A New Method for Determining Potency in Wet Cannabis

Published: August 28, 2025

Using Raman spectroscopy to measure potency in wet hemp and cannabis plant material would allow cultivators to analyze plants in the field without having to dry them. In experiments testing this methodology, Raman scans were able to correctly classify 93% of hemp samples as being above or below 0.35% total THC, and in cannabis, analysis of total THC had a relative error rate of 6%, which is below the 10% error rate allowed by many jurisdictions.

Author(s)Brian C. Smith

Key Takeaways

  • Raman spectroscopy enables in-field potency analysis of wet cannabis, bypassing the drying process.
  • The method accurately classifies hemp samples with 93% success in determining legal THC levels.
  • For marijuana, Raman spectroscopy achieves a 6% relative error in TTHC prediction, meeting regulatory standards.
  • This approach offers a fast, portable, and cost-effective solution for cannabis potency assessment, enhancing cultivation practices.

Author: Mariposa Updates, Content Editor at Mariposa Technology

About Mariposa Technology

Transformative Ideas
The mission of Mariposa Technology is to deliver simple, point-and-shoot scientific testing solutions utilizing handheld Raman spectroscopy and proprietary data powered by advanced mathematics and algorithms, starting with hemp and other varieties of cannabis.

Our vision is a world of agricultural testing that is user friendly, free of solvents and chemicals, with quick and consistent results, all while meeting or exceeding the highest industry standards.

Our technology will bring the power of laboratory-level testing into the hands of farmers, researchers, regulators and more. PAMAP (Predictive Analytical Modeling Application for Plants), our first commercial offering, will empower the hemp and cannabis industry to optimize their crops, delivering real-time precision farming data at the click of a button.

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A New Method for Determining Potency in Wet Cannabis

Using Raman spectroscopy to measure potency in wet hemp and cannabis plant material would allow cultivators to analyze plants in the field without having to dry them. In experiments testing this methodology, Raman scans were able to correctly classify 93% of hemp samples as being above or below 0.35% total THC, and in cannabis, analysis of total THC had a relative error rate of 6%, which is below the 10% error rate allowed by many jurisdictions.

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