The Potency Determination of 15 Cannabinoids using the Hemp Analyzer

Importance of the Topic

The rapidly expanding hemp industry demands rigorous analytical techniques to ensure product quality, safety, and accurate potency labeling.
Chromatographic methods, particularly HPLC coupled with UV detection, are central to determining levels of bioactive cannabinoids across pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and consumer goods.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study aimed to develop and validate a high-sensitivity HPLC method using the Shimadzu Hemp Analyzer to quantify fifteen major cannabinoids in hemp matrices.
The approach focuses on achieving linear calibration, precision, accuracy, and low detection limits to support regulatory compliance and routine quality control.

Methodology and Instrumentation

A mixed standard of eleven certified cannabinoids was augmented with four additional compounds to prepare a 100 µg/mL calibrant.
Six calibration levels (0.5–100 µg/mL) and three QC standards (2.5, 25, 75 µg/mL) were analyzed in septuplicate injections.
Weighted linear regression (1/C) was employed and assessed by correlation coefficients (R²).

Used Instrumentation

• Shimadzu Hemp Analyzer integrated HPLC system with built-in UV-Vis detector (220 nm)
• NexLeaf CBX analytical column (2.7 µm, 4.6 × 150 mm) 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; ramp to 95% B over 6 min; hold and return to initial conditions
• Flow rate: 1.6 mL/min; Injection volume: 5 µL; Column temperature: 35 °C
• Data processing: LabSolutions Database version 6.83

Main Results and Discussion

All fifteen cannabinoids exhibited excellent linearity with R² ≥ 0.999 (n = 7).
Precision (RSD) for calibration and QC levels remained below 1% across low, medium, and high concentrations.
Accuracy ranged from 98.4% to 108.3%, meeting high-sensitivity criteria.
Limits of detection (LOD) were determined at 0.12–0.20 µg/mL and limits of quantitation (LOQ) at 0.35–3.19 µg/mL based on signal-to-noise ratios.
Representative chromatograms showed well-resolved peaks and consistent retention times over multiple injections.

Benefits and Practical Application

The validated method offers robust quantitation of key cannabinoids, supporting:

• Quality assurance in hemp‐derived products
• Regulatory compliance for potency labeling
• Pharmaceutical and clinical research requiring precise dosing
• Industrial process monitoring in manufacturing

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Extension to ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography for faster separations
• Integration with mass spectrometry for enhanced selectivity and sensitivity
• Development of automated online platforms for real-time potency monitoring
• Adaptation to portable field analyzers for on-site testing

Conclusion

The Shimadzu Hemp Analyzer method achieves high accuracy, precision, and sensitivity for fifteen cannabinoids in a single run.
Its rugged performance and user-friendly operation make it an ideal solution for routine potency analysis in laboratories supporting the hemp industry.

References

1. Grand View Research. Global Industrial Hemp Market Analysis and Forecast to 2027; 2020.
2. Armbruster DA, Tillman MD, Hubbs LM. Limit of detection (LOD)/Limit of quantitation (LOQ): comparison of the empirical and statistical methods exemplified with GC-MS assays of abused drugs. Clinical Chemistry. 1994;40(1):1233–1238.
3. Shrivastava A, Gupta VB. Methods for the determination of limit of detection and limit of quantitation of the analytical methods. Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis. 2011;2(1):21–25.