ASMS 2020: NIST Tools for Confidently Distinguishing Between Hemp and Marijuana

This webinar will focus on the analytical methods and procedures being developed at NIST for accurately measuring cannabinoids (THC, THCA, CBD, etc.) in Cannabis samples and the solutions provided by Shimadzu Scientific Instruments.

NIST has started screening hemp plant and oil materials for 11 cannabinoids through the combination of liquid chromatography and a photodiode array detector (LC-PDA). Samples are extracted with methanol following the protocols approved in an AOAC Official Analytical Method for the quantitation of cannabinoids in Cannabis plant, concentrates, and oils. Samples at NIST are being analyzed using the external calibration approach for THC, THCA, and total THC with the “Cannabis Analyzer” from Shimadzu.

After initial screenings, potential hemp RMs and CannaQAP materials will be well characterized using isotope dilution (ID) gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and LC with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).

Presenter: Walter Brent Wilson (Research Chemist, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST))

Walter’s interests are in the development of new analytical methods for the determination of cannabinoids in complex Cannabis matrixes: dried plant, oils, extracts, concentrates, edibles, etc. through the use of liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detector or tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Walter’s employment at NIST began as a postdoctoral associate with the measurement of organic contaminants in environmental and combustion related SRMs. Walter has also been heavily involved in the development of methods and measurements of nicotine and other alkaloids in tobacco products. In 2019, Walter began coordinating the Cannabis research program in the Chemical Science Division at NIST with a focus on developing Cannabis reference materials and a Quality Assurance Program (CannaQAP).

Presenter: Melissa M. Phillips (Research Chemist, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST))

Melissa's interests are in the development of new analytical methods for the determination of marker compounds, vitamins, and contaminants in dietary supplements and foods, as well as improving the measurement capabilities of the dietary supplement and food communities. Melissa's employment at NIST began as a postdoctoral associate with the measurement of organic acids, anthocyanidins, and flavonols in a suite of Vaccinium berry SRMs (cranberry, blueberry, and bilberry). Melissa has also been heavily involved in the development of methods and measurement of water-soluble vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, choline, and carnitine) in numerous food SRMs. Melissa was a co-coordinator for the former Dietary Supplement Laboratory Quality Assurance Program (DSQAP) from 2009 to 2017. She is currently a co-coordinator of the Health Assessment Measurements Quality Assurance Program (HAMQAP) and also the food and nutrition SRM program. From November 2016 through June 2017, Melissa was detailed to the Office of Reference Materials. In 2018, Melissa began formulation of evolving efforts into a grassroots Food Safety Program within the Chemical Sciences Division, and chaired the NIST Food Safety Workshop in October 2019.

Presenter: Rachel Lieberman (Marketing Manager for Forensic Science, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)

Rachel received her B.S. degree in Chemistry with minor in Math in 2004 from the University of Cincinnati and her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill under the supervision of Prof. James Jorgenson. In May of 2011, Rachel joined Shimadzu as an Application Scientist in LC and LC-MS/MS at corporate headquarters in Columbia, MD. In 2013, Rachel became a Sr. LCMS Product Specialist and was promoted to LCMS Product coordinator in April of 2017. In October of 2017, Rachel became the first Marketing Manager for Forensic Science at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments.