Propose an economical and rapid technique for measuring THC and cannabis in hemp

2023/04/04 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Biokimika

Researchers at the Public University of Navarra have demonstrated, in a study published in the journal Agronomy, that THC and near-infrared spectroscopy in cannabis is an economic and rapid technique for measuring cannabis.

Researchers have worked with hemp plants Komboli. It is a variety of industrial hemp, due to the low amount of psychotropic (such as THC), but of large non-psychotropic cannabecol (CBD). Although this variety is authorised, it should be checked that the harvest has low THC levels, which should be done in a reference laboratory. Liquid chromatography is used. The problem is that it takes days to get the results and the procedure is expensive.

Researchers have shown that near-infrared spectroscopy is faster, cheaper and more sustainable than liquid chromatography. The results are not instantaneous and cheap, do not require chemical reagents or generate waste. The researchers explain that, at the moment, it cannot replace the liquid chromatography of the reference laboratory, but it would allow to know in advance the results obtained, even in the field, before the collection.