First Reviewed and Recognized Certification for Cannabis Potency Testing Granted by AOAC Research Institute
For the first time, the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC) INTERNATIONAL Research Institute granted its Reviewed and Recognized certification to a cannabis potency testing laboratory.
In a recent press release (1), the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC) INTERNATIONAL Research Institute announced that Viridis Laboratories is the first laboratory to receive its Reviewed and RecognizedSM (R2) certificate.
“We are pleased to announce that Viridis Laboratories is the first company to complete our rigorous R2 program verifying the performance claims of the method,” said Scott Coates, AOAC Research Institute Senior Director. “Viridis has demonstrated a high degree of scientific and analytical excellence.”
Viridis Laboratories was granted the certificate for the LOM 7.1c Cannabinoid Analysis in Flower method using an ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with a diode array detector (DAD), LOM 7.1c Cannabinoid Analysis in Flower by UHPLC-DAD (2). “All R2-certified methods are evaluated for accuracy, repeatability, limit of detection, and selectivity,” the press release states (1). “Only methods that meet specified criteria are granted R2 status. Certificates and certification reports are posted for public access on the AOAC website.”
According to AOAC INTERNATIONAL (1), the method underwent an extensive evaluation process that involved several rounds of reporting and review as well as rigorous testing from an independent third-party laboratory and third-party scientific review panel to be the first-ever company to complete the R2 program.
AOAC INTERNATIONAL is “a 501(c)(3), independent, third party, not-for-profit association and voluntary consensus standards developing organization” (1).It also operates the Cannabis Analytical Science Program (CASP), which developed the Standard Methods Performance Requirements® (SMPR®) and prescribes the acceptance criteria for evaluating cannabis potency methods (1).
References
Ep 24, Part III: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Kahn
December 26th 2024In the final part of this episode, Evan Friedmann and Yasha Kahn discuss the need for a national entity to centralize cannabis data collection, moving from snapshot data to continuous updates. They emphasize the importance of accurate lab data and adverse event tracking, suggesting QR codes on packaging to report issues. Yasha suggests harsher consequences for result manipulation and suggests collaboration between state departments and federal entities to support underfunded regulators. They also discuss the potential benefits of off-the-shelf testing and the importance of stability testing. Finally, Yasha shares his top three reading recommendations for the audience.
Ep 24, Part II: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Kahn
December 12th 2024Evan Friedmann and Yasha Kahn, co-founder of MCR Labs, discuss the discrepancies between current regulations and data on mycotoxins and pesticides in cannabis products. They highlight the need for updated regulations based on new data, emphasizing the importance of accurate testing and labeling. They also discuss the issue of result manipulation, particularly in THC content, and the need for public health officials to address this. Yasha suggests making testing data public to enhance oversight and suggests a national entity to manage this data for better consistency and public safety.
