The potency of cannabis has increased ten to twenty times since 1960, which is interesting since there has been a debate about it lately. It is what the United States Federal Government is saying, and there is no question about it, as when we check for the potency of cannabis plants, it is clear that it is more potent.
https://farmkingseeds.co/cannabis-legalization-in-canada-guide/There are, however, different types of cannabis that have more than 100 cannabinoids, such as Cannabis Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis, and how THC is legal in every state. Congress bought an agriculture revolution in 2018 by passing the Farm Bill, which legalized hemp, but there were some limitations- THC content and CBD products were restricted. These regulations differ in countries and provinces, so potency testing and cannabinoid profiling are mandatory.
But if you want to judge the potency of your homegrown marijuana, you can do it as the THC, CBD, and CBN levels rise- some strains may offer a 30% THC value of higher up to 100%, and some may contain CBD 40% and THC less than 2%. Let us see the details.
How do you determine the Potency of Cannabis?
Before we begin, do you know what is the potency of cannabis? The potency of cannabis refers to the concentration of cannabinoids, particularly THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the main psychoactive compound that makes you high. It varies depending on factors, like environment, genetics, and growing techniques. However, accurate potency determination involves scientific analysis to measure both THC and THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid).
THCA is the substance molecule to THC- it converts to THC when exposed to heat, like during smoking or vaping. Since THCA isn’t psychoactive, the total THC potency considers both the active THC and the inactive THCA that can potentially become THC.
The conversion from THCA to THC is factored into the potency calculation using a specific conversion factor of 0.877. This conversion accounts for the weight of carbon dioxide (CO2) lost during the decarboxylation process (THCA converting to THC).
This is the Equation to test THC level in the Cannabis Plants:
Total % of THC= % THC + ( % THCA x 0.877).
Understanding Cannabinoids Types
Cannabis plants produce a complex array of chemical compounds, including over 100 identified cannabinoids. These cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, producing various effects. Here are some of the major cannabinoids found in cannabis that are typically included in potency testing:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): The most well-known cannabinoid, THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, such as intoxication and euphoria.
- Cannabidiol (CBD): Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and offers a variety of potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Cannabigerol (CBG): The precursor molecule to other cannabinoids, CBG has shown promise in early research for its potential to treat glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions.
- Cannabichromene (CBC): CBC works synergistically with other cannabinoids, potentially influencing their effects. Research suggests it may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cannabinol (CBN): Formed from the degradation of THC, CBN has mild psychoactive effects and may induce sleep and relaxation.
There are many cannabinoids found in cannabis. As research continues, we may discover more about the potential benefits of these unique compounds.
Why is it necessary to test the Potency of Cannabis?
Users growing cannabis for recreational purposes are super happy whenever introduced with new strains, but holistic users are always keen to know what they are going to ingest. Now, even recreational users are becoming aware of it and trying to know the concentration in the cannabis bud. Here are some reasons why cannabis potency testing is imperative:
- Consumer safety and informed use: If you know the exact amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound) and other cannabinoids (like CBD) allow consumers to adjust their dosage for a desired effect. It is essential for medical marijuana users who may be using cannabis to treat specific conditions. Inaccurate labeling can lead to unintended consequences, from stronger-than-expected psychoactive effects to under-dosing for medical purposes.
- Standardization and quality control: Potency testing helps ensure a consistent product from batch to batch. It is significant for both producers and consumers. Producers can ensure their crops meet quality standards, and consumers can be confident about the desired product.
- Public health: Testing can help identify contaminants or harmful substances that may be present in cannabis products. It can help protect public health and prevent illness. It is why the FDA approves hemp grown and sourced from the USA and nearby regions.
- Fair pricing: THC content is a key factor in determining the price of cannabis. Accurate potency testing ensures that consumers are paying a fair price for the product they are getting.
- To maximize THC levels: THC testing by growers is mainly done for testing THC quantity and introducing new growing methods to maximize the potency of the yields.
The Lows of Cannabis Potency Testing
As per the National Library of Medicine, cannabis potency testing offers valuable information, but it’s not without its limitations, like:
- Most home testing kits are unreliable, offering only a rough estimate of THC content at best.
- Testing often emphasizes THC levels, neglecting the potential therapeutic benefits of other cannabinoids and terpenes present in cannabis.
- For both producers and consumers, lab testing can be expensive, potentially impacting product affordability.
What type of Marijuana you can test?
There isn’t a specific type of marijuana/ hemp/ weed you can test for necessarily. Tests help you analyze the cannabinoid content, like THC and CBD, which can be present in various marijuana strains.
There are many strains, each with a unique chemical makeup. The test detects cannabinoids, the chemical compounds within marijuana that produce its effects. THC and CBD are the two most commonly tested cannabinoids.
So, regardless of the cannabis strain, a test can determine the levels of THC, CBD, CBN, and potentially other cannabinoids present.
What is the science behind the CBD potency test?
Cannabis potency testing relies on special techniques to identify and quantify the levels of cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, present in the plant material or product. Here’s a breakdown:
The Science of Cannabinoids
- Cannabinoids and their detection: Cannabis plants contain a variety of cannabinoids, with THC being the most well-known for its psychoactive effects. CBD, on the other hand, has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits. Potency testing focuses on measuring the concentration of these specific cannabinoids.
- Separation and identification: Analytical instruments like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography (GC) play a crucial role. These techniques separate the various compounds in the cannabis sample. Each cannabinoid has unique chemical properties that allow the instrument to identify and measure its amount.
Here is a brief method to test THC concentration in the cannabis plant
1. Sample Preparation and Extraction
A small, representative sample of the cannabis plant material or product is finely ground. Solvents like ethanol or butane are used to extract the cannabinoids from the plant matter.
2. Chromatography
The chosen technique (HPLC or GC) separates the extracted cannabinoids based on their specific characteristics.
3. HPLC
HPLC is a trusted method to know the potency of cannabis. An approved method by the United Nations Office on Drugs. It involves moving the sample through a column packed with a specific stationary phase using a liquid solvent.
Cannabinoids interact differently with this phase, causing them to separate and emerge at distinct times. It helps differentiate between CBD and its acidic precursor CBDA by providing a more broad picture. Additionally, HPLC often doesn’t require heating the sample, preserving the natural cannabinoid profile.
Once sample is ready, HPLC detectors use ultraviolet (UV) light absorption or mass spectrometry (MS) to identify and measure cannabinoids.
4. GC
In this method sample is heated to vaporize the cannabinoids. These vapors travel through a column containing an inert material. Similar to HPLC, each cannabinoid interacts slightly differently with the column, leading to separation.
Faster and potentially less expensive than HPLC. However, it may not distinguish between CBD and CBDA, and heating the sample during analysis can alter the cannabinoid profile.
Once separated, GC detector identifies and quantifies the amount of each cannabinoid present by employing various methods like flame ionization detection (FID).
Home testing kits: How to test THC potency in cannabis at home?
Home testing kits are a great alternative for home growers. However, they aren’t as accurate as lab tests but at least they give you an outline of what is present in your cannabis. There’s a growing market for home THC testing kits in Canada, so it’s important to understand their limitations before you invest. Here they are:
1. Color Chart Testing Kits
These kits often involve dipping a swab or dissolving a small amount of cannabis in a solvent, and then comparing the resulting color to a chart. Just take a sample and place it in the container with test fluid. Shake and wait for a few minutes. Compare it with the potency chart provided with the kit. They are generally inaccurate and only indicate THC presence above a certain level, usually up to 20% THC.
They are more of a yes/no indicator than a precise measurement. Be ready to spend at least 30 $.
2. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) Test Kits
TLC is a more scientific approach and will cost you about 150 $ for 25- 30 sample detection but requires following specific instructions and interpreting the results based on band patterns. Take 0.1 gram of flower into a pipette filled with test fluid. Next, a spray plate to reveal the results.
These kits can be complex to use for beginners and require some understanding of chemistry. Accuracy can be subjective depending on user interpretation.
3. Testing Gadgets
Some companies market electronic devices that claim to measure THC content. These devices are hassle-free but dig holes in your pocket as they will charge you approx 800$. So, it is the best investment for breeders, growers, and those who are regular cultivators of cannabis. These gadgets link with Bluetooth and you have to select the strain type after placing the sample flower on the device. Wait for 5 minutes and the device will tell you the reading of THC, CBD CBN, etc.
These gadgets are generally unreliable and lack scientific backing for their accuracy. Avoid relying on them for any meaningful results.
4. THC Lab Test
This is the most accurate method involving sending a cannabis sample to a licensed laboratory for analysis. Lab tests are the most expensive option and may not be available in all locations. Not only do you get terpene profiles, but these test also tells you about heavy metals or contaminants present in the sample.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Feature | Color Chart | TLC | Gadgets | Lab Test |
| Accuracy | Low | Medium | Low | High |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Moderate | Easy | Not Applicable |
| Cost | Low | Moderate | High | High |
| Availability | May be limited | Moderate | Limited | Varies |
What are the factors to consider while cannabis potency testing?
When it comes to cannabis potency testing, several crucial factors can significantly impact the accuracy of the results. They are:
- Storage Temperature: Cannabis is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Improper storage can degrade cannabinoids (like THC and CBD), leading to inaccurate potency readings. Ideally, cannabis samples should be stored in a cool, dark place with temperatures between 4°C (39°F) and 15°C (59°F). Freezing is also helpful for long-term storage.
- Homogenization: Cannabis flower or product can have variations in cannabinoid concentration throughout the sample. Homogenization ensures a representative portion is analyzed. Grinding or milling the cannabis into a fine powder creates a more uniform sample for testing.
- Extraction: Cannabinoids need to be separated from the plant material for accurate measurement. The extraction method significantly impacts the final results.
Solvent-based extraction (using solvents like ethanol or butane) is a common method. Alternative methods include supercritical fluid extraction (CO2) and ultrasonic extraction.
How can I Increase the Potency of the Cannabis Plant?
Cannabis is used for both medical and recreational purposes. It is why strains mention THC and CBD content on the product as many users want minimal THC product. But the truth is about 90% of consumers’ most demanded cannabinoids are THC. There are so many cannabis strains like OG Kush, Gorilla Glue, White Widow, Purple Kush, etc are few strains that have high THC, either you can buy them or increase the potency of cannabis with a few aspects:
Like picking strains with 30% or more THC, and checking overall plant health by monitoring humidity, temperature, type of light, nutrition, pH balance, and water balance. These are to be observed until the plant matures but your work hasn’t yet finished!
Always pick mature flowers when the trichomes have achieved the right color and aroma. It’s time to harvest because it has peak THC levels at this time. Once done, store it in a dry, cool, and air-tight container. Now you know what to do!
How To Test the THC and CBD Content of Your Cannabis: Is it Worth Testing?
Generally, growers want to know what’s the potency of cannabis and if is it fairly priced, but medical users are keen on specific cannabinoid levels for desired effects.
Testing the THC and CBD content of cannabis isn’t possible for most people at home. Accurate testing requires sophisticated equipment and techniques used in laboratories. So, it is always better to rely on certified labs or products acquired from reliable websites that provide lab testing certificates on their websites.
It is why you will notice that genuine sellers describe the potency of THC and CBD of each strain so that consumers have no doubts about purchasing and growing.
In Conclusion
Cannabis potency testing is a valuable tool, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. For a well-rounded understanding, consider factors like strain reputation, terpene profiles, and individual experience alongside test results. If you prioritize precise THC levels, a certified lab test is the most reliable option. However, for casual users, information from reputable dispensaries or strain research can be sufficient.
