Testing with Analytical HPLC

Testing cannabis and hemp flower and products with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) throughout the growing process offers a multitude of benefits for cultivators and consumers alike. HPLC provides accurate and precise measurements of cannabinoid and terpene profiles, allowing cultivators to monitor the development of these essential compounds as plants progress through different growth stages. By obtaining real-time data on cannabinoid levels such as THC and CBD, cultivators can make informed decisions regarding harvesting times, ensuring optimal potency and therapeutic effects in the final product.

HPLC testing enables cultivators to identify any potential issues or deficiencies in nutrient uptake or environmental conditions that may impact cannabinoid production, allowing for timely adjustments to cultivation practices. Consistent HPLC testing throughout the grow process ensures quality control and compliance with regulatory standards, ultimately leading to the production of safe and standardized cannabis products for consumers. Integrating HPLC testing into the grow process enhances transparency, quality, and efficiency, resulting in superior cannabis products that meet the highest standards of excellence.

Purification and analysis of cannabis, hemp and cannabinoids

Liquid chromatography is central to cannabis testing applications. It has been used to help characterize the 100+ cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant.

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Ultra Performance LC are ideal for potency determination as they can identify and measure structurally similar cannabinoids and their different forms (e.g. free form and corresponding acid forms of THC and CBD) in a single analysis.

Analytical HPLC provides a quantitative basis for classifying cannabis according to chemotype. It is superior to many alternative techniques as it is not temperature-dependent, which guarantees that even cannabinoids at the lowest concentration are unlikely to undergo decarboxylation. This ensures that analytical HPLC are more representative of the actual crop as it gives insight into cannabinoid concentration in the native state.

Sample Types we test

  1. Finished plant / flower

  2. Young plant

  3. Concentrates

  4. Tinctures

  5. Raffinate

  6. Gummies

  7. Beverages

  8. Beverage enhancers

  9. Chocolates

  10. Baked goods

  11. Hard Candies / Lollipops

  12. Caramels

  13. Nanoemulsions

  14. Pet treats

  15. Custom edibles

  16. Dried Biomass

  17. Wet Biomass

  18. Capsules

  19. Extracts

Cannabinoids we test

  1. Δ9-THC

  2. THC-A

  3. CBD

  4. CBD-A

  5. CBN

  6. CBG

  7. CBG-A

  8. Δ8-THC

  9. CBN-A

  10. Δ10-THC

  11. CBC-A

  12. THCV-A

  13. CBC

  14. THCV

  15. Δ9-THC-O Acetate

  16. Δ8-THC-O Acetate

  17. Δ9-THCP

  18. Δ8-THCP

  19. HHC

  20. Semi-quantitative Terpenes

Converted Cannabinoids we test

  1. D8THCO

  2. D9THCO

  3. HHC

  4. D8THCP

  5. D9THCP

  6. D8THC

  7. D9THC

  8. D10THC

  9. CBN

  10. CBD

  11. CBDA

  12. CBGA

  13. CBC

  14. THCV

  15. Terpenes

Hemp Compliance

On-site THC compliance testing

On-site THC compliance testing has never been easier. We take the guesswork out of crop monitoring delivering THC-A, D9-THC and Total Potential THC content between .05% and 3% with high precision. The additional capabilities, combined with our cannabinoid panel tests, will allow you to get a complete picture of your crop’s cannabinoid production with real-time data.

Monitor CBD/THC ratios

Cannabichromene. CBC is the neutral form of CBC-A. CBC is often present in hemp and CBD-containing plants, and more rarely in THC-containing plants. Since many laboratories do not yet measure CBC, the Minors Module will allow hemp farmers, CBD growers, and processors to select for higher CBC plants and differentiate their product with a new cannabinoid.

Harvest at peak

Cannabinolic Acid. CBN-A is the acidic form of CBN. It is often formed from aged cannabis plants. Very old plants may contain 0-5% CBNA. CBN-A in combination with CBN are good indicators of the age and storage conditions of plant material. Higher CBN-A and CBN typically indicate old plant material or poorly stored plant material.

Schedule Department of Ag visits at the right time

Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol. Δ8-THC is generally made by converting CBD or Δ9-THC in a chemical reaction. Note that the process used to create Δ8-THC often creates other cannabinoids, including Δ9-THC. When running a Δ8-THC sample, we has a higher detection limit of 4% for flower samples and 12% for concentrates.

Verify Certificates of Analysis

Degraded THC, Dihydroxy-THC. In some cases, distillation can breakdown the THC molecule into by-products, reducing the potency of the product and affecting the taste. Two of the major breakdown components are CBN and Δ10-THC. We can measure the amount of Δ10-THC, allowing distillation operators to ensure their product is pure and potent while maintaining high throughput. In some cases, extraction operators will intentionally attempt to generate novel cannabinoids through a degradation process. Δ10-THC is a precursor to most of the degradation products generated.

Evaluate biomass

Quality genetics serve as the foundation for ongoing breeding efforts and genetic innovation within the cannabis industry. By starting with superior parent stock, breeders can develop new varieties with enhanced traits, further advancing the diversity and quality of available strains.

Terpenes

Terpene molecules are responsible for the scent profiles of cannabis plants and products. They offer an indication of freshness, they impact the consumption experience, guide consumer preference and support product differentiation.

Terpenes play a significant role in the aroma, flavor, and overall sensory experience of cannabis products. By conducting terpene testing at different stages of cultivation, cultivators can monitor and optimize the development of terpene profiles, ensuring that the final product meets the desired flavor and aroma characteristics.

Semi-Quantitative Analysis

Over 100 cannabis terpenes have been identified to date and those terpenes generally fall into two categories: monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Monoterpenes comprise 80% of cannabis terpenes. We can analyze and quantify the monoterpenes present in a sample and uses that analysis to make an assumption about the monoterpene-sesquiterpene ratio in the sample. Our reports terpene content in samples as low, medium or high terpene content offering a great first-line analysis that can help cultivators and processors understand and value their product when terpene rich products are the end goal.

Testing throughout the growth cycle

Terpenes have been shown to interact synergistically with cannabinoids, influencing the therapeutic effects and overall potency of cannabis products. Terpene testing allows cultivators to tailor cultivation practices to maximize the presence of specific terpenes associated with desired effects, such as relaxation or energy. Terpene testing can provide valuable insights into the health and vitality of cannabis plants, as changes in terpene profiles may indicate stress, disease, or environmental factors affecting plant growth. Terpene testing throughout the cultivation process enables cultivators to produce cannabis products of superior quality, consistency, and efficacy, meeting the needs and preferences of consumers in the rapidly evolving cannabis market.

CONVERTED CANNABINOIDS

Converted cannabinoids are cannabinoids that don’t typically occur in natural cannabis at high concentrations. These are generally either derived from hemp or cannabis plant material through chemical reactions or are fully chemically synthesized. If you are working with converted cannabinoids, it is especially important to test products due to the complexities involved with their manufacture.

Testing converted cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD derivatives, is essential for ensuring the accuracy, safety, and efficacy of cannabis products. Converted cannabinoids undergo chemical changes during processes like decarboxylation or extraction, which can impact their potency and stability.

Testing these cannabinoids helps ensure product consistency across batches, enabling manufacturers to maintain quality standards and meet regulatory requirements and helps identify any potential contaminants or impurities introduced during processing, ensuring the safety of consumers.

Manufacturers

As a manufacturer, it is important to determine the purity and completion of your reactions to create a quality product.

Distributors

As a distributor, wholesaler, or end product manufacturer testing is the only way to ensure the product you are working with contains the cannabinoids you expect at the concentrations you expect.

Cannabinoids Info

  1. Δ9-THC

    Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as THC) is a medicinal compound utilized to manage and treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and stimulate appetite. Naturally occurring THC is the principal psychoactive compound and 1 of the 113 cannabinoids identified within the class of cannabinoid medications.

  2. THC-A

    THCA stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and it is the precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). When cannabis is growing it makes cannabinoids as carboxylic acids that most often convert into non-acidic compounds through a process called decarboxylation. Almost all cannabinoids start off in their acidic form which have differing structures and effects than that of their non-acidic versions.

  3. CBD

    A phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis species, which is devoid of psychoactive activity, with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and chemopreventive activities. Upon administration, cannabidiol (CBD) exerts its anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic activity through various mechanisms, which likely do not involve signaling by cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), CB2, or vanilloid receptor 1

  4. CBD-A

    Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is the main phytocannabinoid in fiber and seed-oil hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) plants, but its potential health-related capabilities have been masked for years by a greater scientific interest towards its neutral derivative cannabidiol (CBD)

  5. CBN

    Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis sativa plant. It can also be produced synthetically. CBN forms when THC degrades due to exposure to heat, air and/or light.

  6. CBG

    CBG is a type of cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It’s often referred to as the "mother of all cannabinoids." This is because other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acidic form of CBG.

  7. CBG-A

    Cannabigerolic acid, or CBGa, is a minor cannabinoid found naturally in young, flowering cannabis plants—and it iss nicknamed the "mother cannabinoid" as it is the precursor to the two main cannabinoids, CBDa (cannabidiolic acid) and THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) that eventually turn into CBD and THC through a process called decarboxylation.

  8. Δ8-THC

    Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol. Δ8-THC is generally made by converting CBD or Δ9-THC in a chemical reaction. Note that the process used to create Δ8-THC often creates other cannabinoids, including Δ9-THC. When running a Δ8-THC sample

  9. CBN-A

    Cannabinolic Acid. CBN-A is the acidic form of CBN. It is often formed from aged cannabis plants. Very old plants may contain 0-5% CBNA. CBN-A in combination with CBN are good indicators of the age and storage conditions of plant material. Higher CBN-A and CBN typically indicate old plant material or poorly stored plant material.

  10. Δ10-THC

    Degraded THC, Dihydroxy-THC. In some cases, distillation can breakdown the THC molecule into by-products, reducing the potency of the product and affecting the taste. Two of the major breakdown components are CBN and Δ10-THC.

  11. CBC-A

    Cannabichromenic Acid. CBC-A is the acidic form of CBC. It is non-psychoactive and is formed in some plant genetics alongside THC-A and CBD-A, typically at a lower concentration. Its precursor is CBG-A. Some genetics will exhibit 1-5% CBC-A.

  12. THCV-A

    Tetrahydrocannabivarin is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the marijuana plant. Cannabinoids are the compounds that make up the cannabis plant. Some of them have psychotropic effects, including THC. Others, like CBD and its variations, do not.

  13. CBC

    Cannabichromene. CBC is the neutral form of CBC-A. CBC is often present in hemp and CBD-containing plants, and more rarely in THC-containing plants. Since many laboratories do not yet measure CBC, the Minors Module will allow hemp farmers, CBD growers, and processors to select for higher CBC plants and differentiate their product with a new cannabinoid.

  14. THCV

    Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a cannabis-derived compound with unique properties that set it apart from the more common cannabinoids, such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

  15. Δ9-THC-O Acetate

    THC-O-acetate (THC acetate ester, O-acetyl-THC, THC-O, AcO-THC) is the acetate ester of THC. The term THC-O-acetate and its variations are commonly used for two types of the substance, dependent on which cannabinoid it is synthesized from. The difference between Δ8-THC and Δ9-THC is bond placement on the cyclohexene ring.

  16. Δ8-THC-O Acetate

    THC-O is a cannabinoid (derived from Hemp just like Delta 8), which carries psychoactive effects and euphoric feelings associated with the typical properties associated with cannabis use. It is rumored that THC-O is roughly 3 times more potent than the usual THC. Additionally, THC-O is known for its anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, appetite stimulating and stress reducing properties.

  17. Δ9-THCP

    Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) is a potent phytocannabinoid, a CB1 and CB2 agonist which was known as a synthetic homologue of THC, but for the first time in 2019 was isolated as a natural product in trace amounts from Cannabis sativa. It is structurally similar to Δ9-THC, the main active component of cannabis, but with the pentyl side chain extended to heptyl

  18. Δ8-THCP

    ‍Δ8-THCP(delta-8-tetrahydrocannabiphorol) is the Δ8-isomer of THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) and is also known as JWH-091 as a synthetic cannabinoid . THCP occurs naturally in cannabis plants in very small amounts.

  19. HHC

    Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a hydrogenated derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid that has rarely been identified as a trace component in Cannabis sativa, but can also be produced synthetically by hydrogenation of cannabis extracts.

  20. Semi-quantitative Terpenes

    Terpenes are a class of natural products consisting of compounds with the formula (C5H8)n for n ≥ 2. Terpenes are major biosynthetic building blocks. Comprising more than 30,000 compounds, these unsaturated hydrocarbons are produced predominantly by plants, particularly conifers.