Analytical Methods

A number of misconceptions people have about how to test, what to test, and when to test in the cannabis industry are dispelled.

A systematic literature review to identify and compare analytical methods used for the determination of cannabinoids in different matrices using LC-based systems.

This work describes an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry method for the analysis of various heavy metals in cannabis sativa plant material.

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.

Keystone Labs is an accredited testing facility with a good manufacturing practice (GMP) establishment license. Jodi McDonald, president and founder of Keystone Labs, based in Edmonton Alberta, Canada discusses their role in the industry.

Ric Cuchetto discusses the technology behind THC remediation and some of the challenges it presents.

Suggestions on how to deal with the problem of inter-laboratory error in the cannabis industry.

Here a scientifically based representative sampling plan for hemp grows is presented, detailing how to collect composite samples, how many to collect, and how to analyze them.

A proper set of hemp standard reference materials courtesy of the University of Kentucky are now available and the implications of this for hemp testing are discussed.

How quickly can a cannabis or hemp testing laboratory see return on investment?

Dr. Scott Kuzdzal and Melissa Fauth share their stories, challenges, and lessons learned, offering advice to those looking for success in a complex market.

Why are those extra decimal places possibly meaningless? How can you use significant figures to discern the true meaning of your cannabis analysis measurements?

Bob Clifford, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments; Derek Laine, Trace Analytics; Sandy Mangan, SPEX SamplePrep LLC; Justin Steimling, Restek Corporation; and  Katherine Stenerson, MilliporeSigma discuss the most important thing newcomers to the field need to learn.

A number of causes of hemp testing insanity are documented such as different states using different THC measures to determine legality, lack of representative sampling, and more.

A look at the capabilities of microwave-assisted extraction and how the cannabis industry can utilize it

This review introduces a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay and compares its performance to culture-based methods.

Leading scientists and researchers from the cannabis industry-Bob Clifford, Derek Laine, Sandy Mangan, Katherine Stenerson, and Justin Steimling-offer advice on how to get started for people that are new to cannabis testing.

Experts in cannabis anaylsis discuss, in their opinion, the the best method for cannabis analysis in part II of this two-part series.

What to consider when creating or using certified reference materials.

Here the LC–UV separation of 16 cannabinoids of interest was performed while the potential impact from minor cannabinoids and terpenes on reported potency values was monitored.

Find out if you know the difference between accuracy and precision

In this first installment of the "Cannabis Analysis" column, the author introduces himself and the goals for the column.

An outline of some of the current major challenges for both regulators and laboratories regarding the microbial testing of cannabis products.

The method described here allows for the simultaneous analysis of 47 pesticides and five mycotoxins in cannabis in one simple QuEChERS procedure. This simple method is designed for implementation in start-up laboratories and in established laboratories that wish to streamline their sample preparation process, decrease solvent usage, and obtain accurate and fast results.

A primary impediment to cannabinoid research is the fact that materials possessing psychoactive Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are considered Schedule I drugs as defined in the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. An alternative source of cannabinoids may be found in hemp oil extracts. Hemp contains a low percentage of THC by weight but relatively high amounts of nonpsychoactive cannabinoids. The liquid chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–TOF-MS) method presented herein allows for the accurate, precise, and robust speciation, profiling, and quantification of cannabinoids in hemp oil extracts and commercial cannabinoid products for research and development laboratories. The method was determined to chromatographically separate 11 cannabinoids including differentiation of Δ8-tetrahdrocannabinol and THC with excellent linear dynamic range, specificity, and sensitivity.