With the legalization of cannabis, cannabis testing is now a critical component of the new industry. Cannabis testing allows growers and sellers to comply with state regulations while providing high-quality, easy-to-dose products that customers can feel confident about consuming.
Cannabis samples must be carefully prepared before being analyzed. The methods used for sample preparation will vary depending on the type of analysis, the available equipment, and the laboratory’s specific requirements and preferences.
All cannabis samples, including fresh and dried flowers, extracts, tinctures, concentrates, and edibles, are examined in testing labs. The type of specimen being analyzed determines the procedure for sample preparation.
Benefits of Cannabis Testing
More laws have been devised to safeguard the purity and content of cannabis as it becomes more generally acknowledged and accessible for purchase. Cannabis, like any food or drug, is now subject to a set of rules and specifications that a cannabis testing facility may review. Here are a few benefits of using cannabis testing equipment.
Potency
Cannabis is examined for potency, specifically THC and CBD, and how these quantities influence dosing. Metrics include the number of cannabinoids present, the ratio of THC to CBD in the product, and the number of cannabinoids per weight.
Testing guarantees that the product’s potency and quality meet expectations. Cannabinoid potency testing can also assist in finding ways to enhance a specific strain’s subsequent crops.
Chemical Contamination
Cannabis is a plant, after all, and unless it is grown organically, it frequently uses fertilizers, insecticides, and other chemical agents to encourage development and deter and eliminate pests. While these substances support the plant’s growth, any leftovers risk the consumer’s health and safety.
Additionally, several pesticides, hormones, and other products are prohibited and must be absent for the product to be sold. Tests like CBD pesticide testing are required to meet legal standards.
Mold, Fungus, and Mildew
Additionally, cannabis must be examined for harmful live contaminants, including bacteria, molds, fungi, and mildew, which can cause mycotoxins that are dangerous to users’ health. Those with impaired immune systems who use cannabis for medicinal purposes are particularly vulnerable if the cannabis includes these toxins. Testing is necessary at some stage to ensure contamination has not happened since contaminants can enter cannabis during production, handling, and packing.
Terpene Analysis
The chemical elements known as terpenes are what give cannabis and other plants their distinctive scents and aromas. They may also have some impact on cannabis’ therapeutic advantages. Testing identifies the different terpene types present in a sample, their pharmacological uses, and the best strain for specific symptoms and medical problems.
Terpene analysis can also stop related strains from being incorrectly branded and sold under several brand names. In general, it assists in determining the strain’s safety levels when intended for use by medical patients.
Other Contaminants
Cannabis can be contaminated by substances other than pesticides, hormones, solvents, and bacteria, such as heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, or lead, which can seep into the plant from the ground. During cultivation or packing, the product may come into contact with commonplace impurities such as hair, dust, dirt, and excrement. Once more, cannabis testing can identify the presence of these and other varying contaminants that may endanger consumers and notify the analysts. A reliable company like BelCosta Labs in California offers different types of testing.
