A Fast and Comprehensive Potency Determination of 21-Cannabinoids in Hemp Material and Finished Tinctures using the Cannabis Analyzer for Potency™

Importance of the Topic

Cannabis and hemp-derived products are gaining research and commercial interest due to their diverse biochemical profiles and potential therapeutic benefits.
Accurate measurement of cannabinoid potency is essential for regulatory compliance, consumer safety, consistent dosing, and quality control across the rapidly expanding hemp and cannabis industries.

Study Objectives and Overview

This work demonstrates a rapid, comprehensive HPLC–UV method using the Shimadzu Cannabis Analyzer for Potency™ to quantify 21 cannabinoids in hemp material and finished tinctures within a 15-minute run time.
The study includes method development, calibration and validation with standard mixtures, and application to both dry hemp samples and commercial tincture oils.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• HPLC System: Shimadzu Cannabis Analyzer for Potency™ with integrated UV-Vis detector at 220 nm.
• Column: NexLeaf CBX for Potency (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 2.7 μm) with guard cartridge.
• Mobile Phase A: 0.085% phosphoric acid in water; Mobile Phase B: 0.085% phosphoric acid in acetonitrile.
• Gradient: 70% B for 3 min; 70–85% B over 7 min; 85–95% B over 0.01 min; 95% B for 1.99 min; re‐equilibration to 70% B.
• Flow Rate: 1.6 mL/min; Column Temperature: 35 °C; Injection Volume: 5 μL; Total Run Time: 15 min (including wash).
• Calibration: Six-point curve (0.5–85 mg/L) with three QC levels at 2.5, 30, and 70 mg/L; seven replicates each.

Main Results and Discussion

All 21 cannabinoids showed linear calibration (R² ≥ 0.999) using weighted linear regression. Chromatographic separation was achieved within 15 minutes, with sharp peaks and reproducible retention times.
Method repeatability (RSD < 1.0%) and accuracy (96–115%) met validation criteria across QC levels.
Analysis of a commercial dry hemp flower (100× dilution) revealed CBDA/CBD content above 75% (wt.%) with no detectable Δ9-THC or THCA.
Testing of a commercial tincture oil (1000× dilution) yielded total CBD consistent with the label claim (273.6 mg per 30 mL) and total THC below the 0.3% dry weight regulatory threshold.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High-throughput testing capability supports QC/QA laboratories with short run times and minimal sample preparation.
• Comprehensive 21-cannabinoid profiling aids research into the “entourage effect” and product formulation.
• Reliable THC quantitation ensures regulatory compliance for hemp-derived products.
• Customizable equations allow reporting of total CBD and THC on both solution and dry weight bases.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Future developments may expand the cannabinoid library, integrate mass spectrometry for enhanced selectivity, and automate sample preparation workflows.
Integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and cloud-based data analysis platforms will streamline reporting and regulatory submissions.
Broader adoption is expected in pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, and advanced delivery systems as the cannabinoid therapeutics field evolves.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu Cannabis Analyzer for Potency™ offers a fast, robust HPLC–UV method for simultaneous determination of 21 cannabinoids in hemp and tincture matrices.
Validated for linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and repeatability, this method supports routine potency testing and quality assurance in the expanding hemp and cannabis industries.