Testing Temp

The Leading provider of Cannabis and Hemp Testing Solutions

Cannabis and Hemp compliance testing can be a daunting task. From laboratory design, procurement of equipment/supplies, method development and validation of testing workflows including, Potency, Pesticides, Solvents, Terpenes, Metals, Mycotoxins and Microbials to implementation of regulatory reporting structures.

STS Specialty Testing Solutions is a leading provider of turnkey customized laboratory testing programs that allow you to have your own lab testing equipment while taking advantage of our expert technical knowledge and support.

Potency

Potency is the testing of the cannabinoid content in Hemp and Hemp-related products. The cannabinoid called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main ingredient in marijuana responsible for its psychoactive, or mood-altering abilities. In combination with other cannabinoids, the amount of THC in marijuana determines the strength of the effect of the drug. Hemp Lab Division measures 10 cannabinoids using both High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry LC-MS/MS technologies.

HEMP LAB DIVISION PROVIDES TESTING FOR THE FOLLOWING:

Terpene Testing

Hemp Lab Division uses headspace analysis with Gas Chromatography (GC) to perform quantitative terpenoid profiling. Terpenes help provide the unique qualities of the plants working in collaboration with cannabinoids to create distinctive aromas, flavors and variant profiles of the Hemp plants. Terpenes have been shown to have therapeutic uses for treatment of different medical conditions ranging from cancer and inflammation to anxiety and sleeplessness. Terpenes are small molecules synthesized by some plants. Hemp contains more than 100 different terpenes and terpenoids.

Microbials/ Water Activity/ Moisture Content

Microbial testing is an important test for Hemp because without it there may be a potential safety hazard. Some of the procedures involved in the microbial testing of Hemp include statistical sampling, relevant microorganism testing, and sound assay design and validation. Water activity and Moisture Content in any Hemp sample is instrumental to its microbial content. Therefore, the curing process must be both sufficient and thorough. Moisture content is directly related to the curing process of the product. Moisture Content is measured as a percentage of moisture per gram and reported out as “pass” or “fail.” Water Activity or aw is the partial vapor pressure of water in a substance divided by the standard state partial vapor pressure of water. Water activity levels in a Hemp product is a way to test how susceptible the product is to microbial contamination. The higher the measured value of water activity is in a product, the more freely water can be used by microbes as a food source or to support chemical and enzymatic reactions leading to product damage. This information tells you how likely the product is to have micro-organism growth.

A qualitative test is preformed using PCR, Ultra-Rapid Pathogen
Dx technology to test growth for the following microbials:

Mycotoxins

It is possible that Hemp products may be contaminated by naturally occurring mycotoxins during cultivation, storage, or processing. Aflatoxin and ochratoxin are natural byproducts of several mold species and can present serious health risks to humans and animals. This includes liver toxicity and immune suppression. They are carcinogenic in nature. At Hemp Lab Division we want to ensure quality testing for the safety of the consumer.

Hemp Lab Division does testing
for the following residual solvents:

Residual Solvent Testing

Hemp extraction is the process of collecting the desirable compounds from the plant while at the same time leaving behind undesirable/unusable materials. Concentrated Hemp extracts are an alternative commonly used for those who prefer not to smoke marijuana. Residual solvents are the byproducts of extraction processes. Even extractions that do not use solvents and use CO2 or water can result in residual solvents remaining in the final product. These remaining solvents can be toxic, which is why residual solvent analysis is a vital part of Hemp testing. Hemp Lab Division uses headspace analysis with Gas Chromatography (GC) to test for residual solvents.

Pesticides

Chemical pesticides have been identified as a threat to consumer health, with potential risks that can vary depending on whether products are eaten, smoked, vaped, or topically applied. At Hemp Lab Division we used a combination of Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry LC-MS/MS technologies, and Gas Chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer so that we can ensure the lowest detection limits required by regulations.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals can be absorbed from the water, soil and air in a Hemp plant. This could potentially cause a range of health problems, including cancer and heart disease. This contamination can not only come from agricultural practices and natural sources, it can come from Hemp processes as well. While all products contain some level of detection, Hemp Lab Division wants to ensure your products are within the regulatory ranges that are safe for consumption. We detect heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Hemp Lab Division tests for the following Heavy Metals: