Potency Testing

Analytical 360 employs High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technology to directly quantify the total cannabinoid content of medical cannabis. Beginning with dry-weight determination, we analyze the percentage of water contained in each sample to ensure proper preparation during the curing process. Our quantification process then identifies and measures the amount of total Tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9THCA + ∆9THC + ∆8THC), Cannabinol (CBN), and Cannabidiol (CBDA + CBD). These key Cannabinoids give cannabis many medicinal properties.

 
Analytical 360 currently tests for the following:

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid (Δ9-THC-A, THCA), an acid with the carboxylic group (COOH) attached. In its acid form, THC is not very active. It is only when the carboxyl group is removed through decarboxylation that THC becomes psychoactive.
 

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, THC) is the primary psychoactive component of the plant. It appears to ease moderate pain (analgesic) and to be neuroprotective.  THC has been the most widely studied Cannabinoid, and its precise measurement is an integral part of medical cannabis potency testing.
 

Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) is an analogue of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary form of THC found in cannabis.

 

Cannabinol (CBN), a metabolite of THC, is a cannabinoid derived from the degradation of THC over time and, when properly measured, can help determine both the freshness of samples and their level of psycho-activity. CBN offers a mild sedative effect for patients with various degrees of insomnia.

 

Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC mimic the action of anandamide, a neurotransmitter produced naturally in the body. The THCs produce the high associated with cannabis by binding to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

 

 

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBD-A, CBDA), an acid with the carboxylic group (COOH) attached, is a precursor to Cannabidiol. It is only when the carboxyl group is removed through decarboxylation that CBDA converts to CBD.

 

Cannabidiol (CBD), an isomer of THC, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with sedative, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic qualities known to relieve convulsion, fight inflammation, assuage nausea, and may even inhibit the growth of some types of cancer cells.

 

Analytical 360 builds a comprehensive profile of these components for each tested sample complete with essential data for providers and patients alike.