Research aimed at developing a protocol for CBD analysis continues in Italy, thanks to a collaboration between Mech(Microbiome Endocannabinoids Center for Health) and the Edmund Mach Foundation in San Michele all’Adige, TN.
CBD, quali-quantitative analysis and spectrophotometry
The search for an innovative analytical protocol for CBD was initiated in 2020 thanks to the synergy between Mech and Crabion, an analytical laboratory with decades of experience with cannabis as well as authorized to process tetrahydrocannabinol. (1) The basic idea was to overlap the three types of analysis, qualitative (peak area), quantitative (titration) and spectrophotometric (wavelength).
The experimental study-conducted on powdered CBD-had revealed how several products presented as ‘organic’ were actually adulterated with both synthetic CBD and different unidentified substances. This had demonstrated, among other things, the actual prevalence of fraud in a market that still continues to grow. However, this type of analysis lost effectiveness in cases where CBD was emulsified in oil, creams or lotions.
CBD, CBG. Thriving market and widespread fraud
The CBD market is experiencing continued growth, especially in the online channel whose players are, among other things, subject to rare and ineffective official controls. Among other things, the so-called cannabis light phenomenon has enabled the entry of many players who, in a variable and uncertain regulatory environment, are rarely able to offer effective guarantees of authenticity and compliance (e.g., the
blockchain
).
Between 500 and 1,000 kilograms of CBD are traded in Europe each month, with a value of between 10 and 20 million euros, according to industry estimates. The reintroduction of CBD and the inclusion of natural CBG in CosIng-the list of cosmetic ingredients allowed in the EU (2)-will simultaneously stimulate demand for these cannabinoids and the risks of fraud, including on cosmetic products that boast their presence.
Cannabinoid analysis, research development
Mech and Agora Pharma-a company active in the production of cosmetics with natural CBD under the Edonelle brand-have entered into a collaboration with the Edmund Mach Foundation for isotopic decay analysis. This analytical technique-already used, for example, for vanillin, which has also been invested with fraud in the past-is used to identify the original matrix even on products that contain cannabinoids as ingredients.
Analysis has already been performed on 14 samples and will follow on 11 others already acquired. Cannabidiol of sure organic origin and that of sure synthetic origin develop very sharp and recurrent markers.
Operators interested in contributing to this research can contact info@mechealth.it to send samples whose analysis will better define and confirm the identified parameters.
The Good Hemp
The working group ‘The Good Hemp‘, set up at Égalité Onlus, brings together sector operators – agricultural enterprises that grow Cannabis Sativa L., galenical and analytical laboratories, processing companies, patient committees (3,4)-to promote development and enhance this supply chain under the auspices of integrity and circular economy. (5)
The axiom hemp-health-wellbeing can find abstract evidence in the copious scientific literature that associates the consumption and/or application of certain substances derived from Cannabis Sativa L. To a wide variety of benefits. But it must be concretely reflected in analysis reports that also demonstrate the absence of heavy metals, pesticide residues, solvents and other contaminants (e.g., mycotoxins).
Dario Dongo
Notes
(1) Dario Dongo. CBD, Italian protocol for product authenticity analysis. GIFT(Great Italian Food Trade). 4/26/20, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/innovazione/cbd-protocollo-italiano-per-l-analisi-di-autenticità-dei-prodotti
(2) Dario Dongo. Hemp and cannabinoids, green light for CBG use in cosmetics in EU. GIFT(Great Italian Food Trade). 12/15/21, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/salute/canapa-e-cannabinoidi-via-libera-all-utilizzo-del-cbg-nei-cosmetici-in-ue
(3) Dario Dongo. The good hemp. Égalité. 7.10.20, https://www.egalite.org/la-canapa-buona/
(4) Dario Dongo, Alessio Gaggiotti. Good hemp. Accession of laboratories and medical cannabis patient committee. Égalité. 31.1.21, https://www.egalite.org/la-canapa-buona-ladesione-di-laboratori-e-comitato-pazienti-cannabis-medica/
(5) Dario Dongo. Industrial hemp and circular economy. GIFT(Great Italian Food Trade). 8/16/19, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/progresso/canapa-industriale-ed-economia-circolare
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
