The Potency Determination of 15 Cannabinoids using the Cannabis Analyzer for Potency™

Importance of the Topic

Cannabis and hemp testing demands robust quantitative methods to ensure accurate potency measurements for regulatory compliance, manufacturing quality control and clinical research. Growing market projections and complex cannabinoid profiles drive method development.

Study Objectives and Overview

This study aimed to develop and optimize a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for simultaneous quantitation of 15 cannabinoids using the Shimadzu Cannabis Analyzer for Potency™, addressing challenges of sensitivity, accuracy and repeatability.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The method employed reverse-phase HPLC with UV detection at 220 nm and a gradient of phosphoric acid in water and acetonitrile. Calibration standards ranged from 0.5 to 100 µg/mL with QC samples at 2.5, 25 and 75 µg/mL.

• HPLC System: Shimadzu Cannabis Analyzer for Potency™
• Detector: UV-Vis at 220 nm
• Column: NexLeaf CBX for Potency, 4.6×150 mm, 2.7 µm
• Mobile Phases: 0.085% phosphoric acid in water and acetonitrile
• Flow Rate: 1.6 mL/min; Temperature: 35 °C; Injection Volume: 5 µL

Main Results and Discussion

All cannabinoids exhibited linear calibration (R2 ≥ 0.999) over the tested range with 1/C weighting. QC recoveries ranged from 98% to 108% with RSD below 6%. Limits of detection were between 0.10 and 0.23 µg/mL and limits of quantitation between 0.31 and 2.18 µg/mL, demonstrating high sensitivity. Representative chromatograms confirmed good peak resolution and system reproducibility.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This validated method supports routine potency analysis in industrial and research laboratories, offering high throughput, reliable quantitation and compliance with regulatory standards.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging trends include expansion to additional minor cannabinoids, adoption of UHPLC for faster run times, integration with mass spectrometry for enhanced selectivity, and automation to increase laboratory efficiency.

Conclusion

The developed HPLC-UV method on the Shimadzu Cannabis Analyzer provides a robust, accurate and sensitive solution for quantifying 15 cannabinoids, meeting the growing demands of the cannabis testing market.

References

1. Global Market Insights, Inc. Cannabis Testing Market to Surpass USD 2 Billion by 2025. GlobeNewswire. July 16, 2019.
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3. Shrivastava A, Gupta VB. Methods for the determination of limit of detection and limit of quantitation of the analytical methods. Analytical Methods. 2011;2(1):21–25.