USDA[1] compliant testing of the total THC content in hemp (< 0.3% THC)

Introduction

Cannabis sativa, the hemp plant, is native to Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Throughout history, hemp has widely been used for a broad range of purposes, from production of textile fibers to relief of pain. According to the USDA, industrial hemp may not contain more than 0.3% of THC [1]. With the presented method, multiple hemp samples (up to 14 per plate) can be checked for compliance. Quantitative evaluation is done by scanning densitometry at UV 225 nm.