Analysis of Trace Metals in Cannabis Products Using ICP-MS

This technical report details a method for analyzing trace metals in cannabis and cannabis products using the PlasmaQuant MS ICP-MS analyzer and the speedwave XPERT microwave digestion system. The report outlines the importance of measuring both nutritional and toxic elemental content in cannabis, particularly as regulations evolve across various states. It explains the preparation of samples, including cannabis flowers, gummies, and oils, and the specific parameters used in the analysis. The study emphasizes the necessity of testing for toxic elements such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead, which are regulated by most states. Additionally, it discusses the calibration standards and the method detection limits achieved, which are significantly below state-level limits. The results indicate that the concentrations of the analyzed elements in the tested cannabis products were well within acceptable limits, confirming the effectiveness of the method for routine analysis in laboratories. The report concludes with a discussion on the validation of the method through recovery tests of certified reference materials.