Analytical Methods

Part II of this series looks at the mechanism via which molecules move through HPLC columns and leads us to a discussion on the equations used to characterize separations.

In part I in a new series of columns, we begin a discussion of the theory of chromatographic separations. Our goal is to derive equations that will help you better perform experiments to optimize your separations.

Dr. Anthony Macherone of Agilent Technologies discusses some of the unique challenges when developing testing methods for cannabis products.

Cannabis testing laboratories play an important role in ensuring consumer safety and quality throughout the industry. These laboratories face many challenges—from the variety of samples in the industry to changing regulations and testing requirements and everything in between. In this interview, Sarah Ahrens, Founder and CEO of True Labs for Cannabis LLC, explains her philosophy and approach behind building her cannabis analytical testing laboratory in New Jersey. She also covers current developments in the cannabis testing industry and what needs to be done to ensure it has a transparent and productive future that benefits producers and consumers alike.

In this study, Tween 20 amounts were increased in 1% increments while monitoring two different factors.

The data presented here document the phytochemical composition of a large dataset of Group III cannabis cultivars and allow for the identification of distinct sub-classes.

This article explores five common cannabis tests and the benefits of incorporating filter plates.

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.

This technical piece is focused on the separation of the individual enantiomers of each compound mentioned above, as well as the combined separation of the compounds from each other for a fast, reliable quantification.

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.