While LC is a workhorse instrument for laboratories performing cannabis analyses, GC is also a critical analytical tool for cannabis safety and potency labs. This presentation will focus on popular analyses performed for cannabis using GC. In states where cannabis concentrates have been legalized, it is imperative that these concentrates be analyzed for residual solvents, some of which can have a significant negative health impact for patients. A fast, quantitative method for the analysis of residual solvents in cannabis concentrates will be presented. LODs for this method range from 1ppm for toluene and xylene to 50ppm for isobutane. Solvents included in this method are isobutane, butane, methanol, pentane, ethanol, acetone, isopropanol, hexane, chloroform, benzene, heptane, toluene, and xylenes. Methods for optimizing headspace-GC residual solvents methods will also be discussed.<br/>Another critical factor in cannabis safety is pesticide content. The presence of unacceptable levels in cannabis can pose a threat to patients. For comprehensive analysis of pesticides, both LC and GC methods are required. This presentation will discuss which pesticides are appropriate for GC analysis and methods for GC determination of pesticides in cannabis. Additionally, sample preparation methods appropriate for both LC and GC analyses will be presented.<br/>Currently, potency analysis is one of the most commonly-performed laboratory tests for cannabis. Due to its ease of use and ability to quantify cannabinoid acids, LC is the preferred method for potency analysis. However, GC is a more cost-effective analysis method, and many laboratories are currently equipped with GC instruments. This presentation will discuss when GC potency testing may be appropriate, and a method for improved separation for comprehensive cannabinoid profiling will be presented. Additionally, quantitative bias introduced by incomplete decarboxylation in the GC inlet will be explored.

GC methods for Cannabis safety and potency testing

249th National Meeting (2015)

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