Heavy Metals

Cannabis plants can absorb heavy metals that are commonly found in the soil, water, and air.  These heavy metals can accumulate in cannabis and cause harm to humans as our bodies are not able to eliminate them.  Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry we can detect minute amounts of heavy metals that might be present in cannabis flowers or marijuana infused products.

We are currently testing for Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, and Mercury.

Microbiological

Microbial contamination can pose a significant health risk to cannabis consumers, especially immunocompromised individuals.  LK Pure Labs uses state of the art 3M lab equipment, qPCR along with ISO certified methodologies to ensure dangerous microbials are not present or within acceptable limits according to Illinois Cannabis Testing Regulations.

We are currently testing for aerobic bacteria, Bile-Tolerant Gram-Negative Bacteria, Coliforms, E. Coli, Salmonella, total yeast, and mold.

Mycotoxin

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds harmful to humans produced as a byproduct of some molds and fungi.  At LK Pure labs we use High Performance Liquid Chromatography to find detectable levels of Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin.

Pesticide

All plants are susceptible to pests and cannabis is no exception, therefore, the use of pesticides, natural or synthetic, are common.  However, these chemicals can be poisonous not only to the pests they are intended for, but also to humans if consumed at dangerous levels.  Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry we test for dozens of pesticides to ensure products meet regulatory standards and are safe for consumption.

Terpene

Terpenes are basically the essential oil of a plant giving it a unique fragrance, color, smell and, in some cases, a synergistic effect with other plant characteristics.  Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry we can identify the specific terpenes contained in a cannabis product to help growers know what terpenes are retained in their product and to help consumers seek out their preferred product.  

We currently test for 3-Carene, a-Bisabolol, a-Humulene,a-Pinene, , a-Terpinene,a-Terpineol,b-Caryophyllene, b-Elemene, b-Myrcene, b-Phellandrene, b-Pinene, Borneol, Camphene, Caryophyllene Oxide, Cis-Nerolidol, Endo-Fenchyl Alcohol, Eucalyptol, Fenchone, y-Terpinene, y-Terpineol, Guaiol, Limonene, Linaloolm, Ocimene, p-Cymene, Sabinene, Sabiene Hydrate, Terpinolene, Trans-Nerolidol, Valencene

Residual Solvents

Solvents can be a necessary part of the extraction process when producing marijuana infused products, however solvents can be harmful to the consumer if they remain at levels that are too high in the final product.  Using headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection we test for the following residual solvents to determine if they are present and at a safe level for consumption.

We currently test for Acetone, Butane, Ethanol, Ethyl-Acetate, Ethyl-Ether, Ethylene Oxide, Heptane, Isopropanol, Methanol, Methylene-Chloride, n-Hexane, Pentane, Propane, Toluene, Trichloroethene, Xylenes

Potency

Selection of a cannabis product by a consumer will be very dependent on the Cannabinoid profile of the cannabis product.  LK Pure Labs uses High-Performance Liquid Chromatography to identify the cannabinoids presence and potency of those cannabinoids.

We are currently testing for CBD, CBG, CBDa, CBGa, CBN, 49-THC, 48-THC, СВСl THCa, and THCV

Gender Testing

Using qPCR technology, we can identify male cannabis plants accurately and at the earliest stages before they begin to exhibit visible sex features saving time and labor.

Moisture/Water Activity

Many microorganisms thrive in moist environments so limiting moisture content can help inhibit microbial growth.  Using a water activity meter, we can identify the moisture level in plants to determine if there is excess water present which could make environments ripe for microorganisms to grow.  

Plant Health

Cannabis plants are susceptible to many pathogenic infections just like any other living organism.  These infections or infestations sometimes exhibit easily identifiable symptoms, however sometimes they do not.  Using qPCR technology, we can identify viruses and other pathogens from leaf samples at early growth stages which allow the grower to treat or remove troubled plants to prevent the spread of harmful plant pathogens.   

R & D Consulting

We can do any of our available testing on R & D products to provide valuable feedback to customers while they are creating new products or improving current products to ensure they meet regulatory requirements.