Near InfraRed (NIR) spectroscopy is an analytical technique using near-infrared radiation emissions to analyze samples for compositional or characteristic traits. The technology was commercialized back in the 1970s and since then has become popular for the analysis of food, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and chemical products. Both the FDA and European Medicines Agency have published guidelines for the use of NIR spectroscopy by the pharmaceutical industry. NIR spectroscopy is a sensible solution for in-house testing. It allows for performing a fast and non-destructive test, with the possibility of reagent free analysis that provides useful information requiring minimal or no sample preparation. Unsurprisingly, it is a widely used forensic tool by law enforcement agencies for analyzing samples in the field without evidence tampering or destruction. Cannabis professionals must adopt In-House Testing protocols in order to make the right business decisions, from determining the optimal harvest time to making sure they do not overpay for biomass. NIR spectroscopy is ideal for this because it is easy-to-use, affordable, fast, accurate, and has a proven track-record. No wonder the FDA demonstrates its use for Real Time Release Testing in the pharmaceutical industry. It is only a matter of time before In-House Testing becomes common practice across the cannabis and hemp supply chains and along with it NIR spectroscopy will be one of the main analytical techniques used. |