January 16, 2020
At the AOAC Midyear Meeting in March, the CASP meeting will include a review and vote on the SMPRs currently in development, information on training and education, important talks from the cannabis analytical science community, and more!
See the Schedule at a Glance >
Three working groups continuing SMPR work
The three existing working groups (Cannabinoids in Consumables, Chemical Contaminants in Cannabis, and Microbial Contaminants in Cannabis) have been meeting regularly to develop new SMPRs.
Cannabinoids in Consumables Working Group
The Cannabinoids in Consumables Working Group, Chaired by Dr. Holly Johnson, AHPA, has continued its work on Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs) for determination of moisture content in cannabis and hemp.
Microbial Contaminants Working Group
The Microbial Contaminants in Cannabis Working Group, Chaired by Dr. Julia Bramante of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, has completed development of an SMPR for detection of
Salmonella in Cannabis and Cannabis Products. The group has agreed to lists of potential inclusivity and exclusivity organisms and developed definitions applicable to this SMPR and carefully considered what broths and agars to use. The group met again in January to start working on an SMPR for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
Chemical Contaminants Working Group
This working group, chaired by Dr. Susan Audino, has completed drafting an SMPR for detection of heavy metals in cannabis materials. The group recently agreed to modify the SMPR’s applicability to use the term “heavy metals” instead of “elemental impurities.” The SMPR will apply to methods that can detect at least the “big four” heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury). The group will meet again in January to complete this SMPR and to discuss their next deliverable(s).
