Abstract
“Cannabis” is an umbrella term referring to the annual herbaceous plant that is cultivated and grows wild throughout the world. The high level of biodiversity within cannabis cultivars offers multiple utilities, including use within medicine and other value-added commercial products. Research has shown that hemp cultivars, which contain higher proportions of CBD (Cannabidiol), can be used to alleviate ailments including anxiety, arthritis, and chronic pain. Due to the current regulations towards the legal use, any plants considered as hemp, and/or cannabis products sold over the counter must contain <0.3% THC by weight. Therefore, analytical testing is routinely performed on hemp cultivars and products during manufacturing to ensure legal cannabinoid percentages and quality control standards. The purpose of our project was to conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis on legal commercial hemp products by performing chromatographic separation and gas chromatography. A Büchner funnel (Porosity Grade 3) packed with C-18 Silica Gel was used to perform reverse phase liquid column chromatography to isolate CBD from full spectrum cannabis oil (<0.3% THC) solution. Further separation of CBD was conducted using a rotary evaporator for removal of excess solvent to purify and concentrate the compounds. Gas chromatography analysis will be performed against cannabinoid standards during each stage of the experiment to distinguish chemical profiles and replicate similar GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
