December 30th 2024
Check out the complete series from our Cannabis Analysis column.
Degree of Variance in THC Levels in Samples Taken from Single Lots of Medical Cannabis
October 6th 2022In the work presented here, the author shares research from collecting reports from the New Jersey State laboratory (the Department of Health’s Environmental and Chemical Laboratory Services), which has conducted testing for the state’s medicinal program. He documented an average variance of 20% in potency levels from different samples of the same test lot.
Nonclinical In Vitro Safety Assessment Summary of Hemp Derived (R/S)-Hexahydrocannabinol ((R/S)-HHC)
September 7th 2022In the work presented here, the authors pursue a more detailed understanding of the naturally rare occurring cannabinoid analogue, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), by exploring the safety profile using a third-party lab to produce preclinical in vitro safety profile data. The purpose of these studies is to demonstrate HHC as a safe cannabinoid for potential human consumption.
Quantitative Spectroscopy: Practicalities and Pitfalls, Part I
June 2nd 2022Here we discuss the importance of using standards that bracket the expected concentration range of standards in the unknowns, using the same chemical components in standards and unknowns, and making sure to minimize the error in concentration measurements of standards.
Tricky Terpenes: Under-Regulated Use of Added Terpenes in a Regulated Cannabis Industry
February 28th 2022Terpenes can be tricky. Although cannabis is heavily regulated, since cannabis-derived terpenes do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids, they are not regulated in the same way that cannabis is.
How the Cannabis Market Can Expand with Innovative Products Like CBD Instant Release Tablets
October 1st 2021Medical cannabis patients and adult-use consumers alike are faced with an overwhelming amount of options when they first enter a dispensary. Across the industry, producers are looking for ways to simplify things for consumers. One company, Volunteer Botanicals, recently partnered with an investment group to create cannabidiol (CBD)-based tablets that also combine other cannabinoids and have the potential to create a unique consumer experience. In this interview, Jason Pickle, co-founder and chief sales officer for Volunteer Botanicals, sits down to discuss this recent product, the need for standardization throughout the cannabis industry, and more.
The Serious THC Problem in the US
July 28th 2021A recent article published by FiveThirtyEight (1) was highlighted on major news networks across the US, bringing attention to a very important issue facing the cannabis industry: how much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is actually in products. Here, we highlight some of the findings from the FiveThirtyEight report and what it means for the cannabis industry.
Qualitative Versus Quantitative Hemp Testing: The Limitations of Current Law Enforcement Field Tests
March 5th 2021This article focuses on the technology being used in new rapid field tests that combine one-time-use color testing with a colorimetric panel that provides an identification and semiquantitation of THC and THCA.
Distinguishing Hemp from Marijuana by Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy
August 19th 2020A novel mid-infrared spectrometer that measures total THC in dried, ground cannabis plant material in 2 min is discussed as well as the applications of this analyzer for law enforcement, forensic laboratories, and regulatory agencies.