Webinar Recordings
Presenter: Kirsten Blake, Vice President, Emerald Scientific
Background: Yeast and mold testing is used in the cannabis industry to determine the cleanliness of raw and finished products being provided to consumers. In response to regulatory requests, the AOAC Research Institute launched an Emergency Response Validation (ERV) program to certify methods for the enumeration of viable yeast and mold in dried cannabis flower.
Objective: To conduct a matrix study of the PathogenDx QuantX Fungal One Step method in dried cannabis flower (delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol >0.3%; 10 g sample size).
Methods: The QuantX assay was validated following AOAC Official Methods of Analysis Appendix J validation guidelines and the AOAC ERV protocol for yeast and mold count in cannabis flower. Replicates at four different levels of natural yeast and mold contamination were tested at two test thresholds. Inclusivity and exclusivity testing for yeast and mold species associated with cannabis was performed.
Results: In inclusivity testing, all yeast and mold strains tested produced positive results and exclusivity strains were correctly excluded. In matrix testing, there were no significant differences between presumptive and confirmed results for any contamination level or test threshold as determined by probability of detection analysis.
Conclusions: No statistical difference was detected when comparing the QuantX method to results by traditional plating on Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol (DRBC) agar plates.
Highlights: The QuantX method offers the same day detection of total yeast and mold in cannabis flower.
Presenter: Kirsten Blake, Vice President, Emerald Scientific
As the cannabis analytical market matures so do the requirements for quality assurance testing. This presentation provides an introduction to proficiency testing and how it applies to the cannabis analytical space along with an overview of the typical quality assurance tests that are performed and why. Current PT program and test options are reviewed in addition to providing insight on the data collected, how it benefits the cannabis industry, and can influence the regulatory environment.
Presenter: Dennis Spurlock, Director of Sales & Service, MemmertUSA
We all want to stay on top of the ever-evolving cannabis industry. Keeping pace is adequate, but a comprehensive understanding of stability testing principals in accordance with GMP-FDA regulations can help you stay one step ahead.
In this webinar we discussed how environmental variables such as temperature, humidity and light all impact product and packaging stability. Watch now to learn more about basic principles of product/packaging stability tests for the cannabis industry in accordance ICH guidelines utilizing a Memmert Climate Chamber.
Hillel Brandes, Ph.D., Analytical Technology Specialist, Applied Solutions Group of MilliporeSigma
Without robust method development, cannabis potency testing is subject to potentially troublesome reproducibility issues. Two parameters that are often at play with potency methods are temperature and mobile phase pH. Temperature is an instrument capability issue, however the more significant issue from a method development standpoint is mobile phase pH. Without control of mobile phase pH at a value well-removed from an analyte pKa, reproducibility issues can be expected to follow.
We discussed these two critical parameters for cannabinoid testing, followed by a case study on an approach to lowering the cost of performing this method. Cost is another parameter often considered with method development, and solvents attribute to this overall cost. We leveraged the choice of mobile phase to decrease overall solvent cost for analysis of 17 cannabinoids.
Patricia Atkins, Senior Applications Scientist, Spex
In this webinar we discussed the basic principles of chromatography and how they apply to methods development and maximizing the efficiency of their analyses. Watch the recording to learn about the interaction and chemistry involved in chromatographic separations and how to use these principles in your method development process.
Presenter: Toby Astill, Global Food Market Manager – Cannabis & Hemp, Perkin Elmer
Demand for quick turnaround time in cannabis pesticide and mycotoxin testing laboratories has never been higher as cannabis and hemp markets mature. To remain competitive in a growing market, laboratories must continue to optimize their workflows to reduce their turn around time for their clients. In order to help laboratories reduce their turn around time and improve their overall efficiency and data quality, PerkinElmer has developed the ONE Pesticide420 TM ISO 17034 CRM Reagent Kit for labs that operate in accordance with the California, Oregon, or equivalent regulatory requirements. Our comprehensive kit was created with ease-of-use in mind to deliver rapid and reliable quantification via pre-aliquoted pesticide and mycotoxin calibration reagents for cannabis & hemp laboratories running LC/MSMS and GC/MSMS instruments.
Presented by Restek. Presenter: Colton Myers, Scientist II – Sample Preparation R&D and Applications
Aerosol analysis of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) has become an important test for regulating commercially available tobacco products. ENDS are widely accepted in society for tobacco use; therefore, it was only natural that vaporizers emerged in the cannabis marketplace as a popular way to consume cannabis flower and extracts. Currently, states within the United States do not regulate the testing of cannabis vapor and smoke. However, starting on January 1st, 2022, the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division will require aerosol testing from cannabis vape products to analyze what consumers are potentially inhaling. This new cannabis testing area is not support by a lot of methods and data, so insights come from previous work on electronic cigarette aerosol and liquid. A simple sampling setup was developed to draw electronic cigarette aerosol into a thermal desorption (TD) tube, which was then thermally extracted and analyzed via GC-MS method. This approach was able to provide detectable levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), which were not detectable in their liquid form. Both methods are able to be done on one GC, two detectors, and one analytical column (Rtx-VMS), thereby reducing required resources and affording easy comparison of results.
Presented by NSI Lab Solutions. Moderator: Kirsten Blake Presenter: Lauren Stainback
Lauren Stainback will outline what standards and proficiency tests you’ll need to start and operate a successful cannabis testing lab. She will outline how to utilize reference materials and PTs to overcome the unique challenges presented by testing cannabis. The webinar will also cover method validations, control charting, and audit preparations. Plus Lauren will provide her tips and tricks to help you maximize data quality and ROI from reference materials and standards. This webinar will help cannabis testing labs and cannabis scientists determine their unique needs and help them obtain the best outcome as they gain state permitting and accreditation.
Presented by Interscience. Moderator: Wes Burk Presenter: Lauriane Sibileau
Automation of the Microbiology Analysis Workflow in the Cannabis Industry. Curious about how to automate preparation and bacterial analysis of your cannabis samples? Join this presentation about the Interscience range of dilutors, homogenizers, Petri dish platers, and colony counters… and learn more about the models specifically adapted to the cannabis labs.
Presented by Cayman. Moderator: Kirsten Blake Presenter: Jeffrey B. Williams
Plant varieties of Cannabis are known to contain a large number of structurally unique bioactive chemicals known as phytocannabinoids. While the methods for isolation can deliver high quality products, isomerization or oxidative by-products may form during processing resulting in degradation of product purity. Identifying these unknown impurities is a crucial step for process improvements to obtain cannabis isolates.
Presented by Purisys. Moderator: Kirsten Blake Presenter: Amit Patel
In the webinar, Purisys reviewed different types of reference standards and how they are qualified. We looked at advantages and disadvantages of solids versus low concentration solutions for use as reference standards in analytical testing of cannabinoids. We also discuss benefits and challenges of manufacturing cannabinoids reference standards synthetically.
Presented by New Frontier Data. Panelists; John Kagia, Wes Burk, Kirsten Blake, and Ken Groggel
Presented by New Frontier Data. Panelists; John Kagia, Wes Burk, and Kirsten Blake
with Matt Eby, Technical Applications Consultant, METTLER TOLEDO
In this final webinar with METTLER TOLEDO, we will further dive into moisture content determination techniques and their implication on potency based on dry weight calculations in hemp with a focused discussion on use cases for Density. A live Q&A will take place at the end.
with Brian Hultgren, Technology Applications Consultant, METTLER TOLEDO
Learn about moisture content determination techniques and their implication on potency based on dry weight calculations in hemp. We’ll discuss use cases for Karl Fischer Titration and various instruments.
with Raphael Kunz, Technical Applications Consultant and Business Development Manager, METTLER TOLEDO
with Patricia Atkins, Senior Applications Scientist, Spex Certiprep
Laboratories are often complex operations with detailed processes and procedures required to conquer your workload and generate results. However, just like in our daily lives, there are some life hacks that apply only to the world of science which can be employed to make your job a bit easier. In this webinar we will take a look at common laboratory practices such as the use of volumetric glassware, pipettes, and the handling of ampules. We will provide tips for reducing contamination and identify techniques to improve your laboratory. Watch today to learn from Spex Certiprep’s sixty years of tips and tricks that are guaranteed to help you hack your lab!
with Tony Rhoden, Senior Cannabis Instrumentation Specialist, PerkinElmer
In this webinar we’ll go beyond the typical lab-focused discussion and dive into the details of what it’s like to build a Cannabis Testing Lab “Business.” We’ll discuss how to set a proper timeline for the entire process and how to keep the momentum going throughout so your potential future success remains intact.
with Leigh White, CEO, Emerald Scientific
Starting a new cannabis testing lab? Expanding or updating an existing lab?
Finding capital equipment financing can be challenging and time-consuming. And reasonable rates for borrowers in the cannabis industry have been scarce. Here at Emerald Scientific, we understand these challenges and are dedicated to finding solutions that we’ll share with you in this webinar. We’ll demystify the financing process, talk about how we work with financing partners, and tell you about the experience of our customers.
with Shianna Hines, Senior Field Application Scientist, PerkinElmer
Learn about the many obstacles to overcome when analyzing Heavy Metals in Cannabis by ICP-MS. Laboratories often have difficulties analyzing cannabis and hemp products due to the variety and variance of complex product matrices and from the industry’s vast expansion into all spectrums of consumer goods. In this webinar, Shianna will discuss how your laboratory can overcome these obstacles while also being on the cutting edge of Cannabis Testing for Heavy Metals.
with Stephen Arpie, Director General, MS Analytical Chemistry, Absolute Standards
with Candice Warren, Analytical Chemist and Quality Manager, and Melissa Stonier, Analytical Chemist and PT coordinator, Absolute Standards
This webinar will discuss the numerous cannabis proficiency test samples offered by Absolute Standards through Emerald Scientific. Topics of this presentation will be ISO/IEC accreditation, PT design, corresponding calibrations, and PT reporting; concluding with a brief discussion on the upcoming fall round of the 2020 Emerald Test.
with Eli Aliaga, Analytical & Formulation Chemist, and Giovanni Esposito, Inorganic Formulations Chemist, Absolute Standards
In this 30 minute webinar we will discuss the various cannabis certified reference materials (CRMs) and their matrices offered by Absolute Standards through Emerald Scientific. The focal point will be on gummy, hemp flower, hemp oil, hard candy, cosmetic cold cream, chocolate, coconut oil, and beverage matrices. Different approaches towards product development, production, extraction, and analysis of these CRMs will also be discussed.
with Sarah M. Aijaz, Ph.D., Senior Analytical Chemist at Cerilliant Corporation, MilliporeSigma
Your results are only as accurate as your reference material. But what separates a reference material from ubiquitous high-purity research chemicals? How does this affect the quality of your analytical results? This webinar will provide an introduction to reference materials and review those available for cannabis testing so you can ensure you are starting with the ideal foundation for a safe and properly labeled final product.
with Hillel Brandes, Ph.D., Analytical Technology Specialist at MilliporeSigma
In this webinar, we will explore major parameters that affect chromatographic resolution of cannabinoids, and review examples along the way. Parameters we will explore include buffer, buffer concentration, pH, temperature, and choice of solvent systems. This quick webinar will provide you with a basis to hone in an optimized method based on your specific goals for potency testing.
Shop MilleporeSigma Products at the Emerald Scientific Store.
with Bruce Herzig, Analytical Science Liaison & Technology Specialist at MilliporeSigma
Ever wonder if you’re using the best solvents to optimize your analyses? In this webinar we’ll explore this question by guiding you through the various aspects of solvents suitable for cannabis testing, extraction, and purification.
Shop MilleporeSigma Products at the Emerald Scientific Store.
with Jessa Youngblood, Cannabis Industry Specialist at Hardy Diagnostics
Join us as we take a look at the logical steps to create safe and compliant microbiology testing practices in the cannabis lab.
Shop Hardy Products at the Emerald Scientific Store.
By George Hatziemanuel, Market Manager, Laboratory, Ohaus Corporation
An overview of regulations and regulating bodies, terminology, and concepts relevant to situations where a balance is used in ‘direct sale to the public’ (or “legal for trade”) applications.
Shop Ohaus Products at the Emerald Scientific Store.
With Mark Diener, Product Manager and Kim Wolfson, Sales Team Leader, Julabo USA
An overview of temperature control units for CO2, EtOH and liquified hydrocarbon extraction methodologies. Sizing the proper unit for temperature range and capacity is critical for maximum processing throughput.
Shop Julabo Products at the Emerald Scientific Store.
With Phil Alfieri from Rotronic
Discover how a real-time monitoring system with 24/7 centralized monitoring and automatic report generation will allow you to log, track, analyze, and compare conditions in cultivation and production facilities.throughput.
Shop Rotronic Products at the Emerald Scientific Store.
With Patricia Atkins, R&D and New Products Chemist
Pesticides are now a daily part of our world, from the anti-bacterial soaps we use to the commercial pesticides that are applied to our food. Over the past fifty years, the number of commercially available pesticide formulations has grown from a few dozen to thousands of preparations.
This technical tip will look at the development of modern pesticides and how those pesticides are applied, regulated and analyzed. While some of these pesticides are easily screened by using conventional and traditional methods of analysis, some pesticides, however, can be more challenging. We will discuss some of the most popular pesticides in use and the challenges some modern pesticides being used today in the cannabis industry.
Shop Spex Certiprep Products at the Emerald Scientific Store.