Hemp and medical cannabis are sourced from the same plant but differ in the concentration level of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive element that causes intoxication. Hemp-based CBD products are used extensively in pain management in veterinary and geriatric care. It is also used as a dietary supplement to maintain good health and general wellness.
With a projected growth of $20 billion in sales, hemp and CBD products still are unregulated for the most part. It faces many challenges in advertising, funding, and insurance.
What is CBD?
In a Cannabis Sativa plant, there are more than 120 cannabinoids that can be found in different parts of the plant. The mature flower heads usually secrete more cannabinoids. The compound responsible for the intoxication effect that classifies marijuana sourced from the same plant is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. In a hemp product, the concentration of THC has to be less than 0.3% on a dry-weight basis. Hemp CBD does not produce any psychoactive effect. However, it is known to have therapeutic uses as pain relief oil for symptoms like arthritis. The knowledge of the potential of CBD in the modern medical literature is minimal and research is ongoing. However, ancient civilizations have records of using it for both human and animal health purposes.
How are hemp CBD plants grown differently?
The origin of medical cannabis and hemp is from the same plant. However, since hemp is recognized as a plant that can be grown as an agricultural crop and medical cannabis plants have restrictions, the methods of growth also differ. This is mainly so because if THC is found to be higher than the prescribed margin of 0.3% concentration, the entire crop has to be disposed of.
To avoid any business loss that can be adverse, growers take precautions to see to it that the THC level in plants is less. By encouraging only foliage growth without flowering or fruiting in the plants, THC can be controlled at the growth stage. Hemp plants grow tall and lanky like shrubs and don’t have any flower heads that release more THC compounds. However, it is very difficult to maintain the total THC and THCA or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid that later converts to THC upon heating. Testing of the total THC level is mandatory for a few states but others are ok with just THC level testing.
After understanding how narrow the margin for THC level is and what can result from non-compliance with the limits, every stakeholder will agree with the need and benefits of third-party CBD lab testing from a reliable and approved lab. Here is a list of a few reasons that focus on the benefits of getting CBD samples tested from third-party laboratories:
No conflict of interest
Third-party laboratories are not part of the entity that manufactures CBD-based products or is associated with any of the stakeholders like farmers or community in any manner. The labs are independent entities competent to isolate the cannabinoid compounds from the samples by following the testing protocols as laid out by FDA. They have no affiliation with the CBS industry or the promoter of the business. Based on the samples, they use testing parameters and conduct various tests to estimate the potency and safety levels for human and veterinary consumption.
The regulators and end-users are ensured that there is no tampering with product test results, considering the independent status of the third-party testing facilities. They display fairness and truth for consumers to follow. It is important to get CBD products tested by third-party labs that are reliable and have expertise in this domain so that a farmer or CBD product manufacturer is processing products that establish its credibility.
Potency test
The level of THC for hemp and hemp CBD has to be less than 0.3% of THC. In some states, the total level of THC and THCA has to be stated. This is to inhibit the practice of growing variants with higher THCA that can later be heated to convert into THC by hemp license growers.
It is also to be noted that while hemp and hemp-based CBD is legal in 50 states, medical cannabis is approved in 37 states and adult-recreational CBD is legal only in 19 states of the United States.
A third-party testing lab will run the sample through a cannabinoid profile and assess the concentration on a dry weight basis. If the sample is not dry, it needs to be dried for 24 hours. In circumstances where drying is not possible the sample has to be frozen below -20 degree centigrade before testing.
Safety test
Hemp is used in many industrial applications including food and drugs. Since the safety of any food and drug has to be approved for safe consumption by people, pets, and other veterinary uses, it is imperative to test the products for impurities that are present in any agricultural product like microbes, pesticides, and heavy metals.
Microbes like salmonella and ecoli disturb the normal functioning of people. If undetected these pathogens can spread fast and spoil the entire consignment leading to life and business loss. It is important to test any product for microbes like the presence of bacteria, fungus, yeast, and mold before marketing to end-users
Heavy metals like cadmium and zinc are present in many regions where hemp is grown. If these metals are absorbed through the environment into the plant, the accumulation of such products in human bodies can be fatal. It is necessary to process the impurities before packaging the end product and so testing has to be also periodical to assess the right levels
Pesticides are usually showered off before processing at the plant. So if any harmful pesticides remain as residue then considerate steps have to be taken to remove such impurities.
Conclusion:
The hemp industry is advocating to increase the accepted margin levels of THC up to 1%. But whether that is going to happen or not, testing the product to establish branding and image in the industry that is gaining its foothold as a novice category, third-party testing is essential.
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