Microwave Digestion and Trace Metals Analysis of Cannabis & Hemp Products

Introduction

Certain heavy metals can cause adverse effects on human health. Toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury are persistent once released into the environment and can accumulate in cannabis plants. Since hemp is a strain of cannabis that contains very little THC, it is susceptible to bioaccumulation of heavy metals like its THC-containing parents. Cannabis-based products such as foods, oils, tinctures, and salves should be tested for the presence of heavy metals to ensure patient safety and product quality.

Cannabis and CBD-infused products have grown in popularity in states that allow recreational use of cannabis and hemp. This application note details the digestion and analysis of various forms of hemp and cannabis products.