Cannabis Sample Preparation

Cannabis Detection with Breath Test 

Organomation's N-EVAP analytical nitrogen evaporator was utilized in the development of a breath test for detection of recent cannabis use. In this workflow, cannabinoids were first extracted from breath collection devices using methanol, and the resulting solution was evaporated to dryness under a gentle stream of nitrogen at 50 °C [1]. This step ensured complete removal of solvent without loss of analytes and prepared samples for reconstitution and subsequent LC/HRMS analysis.

The N-EVAP system was also employed in the preparation of blood samples, following cannabinoid extraction with hexane and ethyl acetate [1]. The N-EVAP has aided researchers in obtaining consistent and reproducible results, which are critical for both forensic and clinical applications. Moreover, this approach enabled the accurate detection of recent cannabis use within the defined impairment window, thereby supporting public safety and promoting fair workplace practices [1].

Cannabis Extraction Decarboxylation

Research surrounding the oral consumption of cannabis products is important to gain a better understanding of potential health consequences. In this neurochemical study involving oral cannabis administration in mice, Organomation’s MULTIVAP batch evaporator was used to heat-activate the cannabis plant material through decarboxylation. This is a process that converts cannabinoid acids into their active psychoactive and therapeutic forms [2]. This unique application involved heating approximately 250 mg of cannabis in borosilicate glass tubes at 120°C for 4 hours using a fitted heat block and tube adapters for uniform heat transfer [2]. This prepared the activated cannabis for subsequent ethanol extraction. Additionally, nitrogen blowdown was used to dry ethanol extracts at 55°C in 1–2 mL increments, concentrating the cannabinoids for more accurate dosing and subsequent analysis [2].

Metabolism of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Studying the metabolism of synthetic cannabinoids like 5F-APINACA is essential for understanding their effects and improving methods for their detection and identification. Organomation’s MICROVAP sample concentrator played a critical role in the post-reaction sample preparation phase, facilitating solvent evaporation prior to instrumental analysis [3]. After conducting in vitro metabolic reactions with human liver microsomes, the reaction mixtures underwent protein precipitation and centrifugation. The supernatant was transferred to a 96-well microplate, where the MICROVAP system evaporated the solvent under a stream of nitrogen, leaving behind a dry metabolite residue [3]. These dried samples were subsequently reconstituted in the mobile phase for HPLC-MS analysis.

Overall, the MICROVAP system efficiently and uniformly evaporated solvents from metabolite-containing samples, concentrating analytes and removing volatile impurities prior to instrumental analysis [3]. This step enhanced the reliability and reproducibility of metabolite quantification and structural characterization, enabling accurate profiling of 5F-APINACA despite the absence of available standards [3].

Organomation nitrogen evaporators offer several advantages for cannabis sample preparation. Their precise temperature control enables stable operation from 50 °C for gentle evaporation to 120 °C for effective decarboxylation. The flexible sample volume capacity makes them suitable for both micro-volumes (1–2 mL) and larger batch processing. Their adaptability accommodates various tube and plate formats, including 96-well plates for high-throughput needs. The controlled gas flow provides gentle, adjustable nitrogen streams that prevent sample loss and ensure even evaporation across samples.

Cannabis Extract Preparation Protocol

The protocol for cannabis extract preparation begins with placing cannabis in borosilicate tubes, capping them, and loading them into the MULTIVAP with heat block adapters [2]. The decarboxylation process involves heating the sample at 120 °C for 4 hours, with a foil covering to promote heat retention and ensure consistent activation [2]. Following this, the cannabis is homogenized and extracted with ethanol. The extracts are then dried under nitrogen at 55°C in 1–2 mL increments, and the dried residue is reconstituted in solvent for dosing or analysis [2].

Analytical Sample Evaporation Protocol

For analytical sample evaporation, the methanol eluate or post-reaction supernatant is collected in appropriate tubes or plates. The N-EVAP or MICROVAP is then used to evaporate solvent under nitrogen at controlled temperature. Finally, solvent is added to reconstitute the concentrated sample prior LC/HRMS or HPLC-MS analysis [1, 3].

Organomation nitrogen evaporators support:

- Cannabinoid Profiling: Precise sample preparation for the accurate identification and quantification of both synthetic and natural cannabinoid metabolites in analytical testing. 

- Forensic and Clinical Testing: The preparation of breath, blood, and tissue samples for instrumental analysis to detect cannabinoid use and exposure. 

- Neurochemical and Endocannabinoid Research: Sample concentration and preparation techniques to support studies investigating the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids in animal models. 

Organomation's nitrogen blowdown evaporators are integral to modern cannabis research. By enabling efficient, reproducible sample preparation, these instruments directly support the accuracy and reliability of downstream analytical techniques. Their precise temperature control minimizes the risk of analyte degradation, while their adaptability accommodates a wide variety of sample matrices, including blood, tissue, breath, and plant extracts. With increasing demand for high-throughput workflows in forensic, clinical, and neurochemical studies, Organomation’s evaporators provide the scalability and consistency required by laboratories. As cannabis research continues to grow, the need for dependable, high-quality sample preparation tools becomes even more critical. Organomation’s evaporators help to ensure scientific rigor, reproducibility, and confidence in cannabinoid analysis.

Citations:

1. DeGregorio, M. W., Wurz, G. T., Montoya, E., & Kao, C.-J. (2021). A comprehensive breath test that confirms recent use of inhaled cannabis within the impairment window. Scientific Reports, 11(1), Article 22776. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-02137-x
2. Reisdorph, N., Doenges, K., Levens, C., Manke, J., Armstrong, M., et al. (2024). Oral cannabis consumption and intraperitoneal THC:CBD dosing results in changes in brain and plasma neurochemicals and endocannabinoids in mice. Journal of Cannabis Research, 6(1), Article 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-024-00219-x
3. Pinson, A. O., Pouncey, D. L., Schleiff, M. A., Fantegrossi, W. E., Prather, P. L., Radominska‑Pandya, A., Boysen, G., & Miller, G. P. (2020). Significance of competing metabolic pathways for 5F‑APINACA based on quantitative kinetics. Molecules, 25(20), 4820. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25204820