Optimal Extraction Methods of THC From Infused Products

• NCJ Number: 254551
• Author(s): Jason Schimschal; Jill Robinson; Nicole McLeod; Clark Smith; Chuck Butler; Don Shriver
• Date Published: June 2019
• Length: 22 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2015-DN-BX-K028
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description
• Award: Optimal Extraction Methods of THC from Infused Products (Denver PD)

Annotation

This report describes the goals and objectives of an NIJ-funded project that involves the Denver Police Department Crime Laboratory's development of a validated method of extraction and quantitation of THC for commonly encountered edible marijuana products.

Abstract

Under this grant, many extraction techniques will be examined for use. The proposed plan is to assess liquid/liquid, solid/liquid, and QuEChERS extraction techniques. The extraction techniques used will be optimized for use on a gas chromatograph (GC) with flame ionization detector (FID). The development of quantitation methods will focus on the five types of samples routinely submitted to the Denver Crime Laboratory, i.e., baked goods, chocolates, candies, tinctures, and beverages. The project has the following objectives: 1) Identify the best method for sample preparation for each of five types of food products currently encountered; 2) Determine the best practice extraction technique for each of the five types of food products; 3) For each of the five food types, determine the extraction technique that will result in at least 80-percent recovery of THC, with a goal of greater than 90 percent; and 4) Create a standard operating procedure that is quick, safe, reliable, and low cost.