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Educational Resources

Tips for Launching a Modern Cannabis Testing Lab

Analytical Cannabis | February 2, 2022
To help guarantee a successful launch of a cannabis testing lab, careful consideration should be given to the key attributes below.

Laboratory Testing Guidelines: U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program

USDA Hemp Production Program | Issued January 15, 2021
Hemp grown under a USDA, State, or Tribal hemp production plan is subject to sampling and compliance testing for THC concentration.

Managing a Cannabis Lab

Lab Manager Magazine – Cannabis Special Issue | June 2020
How to Survive the Challenges of the Cannabis Testing Industry

Pre-Owned Equipment is An Affordable Option for Cannabis Testing Labs

Michelle Dotzert, PhD – Lab Manager Magazine | June 3, 2020
With a few considerations, purchasing pre-owned equipment helps budgets go further

Analytical Instruments You Need to Start a Cannabis Testing Laboratory

Cannabis Industry Journal | September 27, 2019
From using an HPLC for potency testing to an LC-MS/MS for mycotoxin analysis, find out what instruments you need in a lab to get started.

Terpenes & Testing Reference Library

Terpenes and Testing Magazine
Reference Library: General, Medical, Chemistry, History, Horticulture and Regulatory. Terpenes and Testing is a publication catering to the science enthused professional with daily cannabis news, research, and opinions.

Cannabis Testing Lab Setup

D. Anderson, PhD | April 2018
For those planning to enter the cannabis testing business, a sound strategy and a reliable partner for instrumentation and expertise is essential.

How to Test for Heavy Metals in Cannabis

Mike May | January 2018
Beyond coming from natural sources and agricultural methods, heavy metals can infiltrate cannabis-based products in other ways. As an example, GenTech Scientific notes: “Contamination can also occur during the processing of cannabis.”

Cannabis Testing Methods

Published on Aug 3, 2017
Marijuana can be used to treat many medical conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, seizures, HIV/AIDS and more. Patients and consumers rely on the products they are consuming to be safe and consistent. Different types of analysis and screening are required when checking for quality, potency and safety.

Cannabis Testing Methods & Consumables

by Restek
Beyond instruments you need consumables and supplies to complete the necessary testing. The items include sample prep supplies,GC and LC columns, reference material. This article details examples of the types of consumables and supplies used for specific methiod applications.

Development and Validation of a Reliable and Robust Method for the Analysis of Cannabinoids and Terpenes in Cannabis

Journal of AOAC International Vol. 98, No. 6, 2015
Single laboratory validation study for the determination of cannabinoids and terpenes in a variety of commonly occurring cultivars. The procedure involves highthroughput homogenization to prepare sample extract, which is then profiled for cannabinoids and terpenes by HPLC-diode array detector and GC-flame ionization detector, respectively

Pesticide analysis in Cannabis by GC-MS-MS

by Shimadzu
Cultivators of the cannabis may use pesticides or other chemical residues to protect their plants from mold and insects, however few of these substances may be legally used in cannabis. The possible adverse health effects of unapproved chemicals have drawn signicant public attention. Many chemical residues may be measured using LC-MS however GC-MS is also needed for some compounds.

Potency Testing in Cannabis Extracts Using a High Sensitivity Method with the Cannabis Analyzer for Potency

by Shimadzu
Primary cannabinoids of interest to most laboratories are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN). In extracts from the plant, THC and CBD exist as the native acid forms, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabinolic acid (CBDA). These gradually decarboxylate to THC and CBD through exposure to heat and light

Testing Equipment and Solutions for Cannabis Analysis

By D. Anderson, PhD & GenTech Scientific | July 2017
To ensure success, a laboratory must have a sound plan, a qualified team, proper instrumentation and facilities, and steady financial support. These elements are absolutely necessary in running a successful operation after the licensing process is complete.

Bacteria & Mold Analysis for Edibles

By U.S Food & Drug Administration
FDA’s Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) presents the agency’s preferred laboratory procedures for microbiological analyses of foods and cosmetics..

Cannabis Legalization Will Bring a Boom in Lab Testing

By The LabX Editorial Team | October 21, 2016
Cannabis has been consumed in large amounts for decades in the United States, but increased regulatory scrutiny will mandate that all cannabis products legally sold in the United States must be tested for potency and purity by a state-licensed cannabis analytic laboratory before reaching consumers. This means a massive increased need for these labs—and a growing market for lab instrument manufacturers and lab suppliers.

Innovative development and validation of an HPLC/DAD method for the qualitative and quantitative determination of major cannabinoids in cannabis plant material

Journal of Chromatography B Volume 877, Issue 32, 15 December 2009, Pages 4115-4124
GC is commonly used for the analysis of cannabis samples, e.g. in forensic chemistry. However, as this method is based on heating of the sample, acidic forms of cannabinoids are decarboxylated into their neutral counterparts. Conversely, HPLC permits the determination of the original composition of plant cannabinoids by direct analysis.

Cannabis Testing Equipment

Published on Sep 29, 2016
Since 1996, GenTech has provided their services to several cannabis testing labs across the country. Testing Methods Include: Potency Analysis, Cannabinoid Characterization Profiles, Residual Solvents, Pesticides / Herbicides, Molds / Mildews, Microbiological / Mycotoxin Screenings, Moisture Content & Heavy Metal Screening

State Regulations for Cannabis Testing

States that permit the use of medical and recreational marijuana set their own programs. Many aspects are covered within these programs including regulations and requirements for growers, processors, retailers and laboratories. The required testing and accredication varies from state-to-state. What will not vary is the credibility gained by growers, processors, and retailer that test the safety and quality of their cannabis.

Cannabis Science Conference

Cannabis Science Conference is the world’s largest cannabis science expo. Our conference pulls together cannabis industry experts, instrument manufacturers, testing labs, research scientists, medical practitioners, policy makers and interested novices. Our annual event is aimed at improving cannabis science.

The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Science

A comprehensive guide that delves into the science behind cannabis research and development, going into detail about topics such as the endocannabinoid system, diversity in the cannabis species, cultivation practices, extraction methods, and more. This is a valuable resource for anyone in the community studying cannabis science.

The Medicine of Cannabis | An Overview for Medical Professionals & Policymakers

An overview prepared by the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) to help inform and guide policymakers and medical professionals on the science, history, and uses of medical cannabis in order to develop policies that facilitate further research and fair, legal access. This publication was developed by scientists and doctors to provide an up-to-date, science-based perspective on the medicine of cannabis in the United States.