Cannabis Science Conference West 2023 (CSC West)

19-21 April, Portland, OR, U.S.

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Oral Presentation

Preparation and Analysis of Psychoactive Alkaloids and Their Metabolites in Multiple Matrices Using HPLC-UV

20 April 2023, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Authors: Melinda Urich, Dan DeLurio

Presenters: Melinda Urich

Psilocin and psilocybin are tryptamine alkaloids found in some plants and fungi. Frequently found in psychedelic mushrooms, these are often used for their psychotropic effects, but microdosing has shown promise with the treatment of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. With recent legalization in certain areas, labs are seeking to begin potency testing of psychedelic mushrooms and infused products. Low-cost and time-efficient methods were developed in a production lab environment on multiple matrices. Simple extraction processes, followed by dilution, were established using psilocybin-infused chocolates, gummies, and extracts as well as freshly ground mushrooms. Using a UV-Vis monitored at 222 nm, all data was collected using a Force Biphenyl 100 x 3.0 mm, 3 μm column with an accompanying Force EXP guard cartridge equipped with an UltraShield precolumn filter. Six analytes were monitored using a gradient method for a total cycle time of 7.5 minutes.

Cannabinoid Extraction Efficiency for Potency Analysis: An In-Depth Look at Multiple Techniques

20 April 2023, 1:50 p.m. - 2:10 p.m.

Authors: Melinda Urich, Dan DeLurio

Presenters: Melinda Urich

There are many different extraction techniques on the market and, oftentimes, new labs are confused as to where to begin and which technique would best suit their needs. In this study, six different extraction methods were investigated to determine overall efficiency as well as sample preparation cost and sample preparation time. Two types of chemovars were used for the study, CBD and CBG, to ensure extraction efficiency was comparable across different varieties. Due to its robust nature, a UV-Vis was used and monitored at 228 nm. All data was obtained by using a Raptor ARC-18 2.7 μm, 150 x 4.6 mm column with accompanying 5 x 4.6 mm Force EXP guard cartridge. A total of 16 cannabinoids were monitored under 25:75 isocratic conditions consisting of mobile phase A 5 mm Ammonium formate in water with 0.1% formic acid and mobile phase B of 0.1 % formic acid in acetonitrile for total cycle time of 9 minutes.

Poster Presentation

Measuring Stability of Combined Neutral and Acid Cannabinoids for Instrument Calibration

20 April 2023, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Authors: Kendra Jozefick, Casey Guyer, Dan DeLurio, Jason Fisher, Gary Stidsen

Presenters: Kendra Jozefick

There are several different comprehensive analytical reference materials available on the market that target various neutral and acidic cannabinoids for the analysis of cannabis commodities. The key to a successful analysis is starting with standards that are ISO-accredited, have strict environmental controls, verified purity, and stringent mix stability testing. Our first study tested the stability of individual mixes that have been stored at 0 °C, 10 °C and 25 °C for 28 days in comparison to the control standards that were stored at -20 °C. The second part of the study tested the combined stability of the neutral cannabinoids mixed with the acidic cannabinoids standards stored at room temperature for 20 days. Data of all test results will be shown.

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A Virtual Liquid Chromatography Method Development Tool for Cannabinoid Analysis

20 April 2023, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Authors: Melinda Urich

Presenters: Melinda Urich

The development and optimization of cannabinoid separations can be time-consuming and costly, often requiring a number of steps including method scouting, development, and optimization. To reduce cost and save time, an instrument-free software modeling tool was developed. This allows users to select compounds from a database, and instantly model a separation by adjusting parameters, such as instrument/system effects (dwell and extra column volume), temperature, and mobile phase additives. The modeler delivers a fast, no-cost starting point for LC method developers, both novice, and expert, who lack the expertise or the time to develop and optimize separations quickly and accurately. This novel, virtual method development software can improve turnaround time, increase throughput to existing methods, and offer an on-demand consultative user experience.

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A Streamlined, Cost-Effective Cannabis and Hemp Flower Workflow for Potency Testing

20 April 2023, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Authors: Melinda Urich, Dan DeLurio

Presenters: Melinda Urich

As the cannabis industry sees continued growth, production labs are looking to improve sample throughput and cut costs per sample for potency analysis. Due to ever-changing rules and regulations, it can be difficult to improve existing workflows. Keeping high-throughput labs in mind, a study was completed to obtain a streamlined workflow with minimal process time and sample touch time while keeping the cost of sample prep materials at a minimum. The study was completed by comparing different extraction volumes and vortex times as well as using a filter mate versus a centrifuge. A total of 16 cannabinoids were monitored on a UV-vis at 228 nm using a Raptor ARC-18 150 x 4.6 mm 2.7 μm analytical column with an accompanying 5 x 4.6 mm Force EXP guard cartridge under isocratic conditions with a total cycle time of 10 minutes.

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Cannabis Potency Testing: Which Column Dimension is Right for You?

20 April 2023, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Authors: Jamie York , Melinda Urich, Dan DeLurio

Presenters: Jamie York

When starting method development for potency testing, it’s important to choose the right column dimension for the target analysis. In this work, different column dimensions of the Raptor ARC-18 phase were utilized to develop methods to meet various labs’ needs using HPLC-UV. To demonstrate the powerful resolving capabilities of Raptor ARC-18, a 50 x 3 mm, 2.7 µm column was used to analyze 7 cannabinoids, including CBD; CBDA;delta-9-THC; delta-8-THC; (6aR, 9S)-delta-10-THC; (6aR, 9R)-delta-10-THC; and THCA. Next, additional cannabinoids including CBDV, THCV, CBG, CBN, CBGA, and CBC were added to the previous analytes for a total of 13 cannabinoids. Using the same column dimension and mobile phases, a method was developed to resolve all analytes in 10 minutes. Finally, to include exo-THC and CBNA, a 150 x 3 mm, 2.7 µm column dimension was used to demonstrate the utility of a longer column dimension. Each of these methods was applied to hemp matrix to demonstrate the applicability of these methods in real-world samples.

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