What To Look For When Choosing A Cannabis Lab

In a recent interview, we had the privilege of chatting with Roger Brown, the President of ACS Labs in Florida. Established in 2008 as a toxicology laboratory primarily focused on Alzheimer's testing, ACS Labs expanded its horizons in 2015. Venturing into cannabis and hemp testing, and more recently, examining psilocybin mushrooms, the lab has grown to be an industry leader with a 20,000-unit facility, over 100 employees, and a comprehensive array of equipment, positioning it as one of the most sophisticated cannabis testing labs in the US, boasting a DEA license.

Lab Result Disparities

While numerous laboratories nationwide provide accurate cannabis testing results, the unfortunate reality is that some engage in unethical practices, offering falsified results with inflated THC percentages. This deceptive approach, driven by financial motives, raises questions about the integrity of medical treatments for patients and adults alike.

The motivation behind this deceit is clear – higher THC percentages translate to increased profits at dispensaries. Given the choice between a product labeled at 22% THC and an identical one claiming 28%, consumers are likely to opt for the latter, even if it means paying more. The challenge lies in the fact that consumers remain unaware of the accuracy of these results, creating a significant gap in trust. However, for those relying on ACS Labs, authenticity prevails.

Addressing the Trust Gap

ACS Labs goes beyond the norm, not just testing for THC but also delving into terpene profiles, flavonoids, strain quality, cannabinoid quantity, and an additional 15 to 18 cannabinoids. While testing anomalies are inevitable, ACS Labs boasts well-documented evidence of a minimal 5 to 8 percent variation. States like Pennsylvania have implemented a two-tiered testing program to ensure accuracy, though it places a financial burden on cultivators.

The Honest Approach

Cultivar testing results usually exhibit slight variances, ideally within 5%. ACS Labs goes the extra mile by testing for flavonoids, a non-mandatory assessment that sets them apart in the market. With potential benefits for anti-inflammation and pain relief, flavonoids add a nuanced layer to the cannabis experience that goes beyond THC percentages.

It's More Than Just THC

The misconception of prioritizing the highest THC strain parallels asking for the strongest alcohol proof. Cannabis is a complex entity with numerous chemicals and compounds, including various terpenes and flavonoids. Educated consumers should focus on these elements as they offer targeted relief for different ailments.

Safety First

From cultivation practices to consumption tools, safety is paramount. Factors like heavy metals and residual solvents, often overlooked, can significantly impact the cannabis experience. ACS Labs emphasizes the importance of identifying contaminants, and avoiding the inflation of results for financial gain.

Accuracy of Classification Systems

Indica, sativa, or hybrid? The accuracy of this classification system is called into question, prompting the need for a more effective approach. ACS Labs suggests embracing the entourage effect, which considers the holistic combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids. Individual responses to cannabis vary, emphasizing the importance of trial and error. Platforms like HashDash can aid in streamlining this process, helping consumers discover their preferences sooner.

ACS Labs acknowledges the diversity in individual responses, with some staff members at their corporate office having a deep understanding of their ideal terpene and cannabinoid profiles. As the cannabis industry evolves, embracing transparency and accurate testing becomes increasingly crucial for ensuring a safe and personalized experience for consumers.

What We Learned: What To Look For When Choosing A Cannabis Lab

Understanding the key factors to consider when selecting a cannabis lab is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your dispensary and ensuring the safety of cannabis consumers. Here are a few key takeaways from this chapter:

• Some cannabis laboratories inflate THC percentages for financial gain, compromising the integrity of medical treatments.
• ACS Labs prioritizes authenticity, testing not only for THC but also delving into terpene profiles, flavonoids, and a range of cannabinoids.
• Safety is crucial in the cannabis journey, with factors like heavy metals and solvents impacting the experience – ACS Labs identifies and eliminates contaminants.
• The traditional classification of cannabis strains (indica, sativa, hybrid) lacks accuracy, and ACS Labs advocates for a more effective approach through the entourage effect, considering terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids in tandem.

Ready for the next chapter in our Cannabis Industry Guide? Answer the question below, and let's continue learning.