“Cannabis analysis” may refer to the analysis of potency (cannabinoids such as THC), terpenes, flavonoids, or contaminants in a marijuana sample. Whether you are checking for contaminants like pesticides, metals, solvents, or verifying a cannabinoid profile, you can count on Modern Canna Science Laboratories (MCS) to deliver high quality testing and accurate results. MCS has collaborated with several Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTC’s) in Florida to help ensure that the medicine being produce is of the highest quality and is contaminant free.
Cannabis Testing
As a cannabis analysis laboratory, MCS can test medical marijuana for potency, terpenes, flavonoids, residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, microbial contamination, and moisture content. Using the most advanced lab equipment and methodology, Modern Canna Science provides reliable cannabis analysis and research for MMTC’s that grow, process, and dispense medical marijuana products.
Potency
When testing the potency of cannabis, labs may analyze THC or CBD levels. The medical marijuana industry is shifting towards cannabinoid strains that balance the psychotropic effects normally associated with THC with the pain relief, lowered anxiety and reduced inflammation linked with CBD. Medical marijuana aims to provide medicinal benefits such as pain relief without altering cognitive function. To accomplish this goal, a combination of THC and CBD is required.
Residual Solvents
There are a range of residual solvents from volatile to safe. In order to extract the active ingredients from the plant, solvents such as water, carbon dioxide, ethanol, etc. are used. Using solvents for extraction will produce a glassy product or a resinous product. Testing for solvent extractions will make sure the strain is of great quality.
Terpenes
Terpenes are a key factor that distinguishes one strain of cannabis from another. Terpenes are the compounds that give each strain of cannabis it’s own unique scent. Terpenes also influence the medicinal effects of the cannabis. Testing for terpenes is helpful in determining the type of strain of cannabis you have, figuring out the medicinal and psychological effects of that particular strain, as well as enabling a breeder to modify terpene ratios.
Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals used to kill bacteria, insects, and other intrusive agents on plants. Ingesting pesticides is extremely dangerous. Even absorbing them in the smallest amounts can be harmful. Pesticides cause severe health risks and side effects, which is why testing for them is so important. Testing for pesticides is crucial to verifying the safety of the cannabis you are using.
Heavy Metals
Like pesticides, consuming heavy metals is dangerous for your health. Like all other plants, cannabis can absorb contaminants from the environment such as bacteria, fungus, and heavy metal. Heavy metals can be extremely harmful to your health even in very low levels. Headaches, fertility and reproductive problems, kidney failure, tremors, seizures, vomiting, and even death are but a few of the health risks associated with consuming heavy metals.
Moisture Content
As mentioned before, cannabis can absorb contaminants from its environments. High water content can support the growth of contaminants such as bacteria and fungus. Controlling moisture content and drying is important in keeping the cannabis safe. It also ensures the quality of the cannabis.
Cannabis Analysis Procedures
The most two popular methods of cannabis analysis are High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography (GC). Additionally, Mass Spectrometry is useful for identifying potentially harmful chemical residues such as pesticides.
Cannabis Products Our Lab Analyzes
There are many cannabis products available. Our lab analyzes cannabis products that come in the form of:
- Pill/capsule
- Tinctures
- Sprays
- Oils for cooking
- Oils for smoking/vaporizing
- Plant matter for smoking/vaporizing
- Creams
- Ointments
- Eye drops
- Patches
- Injections
- Raw plant material
All products should be tested under similar consumption conditions. Some products may require more testing than others due to the complexity or intended use of the product. For example, edibles and extracts are more complicated to test than plant matter and oil.
Cannabis Analysis Laboratory
Modern Canna Science provides the industry’s most accurate and dependable cannabis analysis for medical marijuana growers, distributors and patients. You can trust that our decades of experience will be put to work in assuring the safety and purity of a wide variety of medical cannabis products.