Quality assurance is essential to your brand.
Our custom cannabinoid product development solutions empower you to develop quality hemp products while staying one step ahead of test standards and regulations to satisfy regulatory agencies and demonstrate your commitment to quality and transparency to your customers. While testing for THC levels is a federal requirement, safety tests are now being required in many states. Establishing a strategic partnership with a testing laboratory is more important than ever.
Here are some things you should know about cannabinoid analysis when choosing a certified lab to work with.
1
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Analysis
It's vital that the active ingredients in cannabinoids are clearly labeled. Cannabinoid potency profile informs consumers about the potency and concentration of active cannabinoids in the CBD products that they purchase. It is a Federal requirement that CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. While THC is the most well-known cannabinoid, it’s only responsible for a fraction the medicinal benefits of cannabinoids. Most labs offer cannabinoid profile analysis that include a wide range of cannabinoids: Delta-9 THC, Delta-8THC, THCa, THCV, CBD, CBDa, CBDV, CBC, CBN, CBG, CBGa, CBDVa, Delta-8 THCV, exo-THC, CBL, Delta-10 THC, Delta-9 THCP, and CBT.
2
Residual Solvents Analysis
During the manufacturing process of cannabis concentrates, solvents are used to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the raw plant material. Common solvents for such extractions include carbon dioxide, ethanol, propane, butane, hexane and many others. After the extraction process, techniques that use heat and vacuum are commonly used to ensure the removal of residual solvents. Covalent tests all raw materials for residual solvents, and our COAs are always available upon request. It's not likely that you would find residual solvents in any of our finished products, but some customers will choose Full Panel testing that includes a Residual Solvents Panel included to satisfy regulatory requirements in specific States, as well as fully inform their customers about the safety of their products. Common residual solvents to test for are: Propane, Butane, Methanol, Pentane, Ethanol, Ethyl ether, Acetone, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetonitrile, Dichloromethane n-Hexane, Ethyl Acetate, Chloroform, Benzene, Dichloroethane n-Heptane, Trichloroethene, Toluene, Xylenes, Ethylene, Oxide.
3
Pesticides Analysis
Pesticides in even the smallest amount of pesticides in CBD products can produce adverse health effects. Pesticide testing requirements vary by state, with some requiring screening for up to 68 specific pesticides because chronic oral or inhalation exposure can result in neurodegenerative disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, birth defects, cancer, and reproductive problems. Covalent certainly tests all of our raw materials for the presence of pesticides. If you are marketing your products in Colorado, Florida, Utah or California you may already be aware of specific pesticide analysis requirements for these states.
4
Microbiological Analysis
Harmful microbiological contamination of pathogens can lead to serious illness, and unfortunately microbial contamination is far too common in hemp biomass used to make cannabinoid concentrates. Covalent tests all raw materials for microbial contamination as an SOP, but you may choose to add a Microbial Analysis panel to your finished product testing to demonstrate safety and quality to your customers.
5
Heavy Metals Analysis
Heavy metals interfere with metabolic functions, and chronic exposure damages vital organs and the nervous system. Unfortunately, contamination is not uncommon in hemp biomass used to make cannabinoid concentrates. Because of this, Covalent rigorously tests all raw materials for the most common types of Heavy Metals contamination: Cadmium, Lead, Arsenic, Mercury, Cobalt, Vanadium, Nickel, Thallium, Gold, Palladium, Iridium, Osmium, Rhodium, Ruthenium, Selenium, Silver, Platinum, Lithium, Antimony, Barium, Molybdenum, Copper, Tin, Chromium, Zinc.
6
Terpene Profile Analysis
Terpenes have a major influence on the medicinal and psychological effects of a plant, as well as CBD finished products that include them. While terpene profile analysis isn't a major safety concern for the majority of finished products, you may choose to include Terpene Profile Analysis for your COAs if your products have added terpenes (and particularly so if you are making any efficacy claims about them).