CSC: Measuring the Stability of Neutral and Acidic Cannabinoid Certified Reference Material for Instrument Calibration

Importance of the topic

Reliable quantitation of cannabinoids in cannabis products depends on stable certified reference materials for instrument calibration and method validation. Without well characterized and stable standards, results for key analytes such as THC and THCA may be inaccurate or inconsistent, undermining quality control, regulatory compliance and research reproducibility.

Objectives and overview of the study

This work aimed to assess the short term stability of two multi‐component certified reference materials—Acids 7 and Neutrals 9 mixes—each containing eight common cannabinoids at 1000 micrograms per milliliter. The study evaluated degradation or conversion of individual components over a 30 day period under four storage temperatures representative of typical laboratory conditions.

Methodology and instrumentation

Sample preparation

• Transfer of 50 microliters of each ampoule into vials and dilution with diluent to target concentration of 50 parts per million
• Use of acetonitrile or methanol as solvent, depending on specified condition
• Caps replaced after each analysis to minimize environmental exposure

Analytical method

• HPLC system equipped with Raptor ARC-18 column, 2.7 micrometer, 150 by 4.6 millimeter
• Mobile phase A: water with 5 millimolar ammonium formate and 0.1 percent formic acid
• Mobile phase B: acetonitrile with 0.1 percent formic acid, isocratic ratio 25 A to 75 B
• Flow rate 1.5 milliliters per minute, column temperature 30 degrees Celsius
• Injection volume 5 microliters and UV detection at 228 nanometers

Main results and discussion

Across storage at minus 20, 0, 10 and 25 degrees Celsius, most cannabinoids in both mixes retained at least 95 percent of their initial response at day zero even after 30 days, meeting strict acceptance criteria of plus or minus five percent. A modest decline in response at room temperature over 30 days highlighted the importance of cold storage. No significant conversion of THCA to THC was observed under recommended conditions, confirming the suitability of the additive formulation for long term stability.

Benefits and practical applications of the method

Multi‐component reference materials streamline calibration curve preparation and quality control by reducing handling errors, saving time and cutting costs compared to single‐component ampoules. The high concentration blends support routine potency testing workflows in analytical laboratories, quality assurance departments and regulated cannabis testing facilities.

Future trends and potential uses

Laboratories are encouraged to perform their own stability studies and establish standard operating procedures for handling and storage of opened ampoules. Daily preparation of working standards may further minimize degradation. Potential developments include expanding certified mixes to cover emerging cannabinoids, exploring advanced storage materials and integrating mass spectrometry detection for improved sensitivity.

Conclusion

The two certified reference mixes exhibited robust stability under a range of laboratory storage conditions, validating their use for routine instrument calibration and method validation. Proper storage at cold temperatures and adherence to handling guidelines are essential to maintain reference material integrity and ensure accurate cannabinoid quantitation.