Optimizing Cannabis Products:

R&D Testing and Consulting Services for Licensed Producers

Research and development (R&D) testing with consulting is a service available to anyone with a license under the Bureau of Cannabis Control, including medical patients and qualified caregivers. The primary goal of R&D testing is to help clients refine their processes to deliver better products to consumers. This service provides valuable feedback and accurate results to aid in product development or process improvement. For example, we can assist a baker in optimizing THC or CBD content in cookies by advising on mix and baking conditions based on test results from different batches.

R&D testing can include the same tests as regular compliance testing protocols or be customized to meet specific process requirements or unique needs. Additionally, the lab offers consultations to tailor the tests to each client's custom needs. We also provide consultation services to help set up a client’s quality control (QC) parameters and testing requirements.

Advancing Cannabis:

The Role of Research in Developing New Varieties and Products

One of the primary needs for research in cannabis testing is to support the development of new plant varieties and cannabis products. By understanding the genetic makeup and biochemical pathways of cannabis, researchers can breed new strains that possess desired traits such as higher potency, specific cannabinoid profiles, and resistance to pests and diseases. This not only enhances the quality and diversity of products available to consumers but also helps in creating more resilient and productive crops for cultivators.



Moreover, research-driven testing can guide the formulation of innovative cannabis products, ensuring they meet safety standards and deliver consistent therapeutic or recreational effects. This continuous cycle of research and development is crucial for the industry's advancement, allowing it to adapt to consumer demands and regulatory changes while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

Additionally, testing is crucial for the identification and quantification of potential contaminants. Cannabis plants can accumulate harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents during cultivation and processing. Research helps identify these contaminants and understand their impact on human health. It also aids in developing sensitive and specific testing methods to detect these substances at trace levels. By continually advancing our knowledge of contaminants and refining detection techniques, research ensures that testing labs can reliably screen products for safety, thus protecting consumer health and maintaining regulatory compliance.

The R&D testing process is streamlined to facilitate ease of access for clients. It begins with sample collection, which can be scheduled for pickup at a convenient time. The sample is then tested on the same day it arrives at the lab, ensuring prompt results. Upon completion of testing, clients receive a personalized notification that results are available in their client portal. This efficient process allows clients to make timely adjustments based on the test outcomes.

The scope of R&D testing includes, but is not limited to, potency analysis, microbial screening, heavy metal detection, pesticide residue testing, and moisture content evaluation. Each of these tests provides critical data that helps clients optimize their production methods. For example, potency analysis using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) can help ensure consistent cannabinoid levels in edibles, while microbial screening can prevent contamination and enhance product safety.

One important aspect to note is that the results from R&D testing are not certified for the sale of the lot. They are intended solely for developmental purposes, helping clients perfect their products before submitting them for official compliance testing. This distinction ensures that the final products that reach consumers have undergone rigorous testing and meet all state regulations.

Consultation services are a key component of R&D testing. The lab offers expert advice to tailor tests to the client’s unique requirements, setting up quality control parameters and testing protocols that align with their production processes. This personalized approach ensures that clients receive actionable insights that can directly improve their product quality and operational efficiency.