Technical Tips of Particular Interest to Cannabis Labs
This section is organized by analysis type, select from:
- Potency
- Pesticides
- Mycotoxins
- Heavy Metals
- Terpenes / Aroma
- Reference Standards
- Sample Preparation
- Tech Tips and Resources
- General Lab Tips
How Does Extra-Column Volume Affect Analysis
When developing or transferring potency methods, extra is not always better—in fact, extra-column volume in your LC system can be detrimental to peak width, resolution, and efficiency. In this article, we explore the effects of extra-column volume on cannabinoids analysis and explain how to choose a column that will best suit your needs. We also review how to match column length and diameter to provide the best combination of resolution, speed and solvent savings on different types of instruments.
Cannabis Q&A: What’s the Right Extraction for Your Matrix?
Accurate potency results depend on effective separation of cannabinoids from matrix components, but with such diverse sample types no single extraction procedure will work for all samples. Learn how to develop the best method for your matrix with this Restek video.
What Makes an Aroma? A Terpene Story
Cannabis products vary widely in smell largely because of the terpenes they contain. Terpene profiles are complex, but their volatility makes headspace GC a good analytical tool. Watch this quick video to learn more about this fascinating—and fragrant—family of compounds.
How Long Can I Store My Cannabinoid Calibration Standards in the Autosampler?
The convenience of storing calibration mixes in the autosampler certainly makes it tempting to do so, but how long are compounds really stable? Check out Restek's cannabinoid stability testing results and see how acidic, neutral, and mixed cannabinoid standards fared under the test conditions.
Cannabidiol Extraction and Quantification from Gummies
Katherine Biggie, a graduate student from Bowling Green State University, has published an excellent thesis entitled “CANNABIDIOL EXTRACTION AND QUANTIFICATION: A COMPARISON OF FOUR SOLVENT BASED EXTRACTION METHODS IN GUMMY MATRICES.” Four extraction methods were compared to determine the ideal method to use with a gummy matrix. Of the four methods, QuEChERS provided the highest percent yield.
Cannabis testing labs continue to experience serious pressure to provide low-cost, quick turnaround, and favorable cannabinoid reporting capabilities.
In this study, Restek evaluated six cannabinoid extraction methods that are commonly used for plant and flower materials and compared the overall extraction efficiency, solvent cost, consumables cost,
and sample preparation time.
Sample Preparation of Cannabis Products
With changing cannabis regulations, it is important to implement analyses with proper sample preparation considerations. LCTech is an expert in sample preparation for this field. They have a number of applications posted on their site, including:
- Sample clean-up for the determination of pesticides in cannabis using a non-dispersive QuEChERS method
- Determination of mycotoxins in hemp using IAC based clean-up columns
- Determination of THC metabolites in human urine
Smart Sample Preparation Strategies for Cannabinoids are Driven by Matrix Type
Accurate potency results depend on effective separation of cannabinoids from matrix components, but with such diverse sample types no single extraction procedure will work for all samples. Learn how to develop the best method for your matrix with this Restek video.
Method Abstract Brochure
Pickering Labs has recently introduced a Method Abstract Brochure, containing a section on the analysis of cannabis and hemp (pages 80 to 88).
Included are the following applications:
- Analysis of Cannabinoids in Hemp and Hemp-Containing Products Using HPLC with Post-Column Derivatization
- Analysis of Cannabinoids Using HPLC with Post-Column Derivatization
- Analysis of Mycotoxins in Cannabis Plant and Cannabis Containing Products
- Analysis of Mycotoxins in Hemp and Hemp Containing Edible Products
Restek’s 20 page guide – Growing Analytical Solutions for Cannabis Labs - gives readers a good overview of their expertise in the areas of testing for potency, terpenes, residual solvents and pesticides. Each section contains applications and technical tips. A full listing of reference standards completes the package.
Do you know the difference between Cannabis TCH Isomers?
You know you need to separate ∆8-THC and ∆9-THC, but do you know what small difference between these two compounds results in such a large impact on potency? This quick video pinpoints the minor change that has major effects.
FID Maintenance for Cannabis Labs is Easier Than You Think
To get the best performance from your FID, you need to invest a little time in routine inspection and maintenance. Watch this quick video to learn what common symptoms to watch out for and how to return your FID to peak condition fast.
Keep Samples Flowing Through the Lab by Preventing Unplanned Instrument Downtime
Cannabis labs invest significant time and resources into developing methods that maximize sample throughput. But, did you know that effective routine maintenance is one of the easiest ways to minimize downtime? Here’s how to set up a solid strategy.
Contact our Technical Support Team for more information.