Cannabinoid Extraction Efficiency for Potency Analysis: An in Depth Look of Multiple Techniques

The cannabis market has a vast selection of extraction techniques available for cannabinoid potency testing. Many labs do not have the time or capacity to determine which technique best suits their needs. To assist with this gap, a study of six unique extraction methods varying from state agencies, regulatory bodies, and different vendors were investigated to determine extraction efficiency, compare sample preparation cost, and sample preparation time. To ensure comparable extraction efficiency across different varieties of flower, two types of chemovars were investigated, cannabidiol (CBD) dominant and cannabigerol (CBG) dominant. Due to its robust nature, a UV-Vis detector was used and monitored at 228 nm. A total of sixteen cannabinoids were monitored under isocratic conditions for a total cycle time of 9 minutes.