Quick and Real-Time Determination of Potency in Cannabis Extracts using FTIR Spectroscopy

The Agilent Cary 630 FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) provides a fast, easy, and economical system for accurate potency measurements of cannabis products. FTIR spectroscopy has long been used to analyze complex spectra and matrices using chemometric methodology. The unique chemical signatures from each compound are used to develop a multivariate calibration model. This is then used to calculate the potency value or quantitate other species of interest. 

Importantly FTIR, is considered an excellent screening tool as the sample analysis is largely non-destructive and needing little to no sample preparation or consumable requirements. This capability will be discussed. This presentation will also highlight the workflow for the analysis of extraction products along with extending that capability to other targeted measurements within the cannabis field. The Agilent Cary 630 and mobile 4500 FTIR bring the power of spectral analysis to potency measurements of cannabis products either in the lab or in the field. 

The benefits of FTIR for cannabis analysis include guided software methods to assist the user at each step of the process for near real-time potency determination from samples measured in seconds. FTIR has demonstrated the ability to achieve measurement accuracy on par with the chromatographic standard methods when appropriate chemometric analysis is applied, expanding the capabilities of spectroscopic analysis in this rapidly growing area.

Presenter: Norman Wright, Ph.D. (FTIR Product Manager, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)

Norman Wright is currently FTIR Product Manager at Agilent Technologies. He has over 20 years of experience in developing analytical instrumentation and applications specifically in the areas of mid & near-infrared and Raman spectroscopy.