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Essential Lab Equipment for a Cannabis Testing Laboratory
Mar
03
2022
The cannabis industry is rapidly growing due to the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana across the country. Any cannabis product from a licensed facility must undergo a series of tests before being placed on the market. These tests are performed by state-accredited labs to ensure they are safe for use.
There are stringent legal regulations that vary from state to state for testing the various types of cannabis. The key is in finding the equipment that will meet these requirements. There are various types of lab equipment used for testing cannabis.
The cannabis lab equipment includes the following:
- For potency, high performance liquid chromatography
- For heavy metals, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
- For pesticides, either liquid chromatography mass spectrometry or gas chromatography mass spectrometry
- For residual solvent tests, gas chromatography
Cannabis Lab Equipment
Analytical equipment is used to test for mycotoxins/aflatoxins, microbial & fungal growth, terpene profile, moisture, residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, potency, and cannabinoids.
Some of this equipment includes the following:
This determines the components and the concentration of each found in a sample of cannabis. The compounds leave colors behind and the separation of these colors indicates what compounds are present and the concentration of each.
There are two analytical chromatography methods that are most commonly used. These include the following:
Gas chromatography determines THC potency, terpenes, cannabinoid characterization, residual solvents.
High-performance liquid chromatography determines the levels of CBN, CDBA, CBD, THCA, and THC.
Mass spectrometry measures the chemical and molecule mass in a sample. It analyzes cannabinoids, terpenes, and pesticide residues.
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy determines the size of the magnetic field surrounding atomic nuclei. The sample in the magnetic field is attacked with radio waves. The changes in the frequency of the magnetic field is measured which determines the chemical compounds and structure of the molecules.
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction detects the genes to produce THCA or CBDA and also identifies fungus, bacteria, and microbes within the plant.
Benchtop and ultra centrifuges maximize the efficiency of testing cannabis. Centrifuges provide a quick and accurate method for separating samples.
Moisture analyzers are used to measure the content of THC in water.
A hot plate magnetic stirrer is a hot plate with an added bonus, it has a magnetic inside of it. The magnet can be rotated at varying speeds which will create a magnetic field around the hot plate. Paired with a magnetic stir bar, your solution can be heated and mixed at the same time.
A magnetic stirrer is an essential piece of equipment for most laboratories. Certain procedures require a solution to be agitated in order for it to be effectively dissolved. This can be for
- Ensuring a homogenous mixing of sample prior to analysis
- Combining a variety of chemicals into a solution
- Getting solid materials to dissolve in a liquid solution
- Meeting a variable rotating speed required in a preparatory method
The main purpose of the equipment in a cannabis lab is to extract the natural compounds from the plant and test for contaminants and potency.
Just remember that different states have different requirements regarding cannabis testing. The equipment you choose needs to provide results that fall within the legal requirements of the state you are operating in.
Where Can You Buy Cannabis Lab Equipment?
Lab Pro offers a large variety of chemicals and laboratory supplies. For over 40 years, Lab Pro Inc. has been committed to delivering the highest quality cannabis lab equipment, microscopes, chemicals, tweezers, hard-wire cutters, lab supplies, and cleanroom PPE apparel to medical device and electronic manufacturing companies and laboratories worldwide. To learn more, visit the biggest Lab Supply showroom in California, or contact us online at 888-452-2776.
