Cannabinoid profiling (potency analysis) involves the identification and potency of cannabinoids present in a sample. In the section below, we have listed the steps involved in potency (cannabinoid profiling) analysis:
Sample preparation: The first step is to prepare a representative sample of the cannabis product. This may involve grinding the plant material into a fine powder or extracting the active compounds using solvents.
Analytical method selection: There are several methods available for analyzing the potency of cannabis, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and mass spectrometry (MS). The method chosen will depend on the specific compounds being analyzed and the sensitivity required.
Calibration: Before analyzing the sample, the analytical instrument must be calibrated using a known standard. This ensures accurate and precise measurements.
Analysis: The sample is then run through the chosen analytical method, and the concentration of the active compounds is determined. For cannabis, the primary compounds of interest are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Reporting: The results of the analysis are typically reported as a percentage of the total weight of the sample. For example, a cannabis sample that contains 20% THC means that 20% of the weight of the sample is THC.
