Analysis of "The Big Four" Heavy Metals in Cannabis by USN-ICP-OES

Plants concentrate metals by absorbing them from the soil in which they are grown. Some metals are beneficial and essential for life whereas other metals are highly toxic and have negative effects with even the lowest of levels. Because of their toxicity, quantification of these elements is required and their limits are based on daily consumption. This application note will investigate the preparation and analysis for heavy metals in cannabis using ICPOES with an ultrasonic nebulizer (USN-ICP-OES) and a low-flow mini-torch as a lower cost alternative to ICPMS. Spike and Recovery tests were performed at the Regulation target levels to ensure accuracy and sensitivity of the technique.