Potency Testing in Cannabis Extracts Using a High Sensitivity Method with the Cannabis Analyzer for Potency

Importance of the Topic

Accurate measurement of cannabinoid levels in cannabis products is essential for medical prescriptions, regulatory compliance and consumer safety. Potency data guides therapeutic dosing—balancing psychoactive (THC) and non-psychoactive (CBD) components—and underpins product labeling and quality assurance in both medical and recreational markets.

Objectives and Study Overview

• Develop a rapid, high-sensitivity HPLC method to quantify major cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBN and related acidic forms) in under ten minutes.
• Validate method linearity, accuracy and precision across a broad concentration range using the Shimadzu Cannabis Analyzer for Potency.
• Demonstrate application to real cannabis flower extracts and calculate overall sample potency.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The method employs reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with a C18 column and gradient elution of acidified water and acetonitrile. Six calibration levels (0.5–100 mg/L, extended to 250 mg/L for THCA/CBDA) were prepared, yielding correlation coefficients (R2) above 0.999. Shimadzu Cannabis Analyzer for Potency ensured high detection sensitivity and reproducible retention times. Accuracy was assessed at low (2 mg/L), mid (20 mg/L) and high (70 mg/L) levels, remaining within ±3%.

Main Results and Discussion

Successful separation of eleven target cannabinoids was achieved in under 10 minutes with sharp peak profiles. Calibration data showed linear responses over the defined ranges, and accuracy tests reported average recoveries between 99% and 111%. Analysis of a THC-dominant flower extract provided individual cannabinoid concentrations (e.g. 18.9 mg/L THCA, 11.9 mg/L Δ9-THC) and weight percentages, leading to a calculated overall potency of 5.7%. The overlay of sample and standard chromatograms confirmed method specificity and robustness.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Fast throughput (<10 min per run) facilitates high sample volume processing.
• High sensitivity detects both major and minor cannabinoids at sub-mg/L levels.
• Wide dynamic range supports diverse sample types from low to high potency.
• Compliance with regulatory requirements through validated linearity and accuracy metrics.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Further developments may include coupling with mass spectrometry for enhanced structural confirmation, automation of sample preparation for higher throughput, and expansion of analyte panels to cover emerging cannabinoids and contaminants. Integration with data analytics could support traceability and batch consistency in large-scale production.

Conclusion

The described HPLC method with the Shimadzu Cannabis Analyzer provides a fast, accurate and reproducible approach for quantifying key cannabinoids in cannabis extracts. Its validated performance meets the demands of clinical, regulatory and commercial laboratories, enabling reliable potency assessment.

Reference

• Shimadzu Application Note No. HPLC-016, First Edition February 2017.