Ensure Accurate THC Levels with ACS Laboratory's Testing Expertise
Testing THC levels with ACS Laboratory, including Delta-9 THC and hemp-derived Delta-8 and Delta-10, allows brands to report the potency of their products accurately. Verifying THC levels is crucial because THC is the cannabinoid that cannabis and hemp brands, growers, and processors must focus on the most to stay within federal and state regulations and communicate effects and dosage information to customers.
This article explains the THC variations, the issues with false test results, and how brands can ensure accuracy with ACS Laboratory’s advanced THC potency tests.
Types of THC: Delta-9 vs. Delta-8 vs. Delta-10
THC is found in nearly all Cannabis sativa products, even those dominated by other cannabinoids like CBD.
THC typically refers to Delta-9 THC ( Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the prominent compound responsible for the plant’s famously intoxicating effects. Delta-9 products include hemp and cannabis flower, edibles, oils, tinctures, and cartridges for residents. It is federally legal when it appears in hemp products below 0.3% and acceptable at high levels in states with medical and adult-use programs.
Delta-9 THC is undoubtedly the leading tetrahydrocannabinol. But in the years since the 2018 Farm Bill passed (legalizing low-THC hemp), manufacturers began making psychoactive hemp-derived products with other forms of THC, such as Delta-8 and Delta-10. These alternative cannabinoids are federally legal as long as they don’t exceed 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight, per Farm Bill guidelines.
Hemp companies infuse Delta-8 and Delta-10 into vapes, edibles, and beverages. They also spray distillate onto flower for a smokable experience. These brands need accurate and comprehensive THC testing to understand the effects and ensure they comply with federal law.
Differences in effects
The chemical difference between Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 is only discernible under a microscope. Delta-9 THC has a double electron bond on the ninth atom in its carbon chain, Delta-8 has a double bond on the eighth atom, and Delta-10 THC has one on the 10th carbon atom. However, this slight change is responsible for the big difference in their effects.
- Delta-9 is known for intense euphoria, relaxation, nausea relief, and appetite stimulation, and it helps with pain and sleep in higher potencies.
- Delta-8 produces milder effects than Delta-9, with consumers reporting a soothing “indica” feel that leaves them relaxed but not confused.
- Delta-10 effects are even milder than Delta-8, offering sativa-like euphoria and increased focus without the paranoia some users report from Delta-9.
Why Testing THC Levels Matters
High-THC Cannabis sativa plants, hemp, and their derivative products must undergo testing THC levels for legal and consumer-driven reasons.
Compliance
Most states with regulated medical and recreational cannabis programs require testing THC levels with verified third-party laboratories to verify potency before growers and manufacturers can sell them on the market. These labs provide Certificates of Analysis (COA), which confirm product potency and safety, ensuring they are free from contaminants and meet regulatory standards.
Also, products made with hemp-derived Delta-9, Delta-8, and Delta-10 are only federally compliant if they contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight, per Farm Bill guidelines. Testing THC levels ensures the total Delta-9 THC concentration doesn’t exceed 0.3%.
Flower effects
Testing THC levels is critical for manufacturers and brands to publish accurate label information on flower, giving consumers an idea of the effects they can expect. For example:
- Relaxing Effect: Consumers looking for a calm, soothing effect might choose a flower or edible with a lower THC percentage, around 5-10% THC.
- Stronger Effects: Someone seeking more potent effects for pain relief or as a sleep aid might opt for products with a higher THC percentage, such as 20-25% THC.
- Milder Effects: Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC are known for their milder psychoactive effects compared to Delta-9 THC, which might interest consumers sensitive to THC. Delta-8 is about 50-70% as potent as Delta-9, and Delta-10 is roughly 30 - 50% as powerful.
Edibles and beverages dosage
Accurately testing THC levels in edibles and beverages is essential because of their strength and more prolonged effects duration. Consumers need this information to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Low-Dose Edibles: For a mild effect that may last 2-4 hours, consumers might choose edibles with 2.5-5 mg of THC.
- Moderate-Dose Edibles: A moderate dose of 5-10 mg of THC can provide more pronounced effects, lasting 4-6 hours.
- High-Dose Edibles: For more substantial effects that can last 6-8 hours or more, edibles with 15-20+ mg of THC may work well. However, these doses are typically reserved for experienced cannabis fans.
- Beverages: THC-infused beverages vary in potency, with low-dose options containing around 2.5-5 mg of THC per serving, while higher-dose options can have 10-20 mg or more.
Issues with Inaccurate THC Levels
Unfortunately, inaccurate lab testing happens and can cause brands to report the wrong THC level in cannabis and hemp products. Recent research indicates this practice is fairly common.
- One report says that the THC potency of marijuana flower sold in legal stores in four states is routinely and systematically inflated, sometimes by as much as 25% or more.
- Another 2023 study across ten dispensaries in Colorado found that over 70% of samples inaccurately labeled their THC content. According to the researchers, the “average observed THC potency was 23.1% lower than the lowest label reported values and 35.6% lower than the highest label reported values.”
These mistakes happen for various reasons, including faulty testing protocols, inexperience, and “lab shopping” to inflate results.
Faulty testing protocols
Currently, there are no standardized methods for testing THC levels in the United States. Each lab must select or develop its own procedures to meet state testing requirements, and not all are created equal. Issues with testing protocols can include:
- Testing THC levels might not align with industry standards, like those created by the Emerald Scientific Inter-Laboratory Comparison proficiency test.
- Delta-8 and Delta-10 are minor cannabinoids that appear in far smaller quantities than Delta-9 THC, making it difficult for laboratories to differentiate the two during testing.
- Delta-10 can be incredibly challenging, with many labs misidentifying it as CBC or CBL, even when using the industry-standard methodology.
Inexperienced laboratories
Laboratories want to capitalize on the booming demand for third-party cannabis testing, yet they might not have the knowledge or experience to use the required tools properly. Testing THC levels entails understanding advanced gas spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipment.
Testing THC levels also require customized methods for the various products on the market, meaning the same test doesn’t apply to smokable cannabis, edibles, oils, beverages, nano-emulsions, and topical lotions. Only an experienced laboratory will know how to adjust their methods to test the product on hand accurately.
Lab shopping
Some companies want to ensure their products pass all compliance tests or reach a desired potency and will seek out labs that are more likely to return friendly results, a tactic known as “lab shopping.” Many brands and consumers correlate high THC potency with quality, making it a primary factor in determining pricing for cannabis flower, edibles, and other products. This aspect gives financial incentives to brands to lab-shop and inflate potency when testing THC levels in hopes that they can charge more.
Accurate THC Testing with ACS Laboratory
ACS Laboratory has myriad accreditations and accolades that make it one of the nation’s leaders in testing THC levels, including:
- ISO 17025-accredited for the ability and competence to provide testing and calibration results
- DEA-licensed
- Follows CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988) regulations for health assessment testing
- Has the largest state-of-the-art cannabis and hemp testing facility in the eastern United States
- Received 82 Emerald Badges for potency and purity accuracy (more rewards than any other lab in the USA)
ACS Laboratory uses Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machinery for edibles and extracts for precise measurements. This equipment is the gold standard for its ability to test samples at room temperature without requiring heat, which can alter results.
ACS is one of the few labs in the country with the experience and sophisticated equipment to accurately identify all THC forms, even Delta-10, which many labs confuse with other cannabinoids. The “Potency 13” and “Potency 25” tests developed by ACS have a unique testing method that deviates from the industry standard to specifically target and separate Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 THC for the most accurate results.
Bottom Line
Testing THC levels is critical for all cannabis and hemp products so that customers know what effects to expect and the correct dosage. For hemp and alternative cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-10, testing is required to prove that products don’t exceed the federal limit of Delta-9 THC (0.3%). If third-party laboratories can’t distinguish Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 properly, they can produce false results that disappoint customers or turn unregulated products into illegal drugs.
ACS Laboratory analyzes more cannabinoids than most laboratories in the country and offers sophisticated testing methods to verify THC levels in all its forms, including Delta-9, Delta-8, and Delta-10 THC. Brands looking to stay on top of safety and quality standards can contact ACS Laboratory about the options for testing THC levels on their products today.
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