Method Development of Cannabis Analysis for the Undergraduate Lab Using CBD-Only Products
Location
Village Square
Department
Chemistry
Abstract
We hope to close a gap in testing standards between products approved for sale in dispensaries and products able to be sold outside of those venues. Dispensary-sold cannabis products must be tested by state-approved labs, and those results are printed on each item as well as the lab source. Cannabidiol (CBD) products available outside of dispensaries are subject only to FDA regulations regarding dietary supplements, which do not require independent determination of potency, or even whether the desired substance is present in the consumer product. We developed analytical methods for cannabis products suitable for an undergraduate lab. One of the main challenges is the variety of sample types, ranging from very nonpolar oils to very polar water-based products. While all cannabis sp. produce of hundreds of compounds, terpenes and cannabinoids have the most commercial relevance. Using commercial CBD products, we performed several different extractions tailored to the type of product, comparing results using hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. CBD products examined included a flavored tincture in MCT oil, a water-based “recovery shot,” and ground CBD flower. Samples were run in a GCMS to identify the compounds, and the methods were improved based on initial results.
Faculty Sponsor
Charles Abrams, Truman College
Method Development of Cannabis Analysis for the Undergraduate Lab Using CBD-Only Products
Village Square
We hope to close a gap in testing standards between products approved for sale in dispensaries and products able to be sold outside of those venues. Dispensary-sold cannabis products must be tested by state-approved labs, and those results are printed on each item as well as the lab source. Cannabidiol (CBD) products available outside of dispensaries are subject only to FDA regulations regarding dietary supplements, which do not require independent determination of potency, or even whether the desired substance is present in the consumer product. We developed analytical methods for cannabis products suitable for an undergraduate lab. One of the main challenges is the variety of sample types, ranging from very nonpolar oils to very polar water-based products. While all cannabis sp. produce of hundreds of compounds, terpenes and cannabinoids have the most commercial relevance. Using commercial CBD products, we performed several different extractions tailored to the type of product, comparing results using hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. CBD products examined included a flavored tincture in MCT oil, a water-based “recovery shot,” and ground CBD flower. Samples were run in a GCMS to identify the compounds, and the methods were improved based on initial results.