Hydrolife Canada February/March 2017

FIG.2
FIG.3
FIG.4
FIG.1
In the final section of the report, there
is a chart to show the potency totals of
each cannabinoid family (Fig. 4). These
values represent typical concentrations
if an efficient decarboxylation process
is used. While the carboxylated and
decarboxylated cannabinoids are
grouped together for this section, the
family totals are not calculated with
straightforward addition. Labs first use
a conversion factor, which is specific
to each cannabinoid to account for
the weight of the carboxyl group, to
calculate a new total percentage for
the acid form. These conversion factors
are listed in small print below the
totals chart (Fig. 5). In this example, a
conversion factor of 0.877 is used for the
THC family group.
Here’s how one would use that factor
in calculating the total potency for that
cannabinoid family:
THC: 24.64 PER CENT
THC-A: 56.26 PER CENT X 0.877
= 49.34 PER CENT
TOTAL: THC (24.64) + THC-A (49.34)
= 73.98 per cent
Quantitation: A conversion factor of 0.877 is used for adjustment of the molar mass
of THC-A and CBD-A; a conversion factor of 0.878 is used for CBG-A; both after
decarboxylation. These conversion factors were not applied to other cannabinoids.
BQL = Below Quantitation Limit,
for information purposes only.
THC: CBD RATIO: 19.8 : 1
ACTIVATED TOTAL: 36.08
Activated Total: Cannabinoids that have been activated through decarboxylation
(curing/storage of flowers, or heating/cooking of edibles and concentrates).
9-THC + CBN + CBD + CBG + CBC
Near the bottom of the report are
two key numbers (Fig. 5). One is the
activated total, and the other is the THC
to CDB ratio. The activated total, which
is calculated with a straightforward
1+2+3 = 6 formula, represents the sum
of all the decarboxylated cannabinoids
that were measured. The THC to
CBD ratio is included here as a
quick reference for individuals who
are targeting a specific ratio for its
therapeutic benefits.
While a single test can provide anyone
with a wealth of information, testing
over time can be particularly useful
to cannabis producers. Each change
made in the growroom or to the postharvest
process can have an impact
on cannabinoid potency, and ongoing
FIG.5
tests can provide producers with a richer
understanding of how their processes
affect their product. Growers quickly
begin to recognize the unique fingerprint
of their products, and thus know at
a glance when things are working
perfectly or when production requires
some attention.
Jodi McDonald is the president and
founder of Keystone Labs and is a
medical microbiologist, inventor, and
super science-geek. She has 20 years
of experience in the quality control,
regulatory, and quality assurance
environment for the pharmaceutical
industry. Jodi believes testing is essential
for taking control of your personal health.
myhydrolife.ca grow. heal. live. enjoy. 69