ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the reader to four solid sampling techniques, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction, laser-induced breakdown spectrometry , laser ablation, laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, together with a novel emission technique called microwave-induced atomic emission spectrometry for solution work. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses but could be used for testing cannabis products, depending on the state requirements and the type of the cannabinoid being tested. Over the past 30 years, XRF has become the elemental technique of choice for the determination of low parts-per-million to percentage concentration levels in solid samples including metals, ores, rocks, soils, glasses, powders, plastics, ceramics, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and plant materials. The XRF technique is available in two separate configurations—energy-dispersive and wavelength-dispersive. Quantitation is conducted using external calibration standards containing varying concentrations of elements.
