Cannabis producers, dispensaries and agencies must get their products tested for potency. For the unversed, the cannabis plant contains more than a hundred different compounds called cannabinoids. Of all these compounds, only one – THC – psychoactive. To sell cannabis legally, the label should mention the presence and cannabinoid contents, for which testing is necessary. Professional labs like Nordic Analytical Laboratories help producers and dispensaries in getting their cannabis tested, while adhering to the basic standards.
Knowing the regulations
Colorado MED regulations make it mandatory to do potency testing for all cannabis products, including cannabis-infused items, concentrates and buds. If you are a cannabis grower reading this, you should know that you cannot sell your products, unless potency testing is done by a credible lab that adheres to MED regulations.
Which cannabinoids are tested for?
Besides THC, potency testing is done for other compounds that are important, such as CBD, THC-A, CBD-A, Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol, Cannabigerolic acid, and Cannabichromene. The best labs rely on what is called HPLC, or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, to complete the test.
How long does it take? What samples can be tested?
Cannabis potency tests take about two to three business days at the least. Some labs will can offer results on the same day, or next day, but for an extra charge. Cannabis potency tests can be done on flowers/buds, concentrates, and all other products that contain cannabis extracts. There are basic sample requirements that growers and dispensaries must adhere to, and it is necessary to send that much of sample, depending on the yield.
Why does cannabis potency tests matter?
The end user, no matter whether he is using cannabis for medical or recreational purposes, deserves to know what to expect from the product. This is the precise reason why cannabis potency tests have been made mandatory. Even for CBD products, testing must be done to ensure that the THC content is less than 0.3%. The information given by the lab must be mentioned on the label, so that buyers can make an informed choice.
While CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal in the US, state laws may vary. There are only a few states, including Colorado, that have allowed sale of cannabis for recreational use, but dispensaries are required to do cannabis potency test without fail for each product. You can check online now to find more potency tests, and make sure to select the right lab for the test.
