Contaminants

Articles

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.

Measuring Heavy Metals in Cannabis: What Atomic Spectroscopic Technique Is Right for Your Laboratory?

An argument for moving away from traditional culture-based methods and towards employing methods with increased specificity and accuracy.

Budtender: Is That a Harmful Mold in My Bud?

What are some clear-cut methods to recognizing signs and certain types of contamination that can minimize risk and maximize production of pure, clean cannabis?

Azulenes: A Clear Sign of Cannabis Oil Contamination

Part I of this article series focuses on the physiology of heavy metal transport and translocation into and within plant tissues.

Back to the Root-The Role of Botany and Plant Physiology in Cannabis Testing, Part I: Understanding Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Uptake in Plants

A case study that demonstrates the utility and necessity of environmental screening in a cannabis production and processing facility.

Environmental Screening of a Cannabis Production and Processing Facility:  A Comparison of an Environmental DNA Microarray and Traditional Microbiological Plating Methods

Patricia Atkins is a Senior Applications Scientist with SPEX CertiPrep and a member of both the AOAC and ASTM committees for cannabis.

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

Beyond Potency:  Fungi, Mold, and Mycotoxins

Use the techniques described here to pass the state tests and ensure safe cannabis for consumers.

It’s Not Too Late: Post-Harvest Solutions to Microbial Contamination Issues

A robust method for identifying heavy metals in cannabis samples using ICP-MS is discussed as well as highlights of the importance of sample preparation methods for a wide range of cannabis products.

Multielement Analysis of Heavy Metals in Cannabis Samples Using ICP-MS

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

Beyond Potency: The Importance of Measuring Elemental Contaminants in Cannabis and Hemp

David Hodes has written for many cannabis publications, and organized or moderated sessions at national and international cannabis trade shows. He was voted the 2018 Journalist of the Year by Americans for Safe Access, the world’s largest medical cannabis advocacy organization.

Scientists and testing experts discuss contaminant issues in the wake of a widening vaping emergency

Heavy Metals Detection and Laboratory Practices the Focus of High-Level Workshop

This review article from an experienced pharmaceutical microbiologist discusses the risks of microbial contamination for the full range of cannabis-derived products and recommends the most appropriate microbiological quality requirements for each product.

Microbiological Attributes of Cannabis-Derived Products

An explanation on the theory and measurement of water activity, its mode of action for microbial control, existing water activity regulations for cannabis, and more.

The What, How, and Why of Water Activity in Cannabis 

Brian C. Smith, PhD, is Founder, CEO, and Chief Technical Officer of Big Sur Scientific. He is the inventor of the BSS series of patented mid-infrared based cannabis analyzers. Dr. Smith has done pioneering research and published numerous peer-reviewed papers on the application of mid-infrared spectroscopy to cannabis analysis, and sits on the editorial board of Cannabis Science and Technology. He has worked as a laboratory director for a cannabis extractor, as an analytical chemist for Waters Associates and PerkinElmer, and as an analytical instrument salesperson. He has more than 30 years of experience in chemical analysis and has written three books on the subject. Dr. Smith earned his PhD on physical chemistry from Dartmouth College. Direct correspondence to: 

Cannabis laboratories can get different results on identical samples. In this article, the author explains solutions to those problems.

Inter-Lab Variation in the Cannabis Industry, Part II: Solutions

Too often, cannabis laboratories get different results on the same sample. There are a number of causes and solutions. In this installment, the problem is presented along with its causes.

Inter-Lab Variation in the Cannabis Industry, Part I: Problem and Causes

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

Microbial Testing in Cannabis: Regulatory and Analytical Challenges 

How two different LC–MS/MS methods with ESI and APCI were used for low-level analysis of 72 pesticides

LC–MS/MS with ESI and APCI Sources for Meeting California Cannabis Pesticide and Mycotoxin Residue Regulatory Requirements

A look at the the basic principles of the major types of microwave digestion technology as well as suggestions as to which might be the best approach based on sample matrix, digestion efficiency, sample throughput, productivity, and overall cost of analysis.