Determination of oxidation stability and shelf life of cannabis formulations

The characterization of cannabis extract in an industrial setting is required for both quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC) and antioxidant research and development (R&D) purposes. More importantly, having a rapid and straightforward streamlined process is essential for the daily operational success of any R&D department. Using physical techniques such as polarimetry, refractometry, and densitometry, the physical properties of three cannabis extract compositions in carrier oils were characterized and examined: pure Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD), and a THC/CBD mixture. Furthermore, a Rapidoxy 100 – oxidation stability tester was used to investigate the shelf of our samples; these were subsequently characterized by polarimetry, refractometry, and densitometry. To validate and support our findings with the aforementioned instruments, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used. To examine varying sample concentrations of THC, CBD, and THC/CBD mixtures, we employed polarimetry, refractometry, and densitometry. The results showed a linear dependence on concentration for all three instruments with good reproducibility, verified and supported by HPLC analysis. These rapid tests enable the identification of cannabis extract compositions, while additionally giving details about concentration of extract in the sample. Additionally, the aforementioned techniques were used for cannabis mixtures after and before oxidation to characterize various stages in the oxidative process. Oxidation of mixtures generally resulted in higher density and lower refractive index values, with optical rotation remaining relatively similar. These findings were further supported by HPLC data providing validation of these techniques. These simple and straightforward techniques allowed for measurements of cannabis (THC, CBD, and THC/CBD) rapidly and effectively. Overall, we found these simple techniques to be effective, rapid, and suitable for the determination and quantification of THC, CBD, and THC/CBD in cannabis extract for industrial applications. These strategies will pave the way for future R&D focused on safe antioxidant for cannabis products.