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Potency Analysis

Potency Analysis

Potency testing is a critical test for manufacturers and consumers alike. Potency testing measures the medicinal strength or efficacy of cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp plants and products. It’s important as a producer to understand the plant or product’s potency to confirm the desired effect or intensity to be reached. Our potency tests can measure the presence and quantity of 15 different cannabinoids in a sample. Our lab can test flowers, stems, as well as any cannabis or hemp product. We can also confirm the potency of these products.

What is a Cannabinoid?

Cannabinoids are a naturally occurring chemical compound found in cannabis and hemp that works in tandem to produce varying psychoactive or non-psychoactive effects. Together, they are known to act synergistically to form a combined impact on the body. As a result, they are providing additional benefits beyond what each cannabinoid would provide by itself.

Why is Potency Testing Necessary?

As cannabis laws evolve depending on the state, cannabis potency testing must be done on products before distributing them to the public. Depending on each state, law standards are in place that restricts the potency of cannabis products. These standards are especially relevant to CBD or hemp extract products. Lab results that do not meet the required state standards cannot be legally distributed to consumers.

Potency testing provides proven lab results that cannabis products are safe for human consumption. It also offers transparency on the potency of the products, which benefits the patients and the manufacturers. Consumers desire to know the potency of the products they wish to use, and manufacturers strive to provide a consistent consumer experience. In addition, identifying specific cannabinoids allows manufacturers to have confidence in the products they offer, especially for those consumers who wish to avoid any psychoactive effects, such as those who seek CBD or hemp extract products.

Because of the porous nature of the cannabis plant, it’s common for it to absorb things from its environment. This can be positive like nutrients or harmful like pesticides. Potency testing is another way to ensure that the products have not absorbed anything that could be hazardous to consume. Testing can determine if toxic substances such as fungus or molds are present in the plant or products that could harm someone’s health.

Cannabinoids Potency We Test

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
(Δ9-THC)

The primary psychoactive ingredient in a cannabis plant.

Cannabidiol
(CBD)

A non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is commonly used for its many therapeutic applications.

Cannabidivarin
(CBDV)

A non-psychoactive cannabinoid.

Cannabinol
(CBN)

A mildly psychoactive component found in cannabis that is created when THC-A oxidizes.

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol
(Δ8-THC)

The secondary psychoactive ingredient in a cannabis plant.

Cannabidiolic Acid
(CBDA)

Found in plants of CBD varieties and converts to CBD over time and when exposed to heat.

Cannabigerol
(CBG)

A non-psychoactive cannabinoid abundant in low-THC and high-CBD cannabis strains, including hemp.

Cannabichromene
(CBC)

A potent non-psychoactive cannabinoid.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid
(THCA)

The most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid. However, as the plant dries, THCA slowly converts to psychoactive THC. Heat expedites this conversion in a process called decarboxylation.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin
(THCV)

A psychoactive cannabinoid.

Cannabigerol acid
(CBGA)

One of many minor cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. Eventually, CBGA converts to either THC or CBD.

Cannabidivarinic Acid
(CBDVA)

The carboxylic acid precursor of CBDV.

How do you Test for Cannabinoids?

Typically this test is done in a state-of-the-art lab. After a complex homogenization and lengthy sample preparation process, we use UHPLC-DAD (ultra-high performance chromatography with diode array detection) to determined cannabinoid analysis.

Innovative Technology

LUX LEAF Diagnostics

The answer is simple: Speed, Quality & Service. We are a nimble lab that has invested heavily in equipment, software, a nationwide courier network, and processes to enable our personnel to deliver results quickly for our clients. At the same time, we emphasize ensuring we have every lab test that matters to you with the highest quality results because speed is just a number without quality. With LUX LEAF, you can expect your results to be back quickly and accurately.

We want to be your partner and not just your lab. Your success is our success, so let’s grow your business together.

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