Managing Influences on Moisture Content in Cannabis for Optimization of Sample Throughput, Accuracy and Precision of Results

Speaking at the Analytical Cannabis Expo West Online 2021 in April, Wallace Harvey, Regional Business Manager – Lab Weighing at Sartorius presented his research study comparing the classical oven (loss-on-drying) method with an infrared method, with regard to analysis times and result precision as a function of both sample quantity and initial moisture content.

Determining the moisture content of cannabis and products derived from it is critical throughout the entire manufacturing process. Water content influences a variety of factors including – product weight, active ingredient concentrations (THC), shelf life, susceptibility to contamination, flavor profiles, product consistency and more. Excess moisture can subject cannabis and related products to a higher risk of microbial contamination, including bacteria, fungi, and various forms of yeast. Contamination due to elevated moisture levels can thus prematurely shorten the shelf life of cannabis products. Common methods for determining moisture content are Karl Fischer titration the loss-on-drying, both of which can be very time-consuming.

In this study, we compare the classical oven (loss-on-drying) method with an infrared method, in which two moisture analyzers, Mark3 HP and MA160 from Sartorius, are tested with regard to analysis times and result precision as a function of both sample quantity and initial moisture content. The analysis of the results can assist those looking to optimize moisture determination in their cannabis products with regards to operating efficiencies and sample consumption.

Key points:

• An overview of current moisture testing methods including Karl Fischer titration
• Unveiling a new study comparing the classical oven methods with infrared technology
• The importance of accuracy, repeatability and efficient methods for moisture analysis