A Streamlined, Cost-Effective Cannabis and Hemp Flower Workflow for Potency Testing

As the cannabis industry sees continued growth, production labs are looking to improve sample throughput and cut costs per sample for potency analysis. Due to ever-changing rules and regulations, it can be difficult to improve existing workflows. Keeping high-throughput labs in mind, a study was completed to obtain a streamlined workflow with minimal process time and sample touch time while keeping the cost of sample prep materials at a minimum. The study was completed by comparing different extraction volumes and vortex times as well as using a filter mate versus a centrifuge. A total of 16 cannabinoids were monitored on a UV-vis at 228 nm using a Raptor ARC-18 150 x 4.6 mm 2.7 μm analytical column with an accompanying 5 x 4.6 mm Force EXP guard cartridge under isocratic conditions with a total cycle time of 10 minutes.