AOAC CASP Newsletter, June 2019 (Web Version)

Animated publication

June 21, 2019

AOAC Cannabis Analytical Science Program 

AOAC Cannabis Analytical Science Program (CASP) Newsletter:  June 21, 2019

Working Group Updates

 Microbial Contaminants Working Group: Co-chaired by Patrick Bird and Julia Bramante, this group is working to develop Standard Method Performance Requirements® (SMPRs®) for detection of Aspergillus spp. in cannabis and cannabis products. One of the issues currently being reviewed is the test portion size required for validation. While test portion sizes vary slightly from state to state, most labs are currently using a 1 gram test portions. The working group is considering establishing a more robust test portion sizes ranging from 5 - 25 grams depending on matrix category, in order to conform with existing industries such as the food industry. The working group is also carefully considering which species and strains to include on the lists of inclusivity and exclusivity organisms.  Chemical Contaminants Working Group : Chaired by Susan Audino, this group has reviewed AOAC SMPR 2018.11 , SMPR for Identification and Quantitation of Selected Pesticide Residues in Dried Cannabis Materials to determine if the target LOQ concentrations it requires are realistic. After holding several sub-group meetings, this group determined that the target LOQ concentrations required by AOAC SMPR 2018.11 are in fact achievable. So, the existing SMPR will likely remain unchanged. Meanwhile, the working group has started work on an SMPR for detection of residual solvents in cannabis. The group is expected to post an SMPR for public comment in July.  Cannabinoids in Consumables Working Group: Chaired by Holly Johnson, this group is drafting an SMPR for detection of cannabinoids in hemp materials. Recently the group has been working to define which cannabinoids must be detected versus which cannabinoids would be optional. The working group decided that THC, THCA, CBD, CHDA, and CBN will be required. The group must now complete the draft method performance requirements prior to posting the SMPR for public comment. All three groups continue to meet every other week and will post their work for public comment in July. The work will be reviewed by and voted on by CASP stakeholders at the 133 rd AOAC Annual Meeting in Denver on September 7, 2019.

Other News

U pcoming Speaking Events :

Scott Coates (Senior Director, AOAC Research Institute & AOAC CASP Program Lead) will be speaking at the AFDO Annual Educational Conference meeting on June 26, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Next CASP Meeting: Saturday, September 7, 2019; 9am to 5pm Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel 550 Court Pl. Denver, CO 80202 Register today!

-Please forward this newsletter to your colleagues. Help us raise awareness of CASP –

Questions?  Please feel free to reply to this email.  We look forward to your participation!

If you would prefer not to receive emails about AOAC CASP, please reply to this email with the subject “Unsubscribe.”

2275 Research Blvd, Ste 300  Rockville, Maryland 20850‐3250 USA  P:  +1 301.924.7077 • F:  +1 301.924.7089  www.aoac.org Copyright AOAC INTERNATIONAL. All rights reserved.

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker