Plant Analytical Standards

The “Cannabis Analytical Standards” course dives deep into the scientific methodologies that ensure accurate testing of cannabis components. The training covers the fundamental aspects of cannabis analysis, focusing on the quantification of cannabinoids, terpenoids, and other compounds, with an emphasis on creating standardized testing procedures for reliable results.

Participants will start by understanding decarboxylation—transforming non-psychoactive cannabinoid acids like THCA into THC through heat. You’ll learn how different analytical techniques like Gas Chromatography (GC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) play pivotal roles in quantifying both neutral and acidic cannabinoids, helping you interpret total THC levels. The course will explain how each technique’s unique processes impact results, ensuring participants grasp the need for method validation.

The program emphasizes Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) as a foundational tool for identifying cannabis and its primary cannabinoids, distinguishing between THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, and fiber varieties. While TLC remains an identification method, HPLC is highlighted as the optimal technique for pre-decarboxylation cannabinoid analysis.

To ensure accurate analysis, the course also details proper sample preparation, essential for determining cannabis concentrations in raw material, concentrates, and extracts. You’ll explore methods to identify contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial levels. These assessments are crucial for compliance with safety and regulatory standards, especially considering the variability of cannabis cultivation environments.

By the end of the course, you’ll understand how to implement effective testing protocols for both recreational and medical cannabis products, equipping you with the knowledge to support consumer safety, compliance, and product consistency. Whether you’re in a lab setting, regulatory body, or cultivation facility, this course offers the technical expertise needed to maintain high standards in cannabis testing and analysis.