How to Test Cannabis Potency in a Few Steps

Cannabis is the most widely used federally banned drug, with about 17.9% of the population having used it in the past year. The number of users keeps growing every year.

To maintain quality, understanding the concentration of active compounds in cannabis has become crucial for cultivators and retailers. The potency of a product dictates its price.

Potency data is also useful for doctors who prescribe cannabis to their patients, as well as recreational users who want to regulate the strength of their doses.

Wondering how you can test cannabis potency yourself? Read on to learn more.

Methods of Cannabis Potency Testing

Gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are the two most commonly used techniques used for cannabis potency testing. CBD, THC, and their acid forms are quantified by derivatization in GC. Derivatization involves chemically modifying a compound to products elements that are more suitable for analysis.

HPLC, on the other hand, can measure CBD, THC, CBDA, and THCA without derivatization. The cannabis used in HPLC is not heated making it a more effective method for testing cannabis potency.

Equipment Used to Test Cannabis Potency

Sourcing and locating the right cannabis potency testing equipment is critical to ensure accurate results. With technological advancement, newly improved hemp testing equipment is constantly being developed.

GemmaCert, for example, is a plastic portable device with a collection of sensors that detects chemicals in a cannabis sample. It tests for CBD, THCa, CBDa, CBN, and THC cannabinoids. This includes more than 18 terpenes, in the flower.

For accurate composition and potency results, GemmaCert combines top-of-the-line technologies with motion mechanics. These include high-tech image analysis, near-infrared spectroscopy, and machine learning.

Steps for Testing Cannabis Potency

Ensure your GemmaCert device is connected to a power supply and paired to your smartphone. It’s recommended to do the testing at room temperature.

Step 1: Enter Information of the Sample

On the GemmaCert app, enter information about the sample you are about to analyze. This includes variety, strain, harvest date, etc. Then press “Calibrate” and wait for a few minutes until the P-button on top of the device turns blue.

Step 2: Place Your Cannabis Sample

Insert your test hemp sample in the sample holder and drive it into the device.

Step 3: Calibrate

Press “Calibrate” once more to start the analysis. This may take up to 5 minutes.

Step 4: Get Your Cannabis Potency Results

When complete, the app will display the analysis report for you to keep, and the P-button will turn to steady blue.

Get Accurate Cannabis Potency Results on the Spot

It’s crucial you test cannabis potency to fulfill state standards or certify that your cannabis is safe for human consumption. It reduces the risk for farmers and consumers while ensuring quality product delivery. In the end, it is the consumer’s best interests that are most important.

Browse our Health category to find more informative cannabis content. 

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