ASTM D8375-23 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determination of Cannabinoid Concentration in Dried Cannabis and Hemp Raw Materials using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS). This ASTM test method (D8375‑23) specifies sample preparation, extraction, calibration and LC‑MS/MS analysis for quantitative determination of multiple cannabinoids in dried cannabis and hemp raw materials.

Abstract

This standard defines a validated LC‑MS/MS procedure to quantify up to seventeen cannabinoids in dried cannabis and hemp raw materials. The method covers subsampling of a ground homogeneous sample, extraction (methanol:water 80:20), dilution into a wide (1,000‑fold) calibration range, instrument parameters for LC‑MS/MS and quality control/validation practices to support accurate reporting of cannabinoid concentrations. Results support lab reporting, labeling and regulatory compliance.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: 2023 (D8375‑23; last updated March 30, 2023).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Analytical chemistry / cannabis testing (ICS 11.120.99).
• Edition / version: D8375‑23 (2023).
• Number of pages: 17 pages.

Scope

The test method applies to dried raw material from cannabis plants (inflorescence, leaves, stems) and permits determination of the listed cannabinoids (see Table 1 in the standard) by LC‑MS/MS. It specifies extraction in methanol:water (80:20, v:v), preparation of a methanolic calibration curve (10 ng/mL to 10 000 ng/mL), and sample dilutions to place measured concentrations within the calibration range (for example a 1/500 dilution maps to ~0.5 mg/g to 500 mg/g). The standard is intended for quantitative laboratory analysis supporting safety, labeling and regulatory requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Analytes: quantitative measurement of up to seventeen cannabinoids specified in the standard.
• Sample handling: subsampling of a ground, homogeneous dried cannabis/hemp sample.
• Extraction: methanol:water (80:20, v:v) as the extraction solvent and method details for repeatable recovery.
• Calibration and quantitation: methanolic calibration range 10 ng/mL to 10 000 ng/mL; options for multi‑level dilution to cover broad sample concentrations.
• Instrumental method: liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS) with recommended parameters, conditioning and standardization practices.
• Quality control: use of quality control samples, candidate reference materials and repeat extraction/analysis for method validation.
• Reporting: instructions for units (SI), reporting limits and documentation to meet regulatory and labeling needs.

Typical use and users

Used by analytical laboratories, regulatory bodies, product manufacturers, QA/QC personnel and researchers to determine cannabinoid content for safety, labeling and compliance. The standard is also the basis for related training and eLearning for laboratory technicians, chemists and regulators working in the cannabis/hemp testing sector.

Related standards

Related ASTM D37 committee standards include D8399‑23 (multi‑residue pesticide analysis for dried cannabis and hemp using LC‑MS/MS) and other D37 laboratory methods and practices addressing cannabis testing and quality systems. A revision work item (WK95348) has been initiated to perform an interlaboratory study and revise D8375. The D8375 standard is published in ASTM's Annual Book of Standards, Volume 15.10.

Keywords

cannabinoids, cannabis, hemp, LC‑MS/MS, quantitative analysis, extraction, methanol:water, calibration curve, laboratory test method, D37.03.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D8375‑23 is a standardized test method for determining the concentration of specified cannabinoids in dried cannabis and hemp raw materials using LC‑MS/MS instrumentation.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample subsampling, extraction (methanol:water 80:20), preparation of calibration standards and instrumental LC‑MS/MS analysis for up to seventeen cannabinoids, plus validation and reporting practices to support regulatory and labeling requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Analytical and commercial cannabis/hemp testing laboratories, QA/QC teams at producers, regulatory agencies, researchers and laboratory technicians who need a validated quantitative method for cannabinoid profiling. ASTM also offers associated training for these users.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: D8375‑23 is listed as an active ASTM standard (published in 2023). A revision work item (WK95348) has been opened to conduct an interlaboratory study and revise the method, indicating maintenance activity but not a formal supersession as of the current publication details. Users should check ASTM records for any finalized revisions after 2023.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — D8375‑23 is part of the portfolio of cannabis and hemp standards developed by ASTM Committee D37 (published in the Annual Book of Standards, Vol. 15.10) and is complementary to other D37 methods (for example D8399‑23 for pesticides).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Cannabinoids, LC‑MS/MS, cannabis testing, hemp raw materials, quantitative analysis, sample extraction, calibration, laboratory method.