There are various laboratory testing equipment choices for cannabinoid analysis in cannabis products. The relevant tester or analyzer might have a dilemma in choosing between HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) or LC/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry). There is a plethora of other testing equipment that is available. It is overwhelming to choose the right cannabis lab testing equipment.
Host of lab equipment
Setting up a cannabis testing laboratory includes several important decisions and the selection of instrument selection for complete cannabinoid analysis, also referred to as potency analysis. In the cannabis industry, potency analysis and mycotoxin analysis are vital. While testing cannabis, one will be confronted with a host of lab equipment, like:
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS)
- Plasma Mass Spectrometry for heavy metals
- Gas Chromatography for residual solvent analysis
The mandatory cannabis testing
Most states in the country have to abide by strict legal regulations for various types of cannabis analysis. Henceforth, making cannabis lab testing making a mandatory and vital element of the legal landscape indulging cannabis products. Existing and new lab owners need to find cannabis lab testing equipment that caters to the state and federal policies and regulations, keeping the expenses down and increasing profitability.
Factors for selecting lab testing equipment
One needs to consider several factors while choosing cannabis laboratory testing equipment.
The requirements of the laboratory
Different states seem to have distinct requirements when it concerns cannabis testing. Hence, it is necessary to select lab equipment accordingly so that it meets the legal requirements of the state the lab operates. The states with stricter regulations might demand extra equipment and/or models with advanced potential and better measurement accuracy.
Vendor support
It is beneficial to get lab equipment from vendors that offer equipment and technical knowledge and support whenever necessary and aid the laboratory function successfully. The support areas are maintenance, method development, training, servicing of the equipment, and developing quality-control plans.
Software compliance
It is also important to ensure that the lab testing equipment chosen offers all-embracing controls, features, and functionality that ensure data integrity in the cannabis lab setup. This helps to easily create a compliant data management ambience, whether the laboratory consists of a limited number of instruments or multiple instruments.
Budget
When choosing a specific cannabis lab testing equipment, the approximate expense of the instrument, samples to be analyzed, revenue per testing, break-even time after the equipment purchase, and the monthly expenditure must be considered. The cost and profitability are important factors to be given importance while choosing a lab testing instrument.
Conclusion
With the advancement in science and technology, improved and smart cannabis lab testing equipment is constantly being designed. Investing in the right lab testing equipment is critical. This is more so when the lab owner wants to enhance the productivity and profitability of the laboratory. Depending on the kind of cannabinoids and the accuracy required, selecting the right equipment and vendor partner can bring a difference in the lab operations.