Testing cannabis with HPLC equipment

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Cannabis is a widely consumed substance in the world with millions of people using the drug in some capacity. In recent years, the worldwide cannabis market has transformed significantly. Cannabis users handle illicit markets that are locally regulated, making it a complicated sector. The easy availability of cannabis has increased consumption around the globe. Though the substance has gained a reputation in the medical industry, overdose is a major concern. Furthermore, the presence of toxins present in raw cannabis is also detrimental to human health. Hence, the rising popularity of hplc cannabis testing equipment in research laboratories is noticed.

Enforce regulation and promote medical benefits

Liquid chromatography is a primary cannabis testing application practiced around the world. There are tons of cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant, each of them distinct from one another pharmacologically. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) has been an instrumental force in this respect. The testing application helps to demonstrate the medical benefits of the substance and thereby disapprove cannabis prohibition based on unscientific or unfounded claims. Similarly, HPLC is also a driving force to enforce regulations and eliminate illicit marketplace.

Applications of HPLC in cannabis testing

Liquid Chromatography is incorporated in multiple ways to support researchers and scientists in either side of the cannabis market’s legitimacy. Some of the typical applications where hplc cannabis testing equipment can be helpful are mentioned below.

  • Screening pesticides and agrochemical substances
  • Screening toxic substances and other contaminants harmful to human consumption
  • Profiling cannabinoid
  • Detection and characterization of mycotoxins

Cannabis potency testing

Liquid chromatology has emerged as one of the central application procedures for all cannabis R&D (research and development) procedures. Thus, there are valuable insights into biological actions and pharmacokinetics, which determine the extent of legalization in particualat states. The liquid chromatography application helps to identify the percentage of specific cannabinoids present, which is significantly helpful for cannabis potency testing.

Presence of THC and CBD

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary compound found in cannabis products. The compound is responsible for side-effects like euphoria, mood elevation, analgesic effects, and so on when used as a recreational product in excess amounts. Additionally, THC can also trigger psychotic disorders and severe anxiety. On the contrary, CBD (cannabidiol) found in cannabis plants is one of the main medicinal compounds used in different emerging treatment drugs and medicines worldwide.

The inclusion of the right ratios

It is believed CBD can alter the negative effects of THC when used in the right ratios. The complexity encourages the importance of cannabis potency testing. Liquid chromatography plays a vital role in exploring the intertwining roles of CBD and THC. Therefore, drug potency evaluation is an important consideration.

Conclusion

With the increasing legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use, researchers and scientists stress the use of analytical HPLC equipment to identify the different cannabinoids and other strains present in the products. When hplc cannabis testing equipment is used, it ensures the quality assurance and safety of the products to be consumed by humans. Every laboratory and research center around the world understands the importance of cannabis testing to identify toxins and contaminants and eliminate them.

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