What Do Cannabis Lab Tests Show?
Cannabis lab tests show that marijuana contains over 500 chemical compounds and has been found to contain more than 100 cannabinoids, including THC. Cannabinoids are a unique class of active chemicals that provide relief for patients suffering from cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain, and other ailments.
The amount of these compounds in cannabis can vary significantly depending on the strain used and how it is grown. Some strains may have higher concentrations of THC while others could be rich in CBDs or cannabidiols. Although there is some variation, you will find certain cannabinoids present in cannabis every time. In cannabis lab tests, you will find CBDs as well as THC present at all times.
Why Are Cannabis Lab Tests Being Done?
The cannabis industry is growing daily due to the legalization of cannabis in several states. As it does, states are requiring cannabis companies to test their products before they go on sale so that consumers know what they’re getting and how much cannabis has been used.
Additionally, cannabis lab tests will let everyone involved in this rapidly-growing business know if there was any contamination during the growth or processing part of production (e.g., pesticides). Once all testing requirements have gone into effect, anyone who wants to sell cannabis can do so with peace of mind knowing exactly what’s inside each batch.
What Components Are Being Tested During A Cannabis Lab Test?
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of different compounds from over 100 unique chemical families.
Both primary metabolites (THC, CBD), as well as secondary metabolites, are found in cannabis plants which can be broken down into two categories: acids or alcohols. These specific components add to the overall effect that a cannabis user experiences when consuming marijuana products including edibles and concentrates such as wax or shatter.
This is why it is important for medical cannabis patients to consult with their prescribing physician about cannabinoid ratios so they receive benefits related to each of these individual chemicals instead of just one component like THC alone. Cannabis testing labs will measure levels of cannabinoids present within cannabis plants.
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds unique to cannabis that act upon cell receptors throughout our bodies, which in turn affect physiological and mental processes including pain sensation, appetite, mood, and memory.
What Are Common Test Procedures In A Cannabis Lab Test?
It's important that you understand all aspects of cannabis testing before trying out any medical marijuana products that may contain psychoactive compounds like THC. There are several methods used by different laboratories to analyze cannabinoids. The following are usual examples of test procedures:
Sample Preparation
Sample preparation for cannabis testing is a process that involves the removal of contaminants from a sample. With cannabis, this may involve removing pesticides or heavy metals from flower samples.
Pesticide Testing
Cannabis pesticide testing is an important test where cannabis cultivators and cannabis manufacturers can protect consumers from harmful pesticides in their cannabis products.
Pesticide use has been a big topic in the cannabis industry because it’s possible for some of these chemicals to remain on cannabis after harvest or manufacturing, which may be unsafe for consumers if they do not have proper knowledge about the product before ingesting it.
Some people believe that all medical marijuana should be tested with a pesticide analysis, while others argue that only non-medical users need this type of cannabis lab test performed upon them.
Heavy Metal Detection
Heavy metals are dangerous to consume and cannabis plants can absorb them from the soil. These toxins increase during drought or after a flood since they become more soluble in water.
If not detected before delivery of cannabis products, heavy metal contamination could lead to poisoning for patients using cannabis as part of their treatment regimen. Knowing about heavy metals present in your cannabis is necessary so you can have safe medicine!
Cannabis Lab Tests Check For Solvents
The cannabis industry is developing rapidly, especially because of legalization. Because cannabis can be used for medicinal purposes, it has to meet strict regulations and standards in order to receive medical approval.
For example, cannabis lab tests check for solvents like butane or hexane that are commonly found in the extraction stage of production. The solvent compounds may not affect people who use them; however, they could cause adverse effects depending on how much you ingest during consumption (e.g., smoking).
For this reason, all cannabis products must pass through different stages of testing before being sold commercially as medication or legalized recreationally.
Cannabinoid Analysis
Cannabinoid analysis in cannabis lab tests helps to determine the cannabinoid profile for cannabis. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that exist naturally within cannabis plants or are produced synthetically and, if they do not already technically exist as cannabinoids (i.e., THC), can be created “artificially” with the goal of replicating their natural counterparts' effects on individuals who consume them.
As such, understanding how many different types of cannabinoids there are is important; thus far, scientists have identified 113 different ones! Additionally, it's worth knowing which specific properties various cannabinoids exhibit because this will help you understand why cannabis has certain effects on people relative to each individual's physiology—not all cannabinoids affect everyone equally.
Terpene Analysis
Terpene analysis is used to figure out cannabis lab test what the terpenes in cannabis are. Terpenes can be found in all plants, but they have been most extensively studied for their role in cannabis—for good reason!
Not only do these aromatic compounds create different effects and flavors among cannabis strains, but when carefully paired with cannabinoids such as THC or CBD, terpenes can help unlock whole new levels of therapeutic benefits.
Strain Analysis
The cannabis lab test for cannabis strength analyzes THC content. It can also be used to find out if there's any CBD or CBN in the product being tested - known as "total cannabinoid profile". The higher levels of cannabinoids found will provide a stronger effect on the body when consumed.
However, sometimes it may take more than just one high-THC strain to produce an effective treatment - this is why knowing what else might be present could help you choose between strains that have similar profiles.
Testing For Microorganisms and Mycotoxins
Microorganisms and mycotoxins can affect cannabis by causing illness or even death when ingested, so it's important to test cannabis products for these contaminants. Testing also ensures that cannabis is free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Cannabis lab testing is important for a variety of reasons. The goal of cannabis lab tests is to ensure that the products being sold are safe and appropriate for consumption, while also protecting businesses from liability related to adulteration or contamination. There are many different types of tests conducted on samples collected in order to understand more about what we’re actually consuming when we buy weed online.
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Dixon Wellness is on a mission to bring safe, affordable and compassionate access to cannabis to the people of Northern California and beyond. Our products have been lab-tested by independent, state-licensed laboratories so they can be free of any harmful contaminants while ensuring that we keep the cost down for our loyal customers. We are constantly working with credible brands, legacy farmers, and environmentally conscious producers in order to help sustain our community! Dixon’s first and only women-led cannabis resource, we are founded on the pillars of community, compassion, and education. Interested in our products? Check out our online menu or plan your visit today!