Cannabis Testing Laboratory Solutions

Significance of the Topic

Cannabis analysis is crucial for market expansion and consumer safety, ensuring accurate labeling and contaminant screening. Robust testing protects public health and supports regulatory compliance.

Aims and Overview

This white paper presents a turnkey approach to cannabis laboratory testing, covering key assays from potency and terpene profiling to contaminant detection across lifecycle stages from seed to sale.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Analytical techniques include:

• HPLC/UHPLC with UV-Vis and PDA detection for major and minor cannabinoid quantification
• Single and triple quadrupole LC-MS(/MS) for enhanced sensitivity and confirmation
• Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) for green, high-throughput cannabinoid analysis
• Gas chromatography (GC-FID, GC-MS/MS) for terpenes, pesticides, residual solvents
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for heavy metals
• Moisture analysis by halogen moisture balance
• Laser diffraction particle size analysis
• Database-driven software for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance and data integrity

Used Instrumentation

Key platforms include Shimadzu Cannabis Analyzer, Nexera-i UHPLC, LCMS-2020/8050/8060, GCMS-TQ8050 NX, GCMS-QP2020 NX, ICPMS-2030, MOC63u balance, SALD-2300 particle size analyzer.

Main Results and Discussion

Potency assays achieved baseline separation of up to 16 cannabinoids in 4–30 min with sub-ppb detection. Pesticide screening covered 211 compounds in under 12 min. SFC and GC approaches delivered rapid profiling with reduced solvent consumption. ICP-MS quantified trace heavy metals at regulatory limits. Moisture, residual solvents, mycotoxins and particle size analyses demonstrated high throughput and reliability.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Integrated solutions provide scalable, compliant laboratory workflows, minimize operational costs, and ensure consistent product quality. Green methodologies reduce waste and support eco-friendly practices. Automated data management enhances traceability and audit readiness.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include online supercritical extraction-SFC-MS/MS, high-resolution Q-TOF for untargeted profiling, MALDI-TOF for microbiological testing, and AI-driven data analytics. Expanded analyte panels and automation will further streamline cannabis R&D and QC.

Conclusion

Comprehensive analytical platforms tailored to cannabis ensure accurate potency measurement, terpene and contaminant profiling, and data integrity. Shimadzu’s end-to-end solutions support laboratory growth and regulatory compliance.

References

• Cardenia V. et al. J. Food Drug Anal. 2018, 1283-1292.
• Shimadzu Application News: HPLC-020, HPLC-028, HPLC-032, LCMS-108, SSI-LCMS-104, SSI-LCMS-105.