A mobile device able to detect and quantify 19 cannabinoids in just about any product has reportedly been selected by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of its role in the regulation of the USA’s cannabis industry.
Orange Photonics, which describes itself as a pioneer in revolutionizing High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) platform technology, says the LightLab 3 eases the burden on forensic laboratories by enabling non-technical operators to immediately test cannabis plants and products at the point of production or sale.
“The public deserves to have complete confidence in the safety, labeling, and marketing standards of products on retail shelves,” stated Orange Photonics Stephanie McArdle. “The FDA’s adoption of LightLab 3 Cannabis Analyzer is a positive step as it continues to prioritize public health within the current regulatory landscape.”
The FDA won’t be the first federal agency to use the LightLab 3 -the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) began deploying the tool last year. Added to that are international and state regulatory agencies that have also successfully implemented LightLab 3 according to Orange Photonics.
“State regulatory agencies have successfully relied upon the LightLab 3 Cannabis Analyzer technology for years,” said Ms. McArdle
Running a sample through the device takes ten minutes and thirty seconds. It takes two minutes to “zero” LightLab 3, and eight minutes and thirty seconds to analyze the sample. Step-by-step instructions on the screen guide an operator through sample preparation and analysis of all sample types.
The device only requires small samples for cannabinoid detection and quantification – 300mg for cured cannabis flower and concentrates, 1g for hemp and 100 mg to 5 grams for infused products, depending on the sample type. As for accuracy, typical results are within 2% of a lab result for flower and 3% for concentrates. With the optional Hemp Compliance Module, Delta-9 THC and THC-A can be measured within 0.05%.
An interesting aspect of the instrument is the detection system borrows technology from the Mars rover.
The FDA’s decision to deploy LightLab 3 HS Cannabis Analyzer stems from its commitment to address consumer safety concerns associated with food-related products containing CBD (cannabidiol) and Delta-8 THC states the company.
