As the cannabis industry grows and new states allow medicinal marijuana, the marketplace is getting flooded with new products. This leaves average consumers with the task of discerning which products are safe and trying to determine which products are effective and reliable. During this time of growth, the cannabis industry has not reached a complete level of standardization. This means that if manufacturers are developing products, there can be variations of the effects of their products from batch to batch, which leaves the consumer with an inconsistent experience.
It’s both important and empowering for patients to trust their favorite brands. They benefit from the peace of mind that comes when producers have gone the extra mile to provide transparency investing in 3rd party testing. Even more, trust comes when producers present the scientific evidence of the contents of their products by an independent laboratory. Building trust between manufacturers and consumers is a crucial step for the success of the cannabis industry and, most notably, for the safety of the patients.
LUX Diagnostics takes this responsibility very seriously; we want to provide you with the most accurate results possible safely and efficiently.
What do cannabis testing labs do?
Cannabis testing labs provide third-party testing, essential in the emerging cannabis market. Many cannabis companies offer in-house testing, but 3rd party testing ensures an extra level of safety to patients. The goals of 3rd party testing are to arm consumers with specific knowledge of products that might be new to them. And also to help producers ensure they are meeting the regulatory requirements of the state they are based.
As the cannabis industry grows in popularity across the United States, individual states can establish different protocols for safety and testing. For example, California requires over 100 laboratory tests before a cannabis product can be sold to the public, but other states have much more lax regulations. Because of the disparity in regulations, it can confuse patients to know which products are best for their specific needs 3rd party labs like LUX Diagnostics can bridge the gap between consumers and producers by having no vested interest in the outcome of the testing. Our goal is to provide fast and accurate results with the best-known testing methods to offer quality control to manufacturers to build trust with their consumers.
Why should labs test for potency?
Potency is one of the most significant variables in the cannabis industry. Knowing the concentration of a product can be crucial to consumers. As laws vary from state to state on legal levels of THC and considerations like interactions between medical marijuana products and other medications a patient might be taking. In our potency analysis, we measure the exact amount of cannabinoids present in each sample. These can include THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, and CBN. As producers develop new products, it’s important to test each batch of products they produce to ensure you’re creating consistent results and, therefore, a product that will perform optimally and predictably for clients.
For example, some patients may seek out products with higher levels of THCA, while others are only interested in CBD and want zero THC. Knowing precisely what is in your products and the potency level is significant when educating your clients about new products. Especially cannabis products are taken orally, which can take an hour or more before the effects are felt.
Why should labs test for terpenes?
Terpenes and terpenoids are different aromatic compounds found in many plants but are incredibly potent in cannabis. Knowing precisely what terpene content a plant contains can help consumers choose a product based on their specific needs. Terpenes affect the flavors of cannabis products, but they can also affect the bodily effects of cannabis. LUX Diagnostics tests for a large variety of naturally occurring compounds within cannabis so you can be confident about exactly what you’re putting in your body.
Why should labs test for residual solvents?
You might be wondering what solvents are doing in a natural product. Solvents are often used in the extraction process when cannabinoids and terpenes are removed from the plant material. These solvents can vary from chemical-free products like CO2 to harsh chemicals like Butane. We want to avoid any human consumption of harmful solvents as they could be detrimental to your health.
If a concentrate is prepared by chemical extraction, it’s common to find residual solvents in the final product. By measuring the amounts of solvent in the cannabis concentrate, we can provide manufacturers with the information needed to adjust their process to ensure the highest quality of products with the highest level of safety for human consumption.
Why should labs test for pesticides?
Cannabis plants are incredibly absorbent. Even if you are purchasing products from an environmentally conscious company, it’s possible that the plants can absorb pesticides from nearby farms or even leach them from the soil that had been previously treated. The presence of pesticides in cannabis products indicates that the flower has been contaminated while growing. Knowing about that contamination can help consumers make an educated and informed decision about whether or not to ingest that product. LUX Diagnostics looks for a variety of pesticides and other impurities that can affect safety and potency. Our state-of-the-art lab is here to ensure the highest quality testing and more accurate results available.
What is microbial screening in cannabis products?
All-natural products contain varying amounts of natural microflora. Even if you were growing tomatoes in your backyard, they would have micro-flora. The cannabis industry is no different; however, quantifying those amounts can help consumers and producers determine how best to use their products.
LUX Diagnostics uses RT-PCR to ensure that their cannabis crops do not reach fatal levels of dangerous pathogens. This testing is essential to identifying microbes, yeast, and mold per regulatory standards. This suite of tests provides consumers, producers, and retailers with accurate and critical information about the quality and safety of their cannabis and cannabis-derived products.
The role of independent laboratories like LUX diagnostics is in providing critical information that ensures the data’s accuracy and credibility. We want producers to be informed about the products they are creating, and we want consumers to be well informed and feel safe knowing their products are up to industry standards. This is a crucial relationship essential to the transparency and longevity of a rapidly growing, actively evolving industry. Working with responsible producers who are dedicated to going the extra mile to ensure their products are safe and reliable will be a pillar in developing this rapidly growing industry. In addition, third-party testing will be associated with credibility to consumers.
Why should I choose LUX Diagnostics for my cannabis testing?
The answer is simple: Speed, Quality & Service. We are an agile 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, 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.