The cannabis industry is predicted to be worth $22 billion by 2022. Increased public acceptance and legalization of medical marijuana have encouraged growers and product producers to market their wares more visibly. Like the pharmaceutical, food, beverage, and tobacco industries there needs to be regulations and standards to ensure the safety and integrity of cannabis products.
This is where mass spectrometry can play a big role. As a sensitive and analytical technique, mass spectrometry is vital for breaking down the chemical components of various cannabis products including botanical plants, oil products, edible foods and beverages.
This paper discusses the many merits of mass spectrometry as well as a brief overview of the analytical challenges that is expected with the cannabis industry.