Expanded SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Surveillance Test Kit
analytica 2022: Discover the Digital Laboratory Future
Integrated Solution for Multi-modal In Situ Lab SEM
Gas Generation Solutions for Streamlined Workflows
Control Processes with Intelligent Cameras – No Previous Knowledge Req...
How Are Microorganisms and Mycotoxins Detected in Cannabis?
The Cannabis sativa plant produces more than 100 known cannabinoids, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. Analysing these naturally occurring compounds is fundamental to the medical cannabis industry, helping researchers to develop new products and ensuring manufacturers can provide clear and transparent labelling to consumers.
While in the past cannabinoid analysis has focussed on psychoactive compounds such as Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the rapidly growing medical cannabis market has put the spotlight on less abundant cannabinoids with powerful therapeutic properties. This has forced researchers to develop more sophisticated, higher resolution methods for cannabinoid analysis.
Below, we take a closer look at some of the most common methods used for cannabinoid analysis.
HPLC is a gold-standard method for cannabinoid analysis and offers the scope to identify and quantify individual compounds, including THC and Cannabidiol (CBD).
It’s particularly useful for determining the potency of a sample and has no trouble distinguishing between structurally similar cannabinoids. For example, as well as identifying THC, HPLC is also proficient at detecting precursors with similar structures, such as Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).
Gas Chromatography is another widely used method for cannabinoid analysis. It’s used across the medical marijuana industry and allows scientists to rapidly detect and quantify concentrations of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids of interest. The technique is often coupled with other methods such as Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Flame Ionisation Detection (FID) to improve results.
Unlike HPLC, GS analysis can’t differentiate between acidic and neutral cannabinoids. This is because the carboxylic acids found in THCA and CBDA decarboxylate when exposed to heat emitted by the GC injector port.
In a recent article published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, the authors cite HPLC-MS/MS as the most accurate and specific method for cannabinoid analysis. “There are multiple benefits to using HPLC-MS/MS over other analytical methods,” write the authors.
As well as distinguishing between acidic and neutral cannabinoids, the team say the addition of MS allows scientists to “differentiate between different cannabinoids based on the m/z value of their molecular ion.” HPLC-MS/MS is also highly specific, with the capacity to analyse complex matrices in far more detail than UV detectors alone.
With the global medical cannabis market predicted to reach a value of almost US$54 million by 2030, the potential for this flowering plant is enormous. Find out more about what’s next for the industry in ‘Medical Cannabis - Testing, Analysis & Identification.’
Medical cannabis offers an array of therapeutic benefits, from managing pain and inflammation to treating conditions like depression, anxiety and PTSD. While...
While all natural crops are at risk of contamination from heavy metals, cannabis is particularly vulnerable as the plant is a hyperaccumulator. This means it...
From hemp russet mites and aphids to corn earworms, cannabis is plagued by its fair share of pests. As a high-value crop, cannabis is often sprayed with mult...
A new upgrade for its photoluminescence spectrometers has been announced by Edinburgh Instruments. Designed and manufactured at their global headquarters...
In This Edition Chromatography - Achiral Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) for the Purification of Pharmaceuticals - Equivalent GC systems performance for regulatory method compliance...
Analytica Anacon India & IndiaLabExpo
International Labmate Limited Oak Court Business Centre Sandridge Park, Porters Wood St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 6PH United Kingdom
T +44 (0)1727 858 840 F +44 (0)1727 840 310 E info@labmate-online.com
Copyright © 2022 Labmate Online. All rights reserved.