Solvents are typically introduced into cannabis products during the extraction and purification process. Although the number of solvents used in cannabis processing are few, impurities in those solvents or cross contamination can introduce other unexpected solvent contaminants. Drying and purging of gases will remove most of these from cannabis extracts, but certain samples types can be more challenging to address, which can lead to out-of-compliance results. Each state residual solvent list and limits vary, which can be tough to navigate for product manufacturers.

Residual solvent analysis is performed via headspace GC-MS/MS to reach the lowest detection levels and ensure product safety. The Waters Xevo TQ-GC or Xevo APGC-MS/MS and SOP with sample preparation best practices enables the analysis of residual solvents from various sample matrices.