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 potency testing 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.

Terpenes (TUR-peen) are a large class of organic hydrocarbons produced by a wide variety of plants, and are referred to as terpenoids when denatured by oxidation (drying and curing the flowers). 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, Ocimene-1, Limonene, p-Cymene, Eucalyptol, g-Terpinene, Terpenolene, Linalool, Isopulegol, Geraniol, β-Caryophyllene, Humulene, Nerolidol-1, Guaiol, Caryophyllene Oxide, α-bisabolol.

Pesticide residues in cannabis that has been dried and is inhaled have a direct pathway into the bloodstream. Like other foodstuffs, contaminants consumed through foods mixed with cannabis may present an exposure hazard. It is logical to assume that the prohibition on the use of a federally registered pesticide would result in a zero tolerance or allowable residue on the consumed cannabis. However, three states allow cannabis to contain pesticide residues of any federally registered pesticide up to a level less than the lowest legal residue of the pesticide on food.

For those with compromised immune systems, Microbiological contamination can be very harmful and dangerous to one"s health.

PharmLabs STANDARD Microbiological Screen is a series of tests that report the total amount of Yeast, Mold and Aerobic bacteria in a sample reported in Colony Forming Units (CFU).

San Diego PharmLabs new and improved PREMIUM Microbiological Screen will include the detection of total Yeast and Mold, total Aerobic bacteria, Aspergillus sp; Salmonella; E.coli; Staphylococcus aureus; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Aflatoxin (B1,B2,G1,G2) and Ochratoxin A. Using 3M petrifilm and differential selective medium technology, we can identify, detect and quantify these microbial contaminants as total plate counts (CFUs) and using ELISA technology, we can quantify in parts per billion (ppb) the exact amount of Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin present. All assays are ISO certified for design and manufacturing and are included in the official methods of analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists International (AOAC). Currently, no other cannabis testing laboratory in the US offers a more comprehensive microbiological screen than San Diego PharmLabs.

Residual solvents, commonly measured in parts per million (ppm), can be found in cannabis concentrates and extracts: solvents (water, carbon dioxide, ethanol..) are used to extract the active ingredients from the plant and are hard, when not impossible, to remove completely from the final product. Because of the harmful nature of some compounds used, it"s 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 (Butane is banned and illegal in most counties) and if taken by a consumer in a product not purged properly it can cause severe medical issues. We use an established scientific method using a Gas Chromatography Headspace Analyzer with a Flame Ionization Detector (GC/FID) for the separation and quantification of the residual solvents.

Unfortunately, there is a potential of heavy metal exposure with the use of marijuana from cultivating the plant itself, its commercialization, and its intake methods. Soils used for growing marijuana 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. 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.

ISO is an acronym for the International Organization for Standardization. ISO/IEC 17025:2005 are requirements for the competence of testing and calibration of analytic laboratories and is the main ISO standard used by testing and calibration laboratories. In most major countries, ISO/IEC 17025:2005 is the standard for which most labs must hold accreditation in order to be deemed technically competent.