Testing Cannabis Concentrates

Test the Potency of Cannabis Concentrates In-House with LightLab

Cannabis extraction is becoming increasingly competitive, with quality at the forefront of a brand’s reputation. With tighter margins, efficiency is key to profitability. Having LightLab in-house means that you can test the potency of cannabis concentrates at-line, from start to finish, without waiting on costly and time-consuming test results from third party analytical labs.

LightLab 3 supplies extractors with cannabinoid data throughout the extraction process, from biomass purchasing to final product. This data can be used to rapidly identify inefficiencies, contain costs, and fine-tune formulations to create consistent, quality product.

Optimize Extraction Processes with Real-Time Quality Control at Key Testing Touchpoints

Biomass Evaluation

What is the fair market value of this trim? $1,000 or $3,000? How does the material compare to the Certificate of Analysis the seller offered? The capacity to analyze the cannabinoid content of trim in minutes supports transparent negotiations and eliminates costly purchasing mistakes.

Real-Life Feedback:

“Just to be informed, to make good purchasing decisions, we bought [LightLab] to go out and test products before we purchase. One good example is we went out to an outdoor farm and they had some biomass available and CoAs were showing 20%, but it was trim and so it wasn’t at 20%. So we were able to use the LightLab to test it and figure out that it was at a percentage that ultimately wasn’t worth our time.”

Brian Adams, CEO Hudson Botanicals

Vessel Composition

Fully decarboxylated 20% biomass requires different extraction programs than 5% fresh biomass. Post-extraction analysis identifies material channeling and unextracted cannabinoid content. At-line analysis enables real-time production decisions, ensures complete extraction, and reduces over-extraction and production latency.

In-Process Extract

Analyzing weight percent values of the cannabinoids in raw cannabis extract will confirm the mass balance of cannabinoids in vs out. Sample pulls during extraction can help determine end points and save time. The ability to rapidly determine the composition of your product identifies process optimization opportunities that can save time and produce a more consistent, higher quality product.

Winterization

Testing winterized product, in-process solvent, and waste waxes inform process completion and indicate issues like cannabinoids in waste material. Various factors influence the integrity and speed of the separation including moisture content, extraction method, temperature, and vessel transfer. At-line cannabinoid testing informs next steps.

Distillation

Testing in the final phase of extraction is essential in ensuring peak cannabinoid concentration. Many distillates contain degradation products like Delta-10 THC and CBN. These degradations reduce cannabinoid content and affect final product quality. Testing catches process or equipment problems which avoid expensive disasters and contribute to consistent, high quality final products.

Spent Material

One of the best indicators of process efficiency is tracking how much cannabinoid content remains in post-extraction material. Channeling, failure to pull a complete vacuum, overexposure to heat, time loss, and unsuitable starting materials all contribute to sub-par product, reduced margins and lower retail value while potentially having a negative impact on customer loyalty.