Application of Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry for the Screening of Pesticide Contaminants on Cannabis Plant Materials.

Chambers M.; Wilson W. · Journal of agricultural and food chemistry · 2026

**Background & Methods** This review study developed and validated a Direct Analysis in Real-Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) method to screen for pesticide contaminants in cannabis plant materials. The research evaluated instrumental parameters and pesticide detection capabilities across 113 commonly used agricultural pesticides in cannabis cultivation. **Key Findings** • DART-MS successfully detected 108 of 113 pesticides (95.6% detection rate), demonstrating high sensitivity for pesticide screening in cannabis samples. Positive-ionization mode at a gas temperature of 350°C provided optimal detection conditions. • The method identified major pesticide fragment patterns and established minimum detection concentrations for individual pesticides, enabling both qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis. • Validation with cannabis plant materials spiked or naturally treated with pesticides during cultivation confirmed the applicability of DART-MS to real-world samples, establishing it as a viable qualitative screening tool for regulatory and quality control purposes. **Dosage & Administration** Not reported. **Safety & Adverse Effects** Not reported. **Evidence Quality** This review represents moderate evidence quality with several limitations. As a methodological study rather than a clinical investigation, it focuses on analytical technique validation rather than human health outcomes or risk assessment. The study does not address bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, or toxicological implications of detected pesticide residues in cannabis products. While the 95.6% detection rate is promising, the paper does not establish clinical thresholds for safe pesticide exposure or compare DART-MS performance against established regulatory standards or competing analytical methods. The validation was limited to laboratory-spiked and cultivated samples without comprehensive field-collected cannabis testing across diverse cultivation practices. The work provides valuable methodological advancement for pesticide screening but lacks direct clinical applicability. Future research should correlate DART-MS detection with regulatory compliance limits, establish quantitative reference standards, and assess health risks associated with detected residue levels in consumer cannabis products.

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