Cannabis analyzer chosen by the FDA for fast and accurate product testing

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on August 18 that it has selected a specific company’s handheld cannabis analyzer to be used to test cannabis plants and products.

The analyzer was developed by Orange Photonics, who use spectroscopy and liquid chromatography in their LightLab 3 High Sensitivity (HS) cannabis analyzer. The FDA plans to “play a critical role in its efforts to regulate the national cannabis industry,” according to a press release.

Previously, the LightLab 3 HS cannabis analyzer was selected by US Customs and Border Protection (CPB) as their on-site analyzer in 2022.

“Prior to this award, US Customs and Border Protection laboratories and scientific services conducted a multi-stage evaluation of the LightLab 3 cannabis analyzer,” said Stephanie McArdle, President of Orange Photonics. “Unlike general laboratory-based HPLCs, LightLab is designed for the analysis of cannabinoids, which translates into a simplified workflow, affordability and impressive analysis capabilities.

Year-to-date data (as of September 2021) showed the analyzer helped law enforcement seize $2 billion worth of illegal cannabis plants and products. At the time, Josephine County Sheriff’s Detective Kile Henrich praised the technology for quickly identifying the differences between cannabis and hemp. “Any region that has a drug control effort should use the LightLab Cannabis Analyzer,” Henrich said. “LightLab saves time by having to take seized cannabis to a crime lab, a process that can take 30 days compared to minutes for an on-site test. That saves months and prevents future lawsuits.”

According to Orange Photonics, the LightLab 3 “relieves the burden on forensic labs” because the device is easy to use and plants and produce can be tested on-site where they are grown or manufactured to provide immediate results.

“The public deserves full confidence in the safety, labeling and marketing standards of products on retail shelves. Government regulators have successfully trusted LightLab 3 cannabis analyzer technology for years,” said McArdle. “The FDA’s introduction of the LightLab 3 cannabis analyzer is a positive step as it continues to prioritize public health in the current regulatory environment.”

Orange Photonics offers three versions of the analyzer: the LightLab 3 Cannabis Analyzer, the LightLab 3 High Sensitivity and the LightLab 3 Law Enforcement version, which performs an analysis in around 10.5 minutes.

All can quickly analyze up to 19 cannabinoids, including Delta-9 THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, CBN, CBG, and CBGA, in addition to others contained in a “minor” module.

LightLab 3 can cannabis up to 0.5% (or 0.05% with the hemp compliance module), High Sensitivity up to 0.00017%/1.7ppm and the law enforcement version up to 0.5% (or 0.05% with the Hemp Compliance Module).

What differs between each analyzer is the sample type. While the basic cannabis analyzer can test finished plants/flowers, young plants, concentrates, tinctures, refineries, and hemp compliance, the high-sensitivity version can also analyze beverage enhancers, baked goods, fortified candies, pet treats, nanoemulsions, and more . The law enforcement version focuses on dried plants/flowers, young/wet plants, concentrates, edibles, and hemp compliance.

Orange Photonics product addresses the need for fast and accurate product testing to ensure consumer safety. It notes that over the past six years, the FDA has had to send countless letters and safety notices to companies for not complying with FDA regulations.

Orange Photonics is planning numerous appearances at upcoming conventions throughout the rest of the year, including the California Cannabis Enforcement Summit (22-24 August), the TeeHC Open in Massachusetts (8 September) and the International Drug Enforcement Conference XXXVII in Jamaica (22-22 August). September). . 22), MJ Unpacked in Michigan (Oct. 10-12), and 12th Annual MJBizCon in Nevada (Nov. 28-Dec. 1).

While the LightLab 3 could play an important role in how the cannabis industry tests its products in the future, it doesn’t affect the realm of testing related to the human body. Countless individuals have been penalized because THC has been detected in their bloodstream long after consumption.

The topic of using cannabis as a performance-enhancing drug has been revisited over the years, as many athletes have either advocated medicinal cannabis for the treatment of sports-related ailments, or embraced the cause by starting their own cannabis brand. One of the most recent examples of this is New Zealand rugby athlete Isaia Walker-Leawere, who received a month’s ban and agreed to take part in a treatment programme.

Positive drug tests often have a negative impact on non-athletes as well. Studies show positive workplace drug tests are at their highest level in 25 years. Fortunately, some states are introducing rules to protect consumers. In July, a Michigan Civil Service Commission approved a new rule that says applicants for government jobs will no longer be disqualified.

Some lawmakers are also taking a stand on cannabis testing, such as Rep. Matt Gaetz, who last month recently called for an end to military cannabis testing. A New Jersey officer who tested positive for cannabis in 2022 was recently reinstated to work on back pay.