Medical professionals and the general public alike are coming to recognize the ability of marijuana to treat many medical conditions, from chronic pain to Alzheimer’s to cancer, and more. The therapeutic value of the treatment, however, depends upon factors such as the quality of the plant used and the potency of the strain.
Modern Canna Science is committed to accurate testing of the potency and safety of cannabis products, from bud to extract to final infused product, to ensure medical marijuana patients have access to high-quality, effective treatment.
Methods of THC testing: How to test THC in bud, resin, oil, and products
Medical marijuana is available in several forms and effective laboratory testing can accurately measure the content in each. The professionals at Modern Canna Science test the THC levels in bud, concentrate, or other product, achieving accurate results that medical professionals, dispensaries, and patients can rely upon.
The range of delivery methods is growing exponentially and now includes capsules, sprays, suppositories, and even ophthalmic aids. Each step of processing that an infused product undergoes can affect the cannabinoid profile and introduce contaminants.
Regardless of the form of the cannabis sample, the profile analysis is performed by the methods discussed below. The sample preparation, however, must be suitable for the form. For example, specific solvents must be used to extract the cannabinoids from resin samples, and the temperature used to prepare bud samples must be precise.
There are many considerations that go into accurate THC testing. For example, when testing flowers, also referred to as buds, the moisture content can affect the reading. The professionals at Modern Canna Science control for these variables in testing to ensure you benefit from the most accurate results.
Why it is important to test THC potency of cannabis
The chemical makeup of marijuana for medical use must be precisely analyzed. The cannabinoid profile of cannabis is like a fingerprint, made up of more than 70 compounds, the ideal dosing of which can impact the patient’s treatment.
THC plays a key part in the psychoactive effects cannabis and is also known to be an antioxidant. THC also appears to have have some anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce neuropathic pain. The data provided by THS analysis with Modern Canna Science allows physicians and patients to choose the right strains for their needs.
How to test cannabis
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of more than 70 cannabinoid compounds linked to improved patient care for more than a dozen medical conditions. THC is more commonly known as the active ingredient in marijuana. Factors such as plant strain and freshness, the form (solid versus extracts), and method of handling and testing can all affect the measurement of THC in a product.
To obtain a complete picture of a sample, cannabis testing can also measure:
The medical marijuana testing industry is relatively young and the lack of uniformity in procedures means results from questionable labs are not always reliable. The professionals at Modern Canna Science understand that testing in our labs is relied upon by those dispensing and prescribing cannabis as part of a course of treatment and therefore adhere to strict protocols to guarantee trustworthy results.
How to test THC in cannabis
MCS measures cannabinoid potency and concentration with the use of high performance liquid cartographic (HPLC) technology. HPLC analysis is a reliable method for testing edible or cannabis products. It is performed by first grinding samples and adding a solution in order to separate out the cannabinoids from the solids. The solution containing the cannabinoids is run through the HPLC.
An alternative testing option offered by MCS is gas chromatography. This is not typically preferred, however, because it utilizes heat, which can cause derivatization of compounds. Before raw marijuana is processed, the primary cannabinoid is Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA). THCA converts to THC when it is heated, vaporized, or burned. Analysis by HPLC allows analysis of neutral and acidic cannabinoids without derivatization.
Cannabis testing lab in Florida
Modern Canna Science tests THC levels and concentrations with the use of reliable testing methods and state-of-the-art equipment. Our experienced technicians ensure accurate results by adhering to strict internal guidelines regarding quality control, auditing procedures, and safety. This commitment to quality positions Modern Canna Science as the leading medical marijuana testing lab in the state of Florida.
Additional “Testing THC Levels” Resources:
- Medical Jane, Lab-Testing Cannabis: What You Should Know, https://www.medicaljane.com/2013/02/11/lab-testing-cannabis-prescription-meds-list-dosage-information-concentration-levels-why-not-cannabis/
- Oregon Liquor Control Commission, Sampling and Testing Metric Guide,
https://www.oregon.gov/olcc/marijuana/Documents/CTS/SamplingandTestingGuide.pdf