The Importance of Lab Testing for Medicinal Cannabis Products

Over recent years, the medical cannabis market in the UK has been expanding at a rapid rate, providing the healthcare industry and patients with an abundance of products to choose from. A question that is often asked is - how can manufacturers and the healthcare industry determine the safety and quality of these products?

This is where laboratory analysis of medical cannabis comes in. Testing is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of cannabis products by detecting harmful contaminants, as well as determine the potency and composition of the product's chemical compounds.

Both medicinal users and the medical industry rely on this information to make informed decisions about the products they consume and prescribe. Additionally, testing can help regulate the cannabis industry and promote transparency and accountability among producers and retailers.

Why is cannabis used for medicinal purposes?

Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for millennia with its first documented use occurring in 2800 BC. However, it wasn't until recently that scientists began to understand the specific compounds in the plant that is responsible for its medical properties. Two of the well-studied compounds in cannabis are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC is the compound in cannabis that is responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects, and produces the ‘high’ sensation, CBD has a similar structure to THC, however, it has been shown to have a wide range of potential healing benefits without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.

Both CBD and THC have the same molecular formula: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. However, slight differences in how the atoms are arranged account for the differing effects on the brain and body. Both CBD and THC are chemically similar to your body’s own endocannabinoids. This allows them to interact with your cannabinoid receptors. The interaction affects the release of neurotransmitters in your brain, which are chemicals responsible for relaying messages between cells and have roles in pain, immune function, stress, and sleep, to name a few. THC is currently being used to help conditions such as pain, muscle spasticity, glaucoma, insomnia, low appetite, nausea and anxiety

THC and CBD  are just two of the many chemicals found in cannabis, and it is important to understand how they interact with other compounds from the plant. This is where laboratory analysis comes to the forefront. By analysing the chemical makeup of cannabis-derived samples, scientists can determine the exact concentrations of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoid compounds, as well as any contaminants or impurities that may be present.

The analysis of cannabis for use in the healthcare industry

Analysing cannabis for the healthcare industry involves studying the chemical compounds in cannabis and their potential effects on various medical conditions. This includes researching the potential benefits and risks of using cannabis as a treatment option, as well as developing standardised testing methods to ensure product quality and consistency. It also involves working within legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and responsible use of cannabis for medical purposes.

One of the most important applications of laboratory analysis in the field of medicinal cannabis is in the development of standardised products. When manufacturers know the exact composition of their product, they can ensure that they are providing consistent, effective medicine to their patients. This is particularly important for patients who are using cannabis to treat serious conditions such as nausea due to chemotherapy, neuropathic pain, epilepsy or multiple sclerosis and need to ensure that they are getting the same medical dosage every time.

Identifying new uses of cannabis using laboratory analysis

Laboratory analysis can be used to identify new potential uses of cannabis, as it allows for the identification and quantification of various cannabinoids and other chemical components in the plant. This information can then be used to explore potential therapeutic applications of cannabis, as well as to develop new strains with specific chemical profiles.

By studying the chemical makeup and interactions of different strains of the plant, scientists may discover new compounds that have medicinal properties. This can lead to the development of new treatments for a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain to mental health disorders.

It's important to note that cannabis is still illegal for recreational use in the UK. However, medical cannabis is legal in certain circumstances.

What does the future hold for medicinal cannabis in the UK?

While laboratory analysis is an important tool in the study of medicinal cannabis, it's only one piece of the puzzle. Further research is required to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using cannabis for medicinal purposes.

The future of medicinal cannabis in the UK is still uncertain, as the laws surrounding its use and prescription are currently restricted. However, there have been some developments in recent years, including the legalisation of medicinal cannabis in 2018 and the opening of several cannabis clinics. It remains to be seen how the industry will develop in the future, but there is growing support for wider access to medicinal cannabis for those who need it.

Why is it important to test for terpenes in cannabis products?

Further to cannabinoid analysis, terpenes are also an important test for cannabis products as they potentially have a wide range of medicinal properties.  

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in the essential oils of many plants, including cannabis, and are responsible for the plant's distinct aroma of different cannabis strains. Terpene analysis involves identifying and quantifying the different terpenes in a cannabis sample.

By analysing the terpene profile of a cannabis sample, SOCOTEC UK's team of specialists are working with manufacturers and dispensaries to provide patients with the most effective medicine for their specific needs.

Testing for contaminants in cannabis

There are various contaminants that can be present in cannabis which could be harmful to patients. Some common tests for these contaminants include analysis for heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants. This is especially important for manufacturers of cannabis products to ensure the production of a safe and pure product for their patients in the treatment of serious conditions.

To determine the safety of their products, manufacturers should have their cannabis tested by third-party laboratories and have a certificate of analysis available to provide accurate information on the composition.

How can SOCOTEC UK's experts support your industry with cannabis analysis?

As more countries legalise medical cannabis and an increased number of people turn to it for relief, laboratory analysis will play a crucial role in ensuring that patients have access to safe, effective medicines. SOCOTEC UK's experts are at the forefront of this field, providing state-of-the-art testing and analysis services to support manufacturers, dispensaries and the wider healthcare industry.

Want to find out more?

Get in touch with our specialists to find out more on laboratory analysis of cannabis for a safer and more sustainable market.