Keystone Labs is proud to announce that they have completed method validation for Cannabinoid Potency Testing using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). This technique allows the lab to analyze the natural cannabinoid profile as it occurs in the plant, without altering the molecular structure. The cannabinoid profile shows which cannabinoid compounds are present and in which concentration they occur. It’s this information that is useful in managing symptoms (for example, insomnia, pain, anxiety, etc.) in a patient.

Keystone President, Jodi McDonald explains, “Each variety of medical marijuana has a different cannabinoid profile and therefore can offer different therapeutic effects.” Up to now, cannabinoid concentrations have been measured mostly through a technique called Gas Chromatography (GC). Unfortunately, this method changes some of the naturally occurring forms of cannabinoids. Maintaining the natural profile is important because it provides more accurate information in terms of what is present in a particular strain of Cannabis. Says McDonald, “This information is what makes it more useful for a doctor to prescribe the best dosage or product for a patient.”

This testing is also good news for commercial marijuana producers. As part of the change in the regulations for commercial marijuana producers, Health Canada has made it a requirement that the two key cannabinoid concentrations remain within 20% of what is printed on the label. Because the HPLC method is sensitive and specific to a wide range of cannabinoids, it will give commercial producers a much clearer and more accurate potency profile of their products. This will help the producers to better manage the quality and consistency of the product they provide.

- 30 -

Keystone Labs is an analytical testing lab based in Edmonton Alberta. You can find out more online at http://www.keystonelabs.ca.