Headspace GC/MS Analysis for Non-Destructive Hemp Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the THC content in cannabis samples are destructive and solvent-based, making them inefficient for differentiating between hemp and marijuana, which are classified differently under federal law based on THC content.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive, non-solvent based method using headspace-GC/MS data transformation into images and convolutional neural networks (CNN) for THC content determination in cannabis samples, enabling accurate differentiation between hemp and marijuana.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If liquid extraction of THC using solvents is used, then THC content can be determined, but the method is destructive and requires solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the volatile chemical components (headspace) from the cannabis sample for analysis, leaving the bulk sample intact and undestroyed. This allows THC content determination without consuming the original sample through liquid extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical extraction process (liquid solvent extraction) with a headspace analysis method using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which detects volatile compounds in the gas phase above the sample without direct contact or destruction of the sample matrix
2Measurement precision
If liquid extraction method is used, then THC content can be determined, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent skips the time-consuming steps of sample preparation, solvent extraction, and purification that are required in traditional methods. By directly analyzing the headspace volatiles with GC-MS, the method rushes through to the detection step, significantly reducing total analysis time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the relevant volatile information needed for THC content determination from the complex cannabis matrix, eliminating the need for lengthy extraction and purification procedures. This selective extraction of headspace components streamlines the analysis process
3Measurement precision
If traditional GC-MS analysis is used, then chemical composition can be analyzed, but the data is difficult to interpret for hemp determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex GC-MS chemical data into visual image representations, where chemical composition information is displayed as graphical patterns. This visual transformation makes it easier to distinguish between hemp and marijuana samples by their unique chemical fingerprint patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies (images) of the chemical data from GC-MS analysis. These image representations serve as simplified copies that retain the essential chemical information while being much easier to interpret for hemp determination than raw chromatographic data
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves high accuracy in distinguishing hemp from marijuana with over 99% accuracy, providing a rapid and cost-effective solution without altering THC levels, suitable for forensic and field applications.
Implementation Method 1
headspace-GC/MS data transformation into images
Implementation Method 2
headspace-GC/MS data transformation into images
Implementation Method 3
convolutional neural networks (CNN) for THC content determination
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods for hemp determination of a cannabis sample are disclosed. The systems and methods may include obtaining headspace data of cannabis samples using a gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) device. The data may then be transformed into images based on retention time, scan range, and signal intensities in the data for assessment by a convolutional network to determine whether a cannabis sample is hemp or non-hemp.