Myth busted - bead mill homogenization does not result in cannabinoid decarboxylation

Cannabinoid quantification is a common analytical method used by many cannabis producers and testing facilities to define the quantity of cannabinoids in their plants and plant-derived products. The potency of cannabis is typically expressed as the sum of acidic and neutral forms of cannabinoids, with the plant primarily synthesizing the carboxylic acid forms. These forms, however, convert to their neutral counterparts when exposed to substantial heat, such as in the process of smoking or general cannabinoid-containing food production. As such, it is important to maintain this ratio of neutral/acid cannabinoid forms during the sample prep process through analysis. Common methods include manual hand-grinding, rotor-stator homogenization, as well as bead- or cryo-milling.

In this study, the effect of bead milling on sample temperature and acidic cannabinoid decarboxylation was evaluated. Cannabinoid standards for THC, THCA, CBD, and CBDA were prepared and serially diluted into a series ranging from 250 ppm (stock) to 7.81 ppm. Samples were analyzed using reverse phase HPLC, where peak areas were integrated for each standard and compared against known concentrations. The degree of decarboxylation was assessed using relative analyte concentrations, and relative amount expressed as a percentage. Results from the parameters evaluated indicate that the Omni Bead Ruptor Elite homogenizer processes cannabinoids without causing decarboxylation, maintaining the ratio of neutral/acid cannabinoid forms for proper quantification.

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.