The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a detailed report as part of its Cannabis Laboratory Quality Assurance Program (CannaQAP). This report aims to provide guidance to testing laboratories on accurately measuring key chemical compounds in cannabis products, including marijuana, hemp, and oils. The focus of this particular report is on determining cannabinoid content in plant material samples, following previous reports on moisture content and toxic elements.
Established in 2020 after the federal legalization of hemp through the 2018 Farm Bill, CannaQAP is divided into three exercises. The first exercise focused on measuring the concentration of various cannabinoids in hemp oil, while Exercise 2 examined testing dried cannabis plant samples for cannabinoids, moisture content, and toxic elements.
Research chemist Walter Brent Wilson, a co-author of the new report, emphasized the importance of accurate measurement of heavy metals and toxic elements due to their potential environmental pollutants that can accumulate in cannabis. Moisture content is also a critical factor as federal law measures cannabinoid content on a dry-weight basis.
The detailed report covers sample acquisition and preparation, analytical methods, and recommendations for improving laboratory operations. It includes specific cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, THCA, total delta-9 THC, CBD, CBDA, total CBD, as well as minor cannabinoids like CBC, CBDV, CBG, CBN, and THCV. A total of 226 laboratories participated in this exercise.
One significant finding from the report was the importance of calibration for reliable testing results. Calibration standards meeting ISO standards and traceability to the International System of Units (SI) were recommended to prevent calibration bias. The report also highlighted within-laboratory repeatability but noted inconsistencies in reproducibility between laboratories due to different analytical methods being used.
A third exercise combining the previous two exercises is underway to evaluate participants’ improvement in testing accuracy. As hemp and marijuana markets continue to expand, precise measurement of cannabinoids is vital for distinguishing legal products from illegal ones based on THC content.
Recent clarifications from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regarding THC thresholds have raised questions about intoxicating hemp-based cannabinoids such as THCA and delta-8 THC. Legislative efforts at both state and federal levels are seeking to establish standards for these compounds while ensuring compliance with federal laws.
In conclusion, the NIST’s CannaQAP program plays a crucial role in enhancing the accuracy and precision of testing laboratories for cannabis products. Through detailed reports like this latest installment focusing on cannabinoid determination in plant material samples, the program aims to improve overall quality assurance in the industry. By addressing key factors such as moisture content, toxic elements, and accurate cannabinoid measurements, laboratories can ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance in the rapidly evolving cannabis market.
