Archive · 2020-09-15

As with all things that quickly rise to popularity, the risk of knockoff cannabis providers has also quickly risen. To ensure you are getting the highest quality cannabis and CBD, it is essential to ensure you purchase from trusted sources. These sources should provide you with a third-party cannabinoid profile testing certificate of analysis and cannabinoid testing methods. If your provider cannot easily show you the testing equipment and measures used to verify the purity of your cannabis such as reports from the CBD testing facility, it is time to find a new provider!  Any reputable business would be more than happy to provide you with their testing processes, cannabis testing equipment and results from a cannabis or CBD testing facility. However, it would all be for naught if you were unaware of what to look for on these results. We have provided a generic list of the major cannabinoids that could show up on cannabinoid profile testing to help you make educated decisions.

The Top Cannabinoids to Notice

You don’t want to fall victim to cannabis and CBD companies that don’t care about their consumers. You may come across companies that avoid testing their product or hide the results to improve their bottom line by sourcing substandard cannabis or hemp. Other companies can easily exaggerate their cannabinoid profiles in the hopes of an increase in sales. Know what to look for in cannabinoid profile testing to protect yourself. The most commonly found cannabinoids include:
  1. Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA) is the compound that makes up the majority of raw cannabis. THCA converts to THC when burned, vaporized or heated at a certain temperature. THCA contributes to cannabis’ anti-inflammatory effects and acts as an antiproliferative and antispasmodic.
  2. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most abundant cannabinoid present in marijuana and is responsible for cannabis’ most well-known psychoactive effects. This compound has been shown to work as a mild analgesic, or painkiller, and it has antioxidant properties.
  3. Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA), similar to THCA, is the main compound in cannabis with elevated CBD levels. CBDA contributes to cannabis’ anti-inflammatory effects.
  4. Cannabidiol (CBD) has tremendous medical potential. When the correct ratio of CBD and THC is identified, it can be used for specific conditions.
  5. Cannabinol (CBN) is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is produced from the degradation of THC. CBN is only found in trace amounts in the fresh plants. The degradation of THC into CBN is often described as creating a sedative effect.
While there are many more cannabinoids that can be tested for (some cannabinoid testing methods and cannabis testing equipment advertise the ability to for 15+ cannabinoids), this list will give you a better understanding of what to look for in profile results. If these five components are not top of the list, consider if the manufacturer and product is right for you.

How Cannabinoid Testing Helps Businesses and Consumers

Hiring a third-party cannabis or CBD lab to test your product is essential in today’s growing cannabis market. As the cannabis and CBD space continues to operate without federal regulations, this leaves open space for unsatisfactory and potentially unsafe products to leak into the market. If a company is willing to hire a third-party CBD testing facility or cannabis lab, that is a good indication of a quality company and product. Most states legally require cannabis products to be third-party tested, but CBD is a little greyer in regulations. If a company is not willing to have their product verified by a third-party CBD testing facility, that is a red flag and probably not the best choice. The industry generally recommends reviewing a certificate of analysis before trying a product, and if you cannot find the cannabinoid profile testing from a CBD testing facility, to move on to a company that is proudly sharing their results with the world. The last thing customers want to deal with is a questionable product from a questionable company. 

Questions About Cannabis Testing Labs and Methods?

CBD and cannabis testing labs and methods is a big topic, and we have just barely scratched the surface. The best way to get all questions answered is to speak to a trusted and verified cannabis or CBD testing facility. Luckily, we have just the place for you to find one: CannaCon!  We are gearing up for a ton of awesome shows throughout the USA this year and next, and we would love for you to join us! Our shows typically feature a handful of cannabinoid testing labs that exhibit and host seminars, and they are always willing to answer questions. The labs will be available to provide demos on their cannabis testing equipment and describe their individualized cannabis testing methods. Join us at CannaCon South in OKC last this month, Sept 28-29. Get your OKC tickets today!