabis industry are examined here and the function and chemistry of these agents in cannabis pest control is broken down.

The world of fungi, mold, and mycotoxins is explored and discussed.

Here we look at different sources of potential contamination exposure that may be of concern to both the cannabis industry and the cannabis consumer.

There are thousands of other potential analytical targets in cannabis that are relatively unexplored. Here, the author examines terpenes.

Laboratories are challenged with highly regulated and difficult sample schematics, sample preparation, extraction, and testing procedures that try to ensure accuracy and precision of testing. Accuracy in analytical testing starts at the very beginning with sampling and sample preparation prior to testing.