LII:Past, Present, and Future of Cannabis Laboratory Testing and Regulation in the United States/Cannabis testing instruments, software, and equipment

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In the previous chapter, we discussed at length the specifics of the cannabis testing process. We talked about what's measured and how. This fourth chapter takes a closer look at the "with what" of testing. After a brief introduction, we then provide a list of vendors who specifically market instruments, software, and other equipment to cannabis testing laboratories.


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4. Cannabis testing instruments, software, and equipment

Lab equipment 7.JPG

A variety of techniques are used to investigate the constituents of cannabis and their concentrations. From gas chromatography to make determinations about terpenes in a sample to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques to identify mycotoxins and microorganisms, these differing techniques require a wide variety of laboratory tools. The most common among cannabis testing instruments are chromatography and spectroscopy equipment, often combined together for a more complete analysis. However, this equipment can be expensive, sometimes prohibitively expensive. Initial investments may range anywhere from $75,000 up to $600,000 or more, depending on what sort of testing is being performed in the lab.[1][2][3] As such, newly founded labs or labs looking to expand their analytic offerings to cannabis testing may also consider the purchase of previously owned equipment to save on initial start-up costs.

What follows is a list of vendors known to offer new and/or used instruments, software, and equipment commonly used in cannabis testing laboratories, with links to either the instruments marketed for cannabis testing or a landing page to begin a search. This is by no means a complete list but a representative example of the vendors marketing to the cannabis testing industry.

4.1 Vendors: 0 through F

4.1.1 AB Sciex Pte. Ltd.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://sciex.com/applications/food-and-beverage-testing/cannabis-testing

Commonly known as Sciex, AB Sciex Pte. Ltd. develops "solutions in mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis."[4] The company markets some of its solutions for cannabis lab testing, including[5]:

  • potency testing
  • mycotoxin testing
  • pesticide testing
  • terpene testing

Instruments and methods

Triple Quad systems

Sciex offers five different Triple Quad systems for tandem mass spectrometry paired with liquid chromatography (LC-MS/MS): the 7500, 6500+, 5500+, 4500, and 3500. The company claims that with these systems "scientists can acquire multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), precursor, neutral loss, and product ion scans to develop powerful methods for complex matrices, all while maintaining reproducibility and robustness."[6]

QTRAP systems

Sciex also offers four different Triple Quad Linear Ion Trap (QTRAP) or QTRAP-ready systems for LC-MS/MS: the 7500, 6500+, 5500+, and 4500. The company states that these are similar to the Triple Quad systems "but with enhanced scan functions to enable simultaneous quantitation and confirmation."[7]

vMethod for Cannabis

Sciex also offers a "vMethod," a quantitation method for pesticide and cannabinoid analysis, that works on many of their LC-MS/MS systems.[8]


4.1.2 Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.agilent.com/en/solutions/cannabis-hemp-testing

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is an instrument and software development company for the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical industries. The company offers a variety of chromatography and spectrometry instruments (using a wide array of techniques) and software for the cannabis testing industry, including[9]:

  • potency and efficacy testing
  • heavy metals testing
  • microbial testing
  • mycotoxin testing
  • pesticide testing
  • residual solvents testing
  • terpene testing

Instruments and methods

The company suggests instrument options based on what type of testing will occur.[9]

Potency and efficacy testing

Heavy metals testing

  • 7800 ICP-MS: an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrument

( 7850 ICP-MS: an ICP-MS instrument with higher matrix tolerance, wider dynamic range, and better signal-to-noise ratio

  • 7900 ICP-MS: an ICP-MS instrument with even more matrix tolerance, wider dynamic range, and better signal-to-noise ratio
  • 8900 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS: an inductively coupled plasma normal and tandem mass spectroscopy instrument with triple quadrupole

Pesticide and mycotoxin testing

Residual solvents testing

Terpene testing

Software

  • ICP Expert Software for ICP-OES: inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) software for data analysis
  • MassHunter: mass spectrometry software for instrument control, monitoring, and data analysis
  • MicroLab: fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy software for quantitative method development, calibrations, and data analysis


4.1.3 Alpha-CAT Lab s.r.o.

Main landing page for cannabis production: https://www.alpha-cat.org/resources/how-it-works/

alpha-CAT Lab s.r.o. is a cannabis testing and equipment manufacturing business based in Prague, Czech Republic. The company not only runs cannabis testing laboratories in Europe but also develops the alpha-CAT cannabinoid analysis tool "which combines the simple analytical technique of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with specific thin-layers and developing fluid."[10] Consult the website for more information.


4.1.4 BÜCHI Labortechnik AG

Main landing page for cannabis production: https://www.buchi.com/en/knowledge/applications (search for "Cannabis")

BÜCHI Labortechnik AG is laboratory technology development company for research and development, quality control, and production operations globally. The company offers a variety of instruments and equipment for cannabis production workflow, including[11]:

  • post-chromatography and post-extraction solvent concentration
  • preparative chromatography for purification of cannabinoids
  • microencapsulation of CBD into gelatin beads/soft oil core capsules
  • formulation of CBD into an inhalable/edible dry powder

See the Theory & Applications booklet (archived) for more details on how to integrate the equipment for each activity.

Instruments and methods

The company suggests instrument options based on what type of production activity will occur.[11]

Post-chromatography and post-extraction solvent concentration

Preparative chromatography for purification of cannabinoids

Microencapsulation of CBD into gelatin beads/soft oil core capsules

Formulation of CBD into an inhalable/edible dry powder


4.1.5 CEM Corporation

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://cem.com/en/cannabis

CEM Corporation is laboratory instrumentation and method design and development company, with a focus on compositional analysis of food and other samples, as well acid digestion and chemical synthesis. CEM specifically offers two different instruments for cannabis testing and analysis labs, including instruments for the[12]:

  • extraction for potency, pesticide, terpene, and mycotoxin testing
  • microwave digestion of oils, edibles, and plant material (before, e.g., inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy)

Instruments and methods

  • EDGE: an automated instrument for energized dispersive extraction and dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE)
  • MARS 6: a microwave digestion system with hundreds of preprogrammed methods


4.1.6 Conquer Scientific Service, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://conquerscientific.com/cannabis-testing/

Conquer Scientific Service, Inc. is a distributor of gently used laboratory testing equipment, including for the cannabis testing industry. Such instruments include a wide variety of chromatography and spectrometry devices, along with other essential supporting laboratory equipment like moisture analyzers. Conquer also offers repair services, including a same-day replacement program for Southern California customers.


4.1.7 Emerald Scientific, LLC

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://emeraldscientific.com/

Emerald Scientific, LLC calls their business "the first company 100% dedicated to distributing scientific supplies and equipment exclusively to the cannabis and hemp industries."[13] The company lists a wide variety of instruments, equipment, and consumables for cannabis testing, production, and extraction laboratories. Emerald acts as a distributor of other products, and thus the inventory may change. Examples of inventory include:

  • sample preparation supplies
  • solvents
  • mass spectrometry columns
  • heating mantles
  • chillers and circulators
  • vacuum pumps and tubing
  • reference standards
  • culture media
  • safety equipment

Consult the Emerald website to see all they offer.


4.1.8 Fritsch GmbH

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.fritsch-international.com/sample-preparation/applications-solutions/ (select "Cannabis" from Industry option)

Fritsch GmbH manufactures sample preparation and particle sizing equipment for laboratories. The company lists one instrument specifically for the cannabis industry.

Instruments and methods

  • Universal Cutting Mill PULVERISETTE 19: a cutting mill "to finely mill cannabis plant material in preparation for SFE processes," noting that "[t]he efficient and precise reduction in particle size optimizes oil output and formulation."[14]


4.2 Vendors: G through P

4.2.1 GemmaCert Ltd.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://gemmacert.com/

GemmaCert Ltd. is a cannabis testing technology company that markets the GemmaCert analysis tool and accessories.

Instruments and methods

  • GemmaCert: a portable near-infrared spectroscopy instrument designed to analyze total THC and total CBD levels, without destroying the inserted specimen[15]; see the specifications sheet for more information.


4.2.2 GenTech Scientific, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://gentechscientific.com/cannabis/

GenTech Scientific, Inc. is a distributor of refurbished laboratory analytical instruments. The company states they "offer instruments functioning at the manufacturer's original performance specifications" and that are warrantied and supported.[16] Top instruments include chromatography and spectrometry equipment, and GenTech also offers new consumable kits. Inventory changes regularly, so visit their website often for the latest.


4.2.3 GMI OpCo, LLC

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.gmi-inc.com/programs/cannabis-laboratory-instruments-services/

GMI OpCo, LLC (doing business as GMI) is a distributor of new and certified-refurbished instrumentation for a wide variety of labs, including cannabis testing labs. The company also supplies installation, training, and support for the instrumentation it supplies. Among its offerings are chromatography and spectrometry instruments, as well as benchtop equipment such as centrifuges.


4.2.4 ICON Scientific, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.iconsci.com/products/

ICON Scientific specializes in full-size and miniaturized high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) solutions. Among its offerings are a full-sized HPLC, autosamplers, columns, and its miniature ANSER HPLC device for cannabis and hemp analysis.

Instruments and methods

  • ANSER: a portable high-performance liquid chromatography instrument designed to analyze cannabis and hemp potency and purity, including methods for THC concentrations and purity, CBD purity, and finished product analysis[17]
  • AZURA HPLC Plus System: an HPLC system with a variety of detector options, including diode array, multi-wavelength, and variable wavelength UV detectors[18]


4.2.5 Lab Society, LLC

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://labsociety.com/lab-equipment-category/cannabis-extraction/

Lab Society, LLC provides end-to-end laboratory equipment solutions for a wide variety of industries, including those overseeing cannabis and hemp extraction. While a wide variety of equipment options exist for labs of all types, consult the "cannabis & hemp extraction" section for liquid-liquid, solvent, and solid-liquid cannabis extraction equipment.


4.2.6 LabX

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.labx.com/product/cannabis-testing-equipment

LabX, part of LabX Media Group, is a Canadian business that provides an online marketplace to buy and sell laboratory equipment and technologies. LabX has a landing page for cannabis and hemp testing equipment that addresses extraction, potency testing, residual solvent testing, pesticide testing, heavy metals testing, microbiology, and moisture analysis. The equipment is a mix of new, used, and refurbished states. Check the website often as inventories may change frequently.


4.2.7 LGC Limited

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.lgcstandards.com/US/en/search?text=cannabis

LGC Limited—operating as LGC Standards—manufactures and distributes reference materials and proficiency testing schemes for a variety of industries. Among its offerings are cannabis-related testing reference standards for cannabinoids, pesticides, residual solvents, and terpenes. Consult the vendor's web store or contact them directly to learn about their entire stock of reference materials.


4.2.8 Marshall Scientific, LLC

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.marshallscientific.com/Cannabis_Testing_Laboratory_Equipment_a/1582.htm

Marshall Scientific, LLC is a distributor of refurbished laboratory equipment for a variety of clinical and research laboratories. The company markets some of its refurbished equipment for cannabis extraction and testing activities, including:

  • high-performance liquid chromatography systems
  • rotary evaporators
  • benchtop centrifuges
  • vacuum ovens
  • analytical balances
  • micropipette sets

Stock changes regularly, so visit their website often for the latest.


4.2.9 Microbiologics, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.microbiologics.com/cannabis

Microbiologics, Inc. develops and distributes biometerials. Among them, the company markets equipment and consumables for microbial testing of cannabis. Materials for growing reference cultures, bundled sets and panels of microorganisms, self-contained strains, and molecular standards are among Microbiologics' offerings. Consult their website for more details.


4.2.10 Neutec Group, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.neutecgroup.com/cannabis

Neutec Group, Inc. provides equipment and support services to quality control and research and development laboratories. Neutec offers equipment solutions for cannabis testing labs testing for microbiological contaminates and water activity. This includes colony counters, water activity meters, multispectral imaging solutions, and air samplers. Consult their website for more details.


4.2.11 Orange Photonics, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.orangephotonics.com/

Orange Photonics, Inc. is a cannabis testing technology company that markets the LightLab cannabis analyzer.

Instruments and methods

  • LightLab 3: a portable high-performance liquid chromatography selective separation spectroscopy instrument for cannabis potency analysis; the optional Terpenes+ module also allows for terpenes analysis.[19]


4.2.12 Peak Scientific Instruments Ltd.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.peakscientific.com/discover/news/what-are-the-most-common-forms-of-cannabis-testing/

Peak Scientific Instruments Ltd. designs, manufactures, and distributes high-performance gas generators for laboratories. In a March 2019 blog post, the company outlined how its many gas generation solutions could be paired with specific third-party analytical instruments for the various types of cannabis testing.[20] Peak offers solutions for:

  • potency and efficacy testing
  • heavy metals testing
  • mycotoxins analysis
  • pesticide testing
  • residual solvents testing
  • terpene testing

Instruments and methods

The company suggests gas generation options based on what type of testing will occur.[20]

Potency and efficacy testing

  • Precision series: modular gas generators for gas chromatography, including nitrogen, hydrogen, zero air, and compressed air gas generators; recommends pairing with Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC and Agilent 5977B GC/MSD instruments
  • Solaris XE 35: a nitrogen generator for liquid chromatography mass spectrometry or low-flow nitrogen instruments; recommends pairing with the various Agilent 1290 Infinity II series instruments

Heavy metals testing

  • Precision Hydrogen Trace 250: a hydrogen generator designed primarily for gas chromatography carrier gas use, as well as flame ionization and flame photometric detection, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; recommends pairing with the Agilent 7800/7900 ICP-MS and Agilent 8900 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS
  • NG5000 and NG5000A: ultra-high purity nitrogen generators, with the NG5000A having its own internal compressor; recommends pairing with the Agilent 5110 ICP-OES

Mycotoxins analysis

  • Infinity 1051, Genius 1051, and Genius 3051: nitrogen and dry air generators for liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, with the 3051 being recommend over the 1051 if high-flow gas delivery mode is required; recommends pairing with the Shimadzu LCMS-8050 Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer
  • Genius 1024 and Infinity 1031: nitrogen and dry air generators for liquid chromatography mass spectrometry; recommends pairing with the SCIEX Triple Quad or QTRAP 6500+ system

Pesticide testing

  • Infinity 1051, Genius 1051, and Genius 3051: nitrogen and dry air generators for liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, with the 3051 being recommend over the 1051 if high-flow gas delivery mode is required; recommends pairing with the Shimadzu LCMS-8050 Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer
  • Genius 1024, Genius AB-3G, and Infinity 1031: nitrogen and dry air generators for liquid chromatography mass spectrometry; recommends pairing with the SCIEX ExionLC AC HPLC System, in conjunction with the SCIEX QET 4500 LC-MS/MS System
  • Precision series: modular gas generators for gas chromatography, including nitrogen, hydrogen, zero air, and compressed air gas generators; recommends pairing with Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC and Agilent 5977B GC/MSD instruments; recommends pairing with the Agilent 7000 Series Triple Quadrupole GC/MS and the Agilent GC/MS/MS Pesticides Analyzer
  • Solaris XE 35 and Genius XE 35: a nitrogen generator for liquid chromatography mass spectrometry or low-flow nitrogen instruments, as well as evaporative light scattering detection in the case of the Genius; recommends pairing with the Agilent 6400 Series Triple Quadrupole LC/MS
  • Solaris XE 35, Infinity XE 5010, Genius XE 35, and Genius XE 70: nitrogen generators for various purposes, depending on the model, though largely liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and evaporative light scattering detection; recommends pairing with the Agilent 6500 Series Accurate-Mass Quadrupole Q-TOF LC/MS

Residual solvents testing

  • Precision Nitrogen Headspace 250: a nitrogen generator for gas chromatography with headspace sampler requirements; recommends pairing with the Shimadzu Nexis GC-2030 with HS-20 Headspace Sampler or the GCMS-TQ8050 with Headspace Sampler
  • Precision series: modular gas generators for gas chromatography, including nitrogen, hydrogen, zero air, and compressed air gas generators; recommends pairing with Agilent 7890 Series GC and the Agilent Flame Ionization Detector

Terpene testing

  • Precision series: modular gas generators for gas chromatography, including nitrogen, hydrogen, zero air, and compressed air gas generators; recommends pairing with the Shimadzu GCMS-TQ8050 Triple Quadrupole Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer, the Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC, and the Agilent 7890 Series GC
  • Genius 1024 and Infinity 1031: nitrogen and dry air generators for liquid chromatography mass spectrometry; recommends pairing with the SCIEX Triple Quad or QTRAP 6500+ system
  • Solaris XE 35: a nitrogen generator for liquid chromatography mass spectrometry or low-flow nitrogen instruments; recommends pairing with the Agilent 1260 Infinity II Diode Array Detector


4.2.13 PerkinElmer, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.perkinelmer.com/category/cannabis-hemp-testing-solutions

PerkinElmer, Inc. is a scientific technology company developing and distributing solutions "for better detection, imaging, and informatics" in the laboratory.[21] The company discusses the research area of cannabis analysis on its website, recommending instrument and consumables solutions for cannabis testing laboratories, including[22]:

  • potency and efficacy testing
  • heavy metals testing
  • mycotoxins analysis
  • pesticide testing
  • residual solvents testing
  • terpene testing

Instruments and methods

The company suggests instrument options based on what type of testing will occur.[22]

Potency and efficacy testing

  • Flexar HPLC: a high-performance liquid chromatography system that can be used with a quaternary pump, autosampler with Peltier cooling, column heater, and photodiode array detector to detect cannabinoids
  • LC 300 HPLC: a high-performance liquid chromatography system that can be used "with a wide range of detectors and accessories"
  • Spectrum Two FTIR: a Fourier transform near-infrared spectrometry device that uses nondestructive methods

Heavy metals testing

  • NexION 2000 ICP-MS, with a Titan MPS: an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy device that can be used in conjunction with the Titan MPS microwave digestion processing tool

Mycotoxins analysis

  • QSight 420: an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry instrument
  • Janus G3 workstations: provide fully automated sample preparation and liquid handling

Pesticide testing

  • QSight 420: an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry instrument
  • Janus G3 workstations: provide fully automated sample preparation and liquid handling

Residual solvents testing

Terpene testing

Software

  • ChemDraw: software for drawing chemical structures and biological pathways
  • Simplicity 3Q: software for workflow management


4.3 Vendors: Q through Z

4.3.1 Quantum Analytics, LLC

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.lqa.com/industry/food-agriculture/

Quantum Analytics is a distributor of laboratory analytical instruments. The company markets several of its third-party instruments to cannabis laboratories for applications such as[23]:

  • potency and efficacy testing
  • heavy metals testing
  • mycotoxins analysis
  • pesticide testing
  • residual solvents testing
  • terpene testing

Consult their website or cannabis capabilities flyer for more information.


4.3.2 Restek Corporation

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.restek.com/en/industries-and-applications/botanicals/cannabis/

Restek Corporation develops and manufactures chromatography columns and accessories for a wide variety of industries. The company offers a wide variety of supplies for the cannabis testing industry, including[24]:

  • chromatography columns
  • certified reference standards
  • sample preparation and management supplies
  • consumables and accessories for chromatography instruments

Consult their website or catalog to review all their cannabis testing supplies.


4.3.3 Sage Analytics

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://sageanalytics.com/

Sage Analytics develops and manufactures potency testing solutions for the cannabis testing industry.

Instruments and methods

  • Profiler II Humboldt Special Edition: a portable near-infrared spectroscopy device for testing cannabis potency
  • ToxDetective: uses "nano-manipulation technology to orient or encapsulate biomolecules such as proteins/enzymes at the nano scale," which are then applied to a lateral flow assay[25]
  • Beacon: a portable near-infrared spectroscopy device for testing cannabis potency, with an onboard touchscreen; also comes without a touchscreen, marketed as the Luminary Profiler


4.3.4 Scientific Equipment Source, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://se-source.com/industries/cannabis-and-hemp-testing/

Scientific Equipment Source, Inc. describes itself as a "one-stop-shop for your laboratory instrumentation requirements be it new or used laboratory equipment or process equipment." The Canadian company has a cannabis processing and testing section detailing all of its new, used, and refurbished options, from biomass handling and batch extraction to cannabis distillation and testing. See the website for more details.


4.3.5 Scientific Repair, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.srigc.com

Commonly known as SRI Instruments, Scientific Repair, Inc. manufactures and distributes chromatography instruments and accessories. The company's solutions focus on:

  • potency and efficacy testing
  • residual solvents testing
  • terpene testing

Instruments and methods

The company suggests instrument options based on what type of testing will occur.

Potency and efficacy testing

  • Model 310C-MM: a gas chromatography with flame ionization detection instrument, with additional columns for extended analyses
  • Model 420 GC: a gas chromatography with flame ionization detection instrument
  • Model 8610C: a gas chromatography with flame ionization detection instrument, with optional columns for additional analyses

Residual solvents testing

  • Model 310C-MM: a gas chromatography with flame ionization detection instrument, with additional columns for extended analyses
  • Model 8610C: a gas chromatography with flame ionization detection instrument, with optional columns for additional analyses

Terpene testing

  • Model 310C-MM: a gas chromatography with flame ionization detection instrument, with additional columns for extended analyses
  • Model 8610C: a gas chromatography with flame ionization detection instrument, with optional columns for additional analyses

Software

  • PeakSimple: chromatography software for SRI's chromatography instruments


4.3.6 Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.ssi.shimadzu.com/industries/cannabis-testing-solutions/index.html

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. is a multi-divisional corporation that focuses on creating and distributing medical diagnostic, aerospace, and analytical instrument solutions for a variety of industries. Among their solutions are chromatography, spectrometry, and other cannabis testing solutions for laboratories for purposes of[26]:

  • potency and efficacy testing
  • heavy metals testing
  • moisture content analysis
  • mycotoxins analysis
  • pesticide testing
  • residual solvents testing
  • terpene testing

Instruments and methods

The company suggests instrument options based on what type of testing will occur, via their cannabis testing brochure. Additionally, they offer two advanced tools for research:

  • Nexera UC: a supercritical fluid extraction and supercriticial fluid chromatography liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry instrument
  • MALDI iD-Plus: a microbial identification system

Potency and efficacy testing

  • Cannabis Analyzer for Potency: a high-performance liquid chromatography instrument with three methods: high-throughput, high-sensitivity, and high-resolution
  • LC-2050C 3D: an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography instrument with a photodiode array detector
  • Nexera UC: supercritical fluid chromatography system

Heavy metals testing

  • ICPMS-2030: an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy instrument

Moisture content analysis

Mycotoxins analysis

Pesticide testing

Residual solvents testing

Terpene testing

  • GCMS-TQ8050 NX: a triple quadrupole gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry instrument that can be paired with the HS-20 NX headspace sampler and NIST Mass Spectral Library
  • GCMS-QP2020 NX: a single-quad gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer that can be paired with the HS-20 NX headspace sampler or the AOC-6000 Plus] autosampler

Software

  • LabSolutions: a suite of software tools that allows users to control instruments and view instrument data, and it can create and export files (spreadsheets) of instrument data that can be mapped to a database in an interfaced laboratory information management system (LIMS)


4.3.7 Sigma-Aldritch, Inc. / MilliporeSigma, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/applications/environmental-testing-and-industrial-hygiene/cannabis-testing

Note: Sigma-Aldritch, Inc. was acquired by Millipore and became MilliporeSigma, Inc. The Sigma-Aldritch website is still active and demonstrates its cannabis testing materials; however, the website will likely change in the future.

Sigma-Aldritch, Inc., which has become MilliporeSigma, Inc., distributes lab materials and technologies for various industries. This includes the cannabis testing industry, with supplies like[27]:

  • chromatography columns
  • certified reference materials
  • solvents and reagents
  • sample preparations kits
  • laboratory equipment

See their cannabis testing catalog for more details.


4.3.8 SPEX CertiPrep, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.spex.com/Product/OrganicCertifiedReferenceMaterials

SPEX CertiPrep, Inc. is a distributor of certified reference materials and sample preparation equipment for analytical spectroscopy. The company markets standards for many types of cannabis testing, as well a few sample preparation instruments such as mills and grinders. Consult their website for available supplies, as well as their online standards catalog.


4.3.9 ST2 Service Technologies, Inc.

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://mjtestequipment.com

ST2 Service Technologies, Inc.—doing business as Analytical Instrument Management or AIM—"provides tools, instrumentation, education and support to several full-panel [cannabis] testing labs operating around the US, along with extractors, manufacturers, and cultivators."[28] The company provides new, used, and refurbished analytical instruments for cannabis and other testing laboratories. Consult their online catalog for available options.


4.3.10 Thermo Fisher Scientific

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/products-and-services/promotions/industrial/cannabis-testing-canada.html

Thermo Fisher Scientific is a multi-divisional corporation that develops, manufactures, and distributes a wide variety of technologies for research and analytical laboratories. The company markets cannabis testing solutions to the Canadian market. Among its offerings are solutions for[29]:

  • potency and efficacy testing
  • heavy metals testing
  • mold and bacteria analysis
  • mycotoxins analysis
  • pesticide testing
  • residual solvents testing

Aside from instruments, Thermo Fisher also lists a variety of chromatography columns and sample preparation kits for each type of testing. Consult the website for more on these items.

Instruments and methods

The company suggests instrument options based on what type of testing will occur.[29]

Potency and efficacy testing

  • Vanquish UHPLC Systems: numerous ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography instruments
  • UltiMate 3000 HPLC Systems: high- and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography systems, with four different variations of preparation
  • TSQ Altis and TSQ Quantis: liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with triple-stage quadrupole instruments, with the Quantis having greater mass range
  • Q Exactive Hybrid: liquid chromatography mass spectrometry that has "quadruple precursor ion selection with high-resolution, accurate-mass (HRAM) Orbitrap detection"
  • TRACE 1600: a gas chromatography / gas chromatography mass spectrometry instrument
  • ISQ 7610: gas chromatography mass spectrometry with single quadrupole
  • Orbitrap Exploris GC: gas chromatography mass spectrometry with Orbitrap technology
  • Orbitrap Exploris GC 240: gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with Orbitrap technology

Heavy metals testing

  • iCAP Pro Series ICP-OES: a series of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry instruments
  • iCAP RQ ICP-MS: an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instrument with single quadrupole
  • iCAP TQ ICP-MS: an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instrument with triple quadrupole

Mold and bacteria analysis

Mycotoxins analysis

  • Vanquish UHPLC Systems: numerous ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography instruments
  • UltiMate 3000 HPLC Systems: high- and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography systems, with four different variations of preparation
  • TSQ Altis and TSQ Quantis: liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with triple-stage quadrupole instruments, with the Quantis having greater mass range
  • Q Exactive Hybrid: liquid chromatography mass spectrometry that has "quadruple precursor ion selection with high-resolution, accurate-mass (HRAM) Orbitrap detection"

Pesticide testing

  • Vanquish UHPLC Systems: numerous ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography instruments
  • UltiMate 3000 HPLC Systems: high- and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography systems, with four different variations of preparation
  • TSQ Altis and TSQ Quantis: liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with triple-stage quadrupole instruments, with the Quantis having greater mass range
  • Q Exactive Hybrid: liquid chromatography mass spectrometry that has "quadruple precursor ion selection with high-resolution, accurate-mass (HRAM) Orbitrap detection"
  • TSQ 9610: gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with triple quadrupole
  • Orbitrap Exploris 120: mass spectrometry with Orbitrap technology
  • Orbitrap Exploris GC 240: gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with Orbitrap technology

Residual solvents testing

  • TRACE 1600: a gas chromatography / gas chromatography mass spectrometry instrument
  • TriPlus 500: a headspace autosampler for gas chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry instruments
  • TriPlus RSH: an autosampler for headspace and/or liquid injection with gas chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry instruments
  • ISQ 7610: gas chromatography mass spectrometry with single quadrupole
  • TSQ 9610: gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with triple quadrupole

Software


4.3.11 VICAM

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.vicam.com/markets/botanicals

VICAM, a subsidiary of Waters Corporation, develops and distribute mycotoxin testing supplies. While the company makes no mention of cannabis testing on its website, it does offer mycotoxin testing solutions for botanical products, primarily testing for[30]:

  • Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, M1, and M2
  • Bisphenol A
  • Citrinin
  • Deoxynivalenol
  • Fumonisins B1, B2, and B3
  • Ochratoxin A
  • T-2/HT-2
  • Zearalenone


4.3.12 Waters Corporation

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://www.waters.com/waters/en_US/Cannabis-and-Hemp-Testing-Solutions/nav.htm?cid=135005280

Waters Corporation specialty measurement instruments for laboratories from a wide array of industries. The company details that its instruments can handle cannabis testing activities such as[31][32][33][34][35][36]:

  • potency and efficacy testing
  • mycotoxins
  • pesticide testing

Instruments and methods

Waters instrument options are based on what equipment was used for specific testing as indicated in its white papers, as well as what's suggested on their cannabis landing page. Additionally, Waters offers an extraction system for botanical matrices:

Potency and efficacy testing

  • ACQUITY QDa Mass Detector: a mass detector that can bused in conjunction with UPLC, UPC2, and Alliance HPLC systems (see below) for mass confirmation of cannabinoids
  • ACQUITY UPLC Systems: an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography suite of systems, including the H-, I, and M-Class systems
  • ACQUITY UPC2 System: an ultra-high-performance convergence chromatography system that uses CO2 as a primary mobile phase component
  • Alliance HPLC System: a high-performance liquid chromatography instrument, with integrated solvent and sample management

Mycotoxins

Pesticide testing

  • Xevo TQ-S micro with an ACQUITY UPLC system : an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry instrument with triple quadrupole
  • Xevo TQ-GC: gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry instrument with triple quadrupole


4.3.13 Willow Industries, LLC

Main landing page for cannabis and hemp testing: https://willowindustries.com/

Willow Industries, LLC is a Colorado-based cannabis decontamination technology business and consultancy. The company produces the WillowPure, a device that allows users to reduce the microbial contamination levels of cannabis. The device comes in versions that support up to 10 to 40 pounds throughput.[37] Consult the website for more details.

References

  1. ↑ Schrover, J. (January 2016). "Industry Snapshot: Testing Labs". Marijuana Business Magazine. https://mjbizmagazine.com/industry-snapshot-testing-labs/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  2. ↑ Clifford, B. (5 February 2018). "Cannabis Quality and Contamination Testing". News Medical Life Sciences. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20180205/Cannabis-Quality-and-Contamination-Testing.aspx. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  3. ↑ Borchardt, D. (5 April 2017). "Cannabis Lab Testing Is The Industry's Dirty Little Secret". Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/debraborchardt/2017/04/05/cannabis-lab-testing-is-the-industrys-dirty-little-secret/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  4. ↑ "About Us". AB Sciex Pte. Ltd. https://sciex.com/about-us. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  5. ↑ "Cannabis and hemp testing analytical solutions & technologies". AB Sciex Pte. Ltd. https://sciex.com/applications/food-and-beverage-testing/cannabis-testing. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  6. ↑ "SCIEX Triple Quad LC-MS/MS Systems". AB Sciex Pte. Ltd. https://sciex.com/products/mass-spectrometers/triple-quad-systems. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  7. ↑ "QTRAP LC-MS/MS Systems". AB Sciex Pte. Ltd. https://sciex.com/products/mass-spectrometers/qtrap-systems. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  8. ↑ "vMethod Application for Quantitation of Pesticide Residues and Cannabinoids in Cannabis Matrices 1.0". AB Sciex Pte. Ltd. https://sciex.com/products/methods/vmethod-application-for-quantitation-of-pesticide-residues-and-cannabinoids-in-cannabis-matrices-10. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Cannabis & Hemp Testing". Agilent Technologies, Inc. https://www.agilent.com/en/solutions/cannabis-hemp-testing. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  10. ↑ "How it works". Alpha-CAT Lab s.r.o. https://www.alpha-cat.org/resources/how-it-works/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Cannabis Booklet: Theory & Applications" (PDF). BÜCHI Labortechnik AG. Archived from the original on 21 November 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181121210317/https://static1.buchi.com/sites/default/files/content-page/downloads/Application_Booklet_Cannabis_.pdf?de4f8bcef8a716a102177148a7b60808b88c66cc. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  12. ↑ "Cannabis Analysis". CEM Corporation. https://cem.com/en/cannabis. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  13. ↑ "About Emerald". Emerald Scientific, LLC. https://emeraldscientific.com/about-us/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  14. ↑ "CANNABIS PLANT MATERIAL PREPARATION FOR EFFICIENT EXTRACTION". Fritsch GmbH. https://www.fritsch-international.com/sample-preparation/applications-solutions/details/solution/cannabis-plant-material-preparation-for-efficient-extraction/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  15. ↑ "Compare GemmaCert Packages". GemmaCert Ltd. https://gemmacert.com/products/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  16. ↑ "GenTech". GenTech Scientific, Inc. https://gentechscientific.com/about/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  17. ↑ "The ANSER Cannabis & Hemp Analyzer". ICON Scientific, Inc. https://www.iconsci.com/the-anser-cannabis-hemp-analyzer/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  18. ↑ "AZURA HPLC Plus Systems". ICON Scientific, Inc. https://www.iconsci.com/parentcat/237/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  19. ↑ "LightLab 3 Cannabis Analyzer". Orange Photonics, Inc. https://www.orangephotonics.com/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 McBride, B. (11 March 2019). "What are the most common forms of cannabis testing?". Peak Scientific Instruments Ltd. https://www.peakscientific.com/discover/news/what-are-the-most-common-forms-of-cannabis-testing/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  21. ↑ "Discover PerkinElmer". PerkinElmer, Inc. https://www.perkinelmer.com/corporate/what-we-do/markets. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Cannabis Analysis". PerkinElmer, Inc. https://www.perkinelmer.com/category/cannabis-hemp-testing-solutions. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  23. ↑ "Food & agriculture". Quantum Analytics, LLC. https://www.lqa.com/industry/food-agriculture/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  24. ↑ "Cannabis Application Area". Restek Corporation. https://www.restek.com/en/industries-and-applications/botanicals/cannabis/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  25. ↑ "Introducing the ToxDetective" (PDF). Sage Analytics. March 2020. https://toxdetective.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ToxD_bro_lo_32520.pdf. Retrieved 10 January 2021. 
  26. ↑ "Cannabis and Hemp Testing Solutions". Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. https://www.ssi.shimadzu.com/industries/cannabis-testing-solutions/index.html. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  27. ↑ "Cannabis Testing: Quality You Can Trust" (PDF). Sigma-Aldritch, Inc. March 2017. https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/sigma-aldrich/docs/Sigma-Aldrich/General_Information/1/cannabis-testing.pdf. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  28. ↑ "About Analytical Instrument Management". ST2 Service Technologies, Inc. https://mjtestequipment.com/about.htm. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "Cannabis Testing in Canada". Thermo Fisher Scientific. https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/products-and-services/promotions/industrial/cannabis-testing-canada.html. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  30. ↑ "Botanicals". VICAM. https://www.vicam.com/markets/botanicals. Retrieved 10 January 2021. 
  31. ↑ "Cannabis and Hemp Testing Solutions". Waters Corporation. https://www.waters.com/waters/en_US/Cannabis-and-Hemp-Testing-Solutions/nav.htm?cid=135005280. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  32. ↑ "Building Laboratory Capacity to Ensure Cannabis Safety, Quality, and Efficacy" (PDF). Waters Corporation. August 2018. https://www.waters.com/webassets/cms/library/docs/720006394en.pdf. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  33. ↑ Tran, K.; Twohig, M; Young, M. et al. (September 2018). "Determination of the Oregon Pesticide List in Cannabis Using a Simple Extraction Procedure with dSPE Cleanup and UPLC-MS/MS" (PDF). Waters Corporation. https://www.waters.com/webassets/cms/library/docs/720006373en.pdf. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  34. ↑ Aubin, A.J.; Layton, C.; Helmueller, S. (November 2018). "Separation of 16 Cannabinoids in Cannabis Flower and Extracts Using a Reversed-Phase Isocratic HPLC Method" (PDF). Waters Corporation. https://www.waters.com/webassets/cms/library/docs/720006426en.pdf. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  35. ↑ "Mass Confirmation of Cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa by Using HPTLC-QDa" (PDF). Waters Corporation. July 2017. https://www.waters.com/webassets/cms/library/docs/720006047en.pdf. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  36. ↑ Gottardi, M.; Ferron, F.; Lee, R. et al. (September 2018). "Using UPLC-MS/MS for the Determination of Carboxy-THC (cTHC) in Hair for Forensic Toxicology" (PDF). Waters Corporation. https://www.waters.com/webassets/cms/library/docs/720006363en.pdf. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 
  37. ↑ "The Organic Cannabis Kill Step". Willow Industries, LLC. https://willowindustries.com/willowpure-systems/. Retrieved 08 July 2022. 


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Citation information for this chapter

Chapter: 4. Cannabis testing instruments, software, and equipment

Title: Past, Present, and Future of Cannabis Laboratory Testing and Regulation in the United States

Edition: Fourth edition

Author for citation: Shawn E. Douglas

License for content: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Publication date: August 2022


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