Potency Testing

Potency Testing

The potency testing procedure is crucial for accurately quantifying active ingredients and measuring the levels or concentrations of each cannabinoid present in cannabis products. With many different molecules identified through this test, its significance spans across the entire cannabis industry. Cultivators can optimize crop potency, processors can enhance transparency, and consumers can make more informed decisions based on their individual needs.

Essential Methods

Potency testing utilizes the High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method, which enables the separation and individual analysis of molecules. In this process, cannabis samples are dissolved in solvents or solvent-water mixtures and then meticulously separated using column chromatography. The content and concentration of various components are evaluated using an ultraviolet (UV) detector. Each potency component showcases a distinctive UV fingerprint, along with its specific retention time as it traverses through the chromatography column.

 

The method is essential for quality control, as a cannabis product can fail potency testing if the percentage of any cannabinoid deviates by more than ±10% from the labeled amount.

 

Typically, a minimum of 24 hours is required to complete a potency test. The overall process, from consumer drop-off to pick-up, may take 1–5 business days, depending on regular or expedited pricing. It's worth noting that while some quick testing devices are available on the market, they often fail to meet certification testing requirements.

Compliance

Potency testing is a fundamental aspect of California's cannabis regulations, ensuring that consumers have access to accurately labeled products with consistent cannabinoid content. Through methods such as high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), cannabis samples undergo meticulous analysis, allowing for the separation and quantification of individual molecules. This process enables cultivators to optimize crop potency, processors to maintain transparency, and consumers to make informed choices based on their needs. Currently, the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) oversees the testing methodology for nine fundamental cannabinoids in inhalable cannabis and pre-rolls, establishing a standardized protocol that all laboratories must adhere to for potency compliance testing. This uniform approach ensures consistency and accuracy across testing facilities, safeguarding the integrity of potency results and promoting consumer confidence in the cannabis products available in California. By enforcing these regulations, DCC upholds quality standards and transparency within the cannabis industry, ultimately benefiting both consumers and businesses alike.

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