Our potency test offers a quantitative analysis of several common psychoactive compounds found in cannabis. Although hundreds of different compounds have been identified in this plant, our cannabinoid profiling establishes the amount of Tetra­hydro­cannabinol (THC), Tetra­hydro­cannabinol Acid (THCA), Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabidiol Acid (CBDA), Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabinol (CBN) contained in the submitted sample cannabis. These 6 cannabinoids are required for California Compliance testing on all types of products.

Terpenes are a large class of organic hydrocarbons produced by a wide variety of plants, and are referred to as terpenoids when denatured by oxidation. They are the main building block of any plant resin or "essential oils" and contribute to the scent, flavor, and colors. Some are known to have medicinal value. Our test includes: α-Pinene, Camphene, Myrcene, β-Pinene, 3-Carene, α-Terpinene, α-Ocimene, β-Ocimene, Limonene, p-Cymene, Eucalyptol, g-Terpinene, Terpenolene, Linalool, Isopulegol, Geraniol, β-Caryophyllene, Humulene, cis-Nerolidol, trans-Nerolidol, Guaiol, Caryophyllene Oxide, α-bisabolol..

Pesticide residues in cannabis that has been dried and inhaled have a direct pathway into the bloodstream. Like other foodstuffs, contaminants consumed through foods mixed with cannabis may present an exposure hazard. Using a combination of Liquid and/or Gas Chromatography, coupled to mass spectrometry triple quadrupole technology, we are able to detect 66 residual pesticides required by the Bureau of Cannabis Control. Depending on your sample product, the regulations state that residual pesticides must not be detected and/or under the state action limits to be considered passing.

Residual solvents, commonly measured in parts per million (ug/g), can be found in cannabis concentrates and extracts. Solvents (i.e. water, carbon dioxide, ethanol, etc.) are used to extract the active ingredients from the plant and are nearly impossible to completely remove from the final product. Because of the harmful nature of some compounds used, it is fundamental to inform the consumer about the composition of the final cannabis product. These solvents are highly flammable and proven extremely dangerous during the manufacturing of cannabis concentrates and if taken by a consumer in a product not purged properly it can cause severe medical issues. Headspace-Gas Chromatography with a Flame Ionization Detector (GC/FID), is an established scientific methodology, that we use in the analysis for the separation and quantification of the 20 mandated residual solvents.

PharmLabs Microbiological Screen is compliant with CA Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) law and will include the detection of Aspergillus (A. niger, A. terreus, A. fumigatus, and A. flavus), Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, and Salmonella. Microorganisms in cannabis can be an indication of spoilage, levels of sanitation and the potential for human pathogens. Immunocompromised individuals are most at risk and can develop Aspergillosis, a condition caused by inhaling Aspergillus spores.

As required by California Compliance Regulations, all products will need to be tested for present toxins including Aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, G2) and Ochratoxin A. Also under ideal conditions, some fungi can produce toxic metabolites known as mycotoxins (ex. Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin) which can infect immunocompromised humans and cause allergic, aflatoxin and pathogenic infections. Using Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry quadrupole, we can quantify in parts per billion (ug/kg) the exact amount of Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin present.

There is a potential for heavy metal exposure with the use of cannabis from cultivating the plant itself, its commercialization, and its intake methods. Soils used for growing cannabis outdoors are frequently in peri-urban locations or near abandoned industrial and mining sites. Consequently, the presence of pollutant metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and even chromium (Cr) in the soil and water tend to be more pervasive. Certain locales have been found to introduce specific contaminants such as high levels of mercury (Hg) in a particular island brand, excessive sulfur (S) in plants cultivated near a paper mill or coal furnace, and even high levels of uranium (U) in regional phosphate fertilizers. Cultivation soils used indoors can also present problems especially if non-certified fertilizers and/or pesticides containing Pb or As are used. As cannabis is a commodity typically sold by weight, some street dealers have been known to deliberately "lace" product to increase its weight. Pb is commonly used for this and in excess amounts is visible due to its consistency and white color.

Pharmlabs test of sample material for filth and foreign matter is required by the Bureau of Cannabis Control, which includes inspections for mold, sand, soil, cinders, dirt, hair, insects, feces, packaging contaminants and manufacturing waste and by-products.

ISO is an acronym for the International Organization for Standardization. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 are requirements for the competence of testing and calibration of analytical laboratories and is the main ISO standard used by testing and calibration laboratories. In most major countries, ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the standard for which most labs must hold accreditation in order to be deemed technically competent.