Cannabinoid Extraction Efficiency for Potency Analysis: An In-Depth Look at Multiple Techniques

There are many different extraction techniques on the market and oftentimes new labs are confused as to where to begin and which technique would best suit their needs. In this study, six different extraction methods were investigated to determine overall efficiency as well as sample preparation cost and sample preparation time. Two types of chemovars were used for the study, CBD and CBG, to ensure extraction efficiency is comparable across different varieties. Due to its robust nature, a UV-Vis was used and monitored at 228 nm. All data was obtained by using a Raptor ARC-18 2.7 µm, 150 x 4.6 mm column with accompanying 5 x 4.6 mm EXP guard. A total of sixteen cannabinoids were monitored under 25:75 isocratic conditions consisting of mobile phase A 5 mM Ammonium formate in water with 0.1% formic acid and mobile phase B of 0.1 % formic acid in acetonitrile, for a total cycle time of 9 minutes.