About Us and Our services

OUR SUPERIOR SERVICES

PharmLabs™ locations nationwide provide the hemp and cannabis communities with chemical and biological analytical laboratory testing. PharmLabs™ helps ensure product quality, safety and compliance for the highly regulated hemp and hemp/cannabis industries.

PharmLabs™ provides the hemp and hemp/cannabis communities with the fastest turnaround times, at the lowest cost which is backed up by a price match guarantee with results you can trust.

PharmLabs™ provides a quantitative analysis of the potency of cannabinoids and terpenes along with contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, mycotoxins and microbiological testing for the hemp and hemp/cannabis industries.

HEMP TESTING PROGRAM (HTP)

Pricing is designed specifically to save you money while customized to your budget and specific testing needs

PharmLabs™ Hemp Testing Program (HTP) ensures your crop does not exceed the THC regulatory threshold of 0.3%. We like to refer to the HTP as an “insurance” program. This type of investment insurance program has been proven to achieve the following:
 
1. Ensure compliance for local and federal laws that the planted hemp crops are below the required total THC levels of 0.3% and get approval to harvest
2. Ensure the plants genetics match the COA’s provided by the seed vendors
3. Identify contamination issues early through microbiological, heavy metal and pesticide screenings
4. Projections of the final harvested crops monetary value
5. Maximize profit through perfectly timed harvesting and optimizing CBD potency levels on the plant
6. Lock in sales contracts before harvest

CALIFORNIA COMPLIANCE TESTING REQUIREMENTS (FOR PRICING CLICK HERE)

Review our guide to California’s compliance testing requirements with our easy to follow chart!

CANNABINOID POTENCY TESTING (FOR PRICING CLICK HERE)

Our Cannabinoid Potency testing offers a quantitative analysis which includes the LARGEST list of psychoactive compounds that can be found in the hemp and cannabis industry today. Our advanced cannabinoid potency method establishes the exact concentration of unique cannabinoids found in any type of sample. These unique cannabinoids are what is currently shaping the cannabis markets today. Our Cannabinoid Potency test separates the acidic compounds from the neutral compounds. We use a validated scientific method utilizing a High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for the separation and quantification of all cannabinoids. All results are submitted as a percentage of the dry weight of the entire sample unless specifically requested in mg/g, mg/mL, and/or mg/Unit. Please check in with us today to see a complete updated list of cannabinoids we are currently testing as we add new cannabinoids very often..

With the use of cannabinoid potency testing we have the ability to help our clients with three of our most popular and important services:

1. Early Leaf Cannabinoid Ratio Detection Testing

Do not waste your time and money transitioning into flower and not knowing! If you goal is to grow CBD rich medicines or achieve a specific THC:CBD ratio then we can help! We can detect CBD/THC rich medicines from a leaf of a young plant and save you months of your precious time and tons of your hard earned money from a simple test.

Click Here For More Information

2. Harvest Optimization Testing

When is the exact best time to harvest your hemp/cannabis crop to get the maximum potency out of your flower? We can help! Do not spend all your hard earned time and money and not get the maximum reward from your crop!

With harvest optimization testing we recommend our clients to test a sample from their crop:

1) A week before their normal harvest time
2) At their normal harvest time
3) A week after their normal harvest time

Click Here For More Information

3. Homogeneity Testing

Homogeneity testing is a good idea for packaged hemp/cannabis goods to ensure you have the highest possible quality product with consistent dosing. It requires a minimum of 6 cannabinoid potency tests of separately packaged products for total THC or CBD.

Although hundreds of different cannabinoids have been identified in hemp/cannabis, our Homogeneity Test establishes the amount of Total Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Total Cannabidiol (CBD) contained in a submitted sample of hemp/cannabis or hemp/cannabis product.

We use an established scientific method utilizing an HPLC for the quantification of THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, CBG, and CBN. All results are submitted as a percentage of the dry weight of the entire sample.

The batch is homogeneous and “passes” homogeneity testing if the relative standard deviation, with no outliers, as assessed using the Grubb’s outlier test with a significance level of 0.05, is less than 15% on average. If the relative standard deviation is greater than 15%, the batch “fails” the homogeneity test. Homogeneity testing is for informational purposes only and for the select companies that want to ensure excellence and the highest quality products on the market.

MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTING (FOR PRICING CLICK HERE)

The same conditions that are ideal for the cultivation of hemp/cannabis are also ideal for the germination of hundreds of bacteria and fungi which are found in the water, soil, and air. We must remember that yeast and molds can grow in decaying vegetation and residual moisture will also encourage bacterial growth. Also, under ideal conditions, some fungi can produce toxic metabolites known as mycotoxins (ex. Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin) which can infect immunocompromised humans and cause allergic, aflatoxin and pathogenic infections such as the disease Aspergillosis. If your hemp/cannabis or
infused hemp/cannabis products are not properly tested, the medicine you are consuming can be contaminated with a variety of harmful pathogens.

Microorganisms in hemp/cannabis can be an indication of spoilage, levels of sanitation and the potential for human pathogenesis. We recommend all manufacturers to test their products before they hit the store shelf and also seek consulting advice on how to properly package and store the edible to increase stability for its shelf life. All of these preventative actions can help prevent consumers from getting sick and also increase the credibility of the hemp/cannabis industry as a whole.

MYCOTOXINS TESTING (FOR PRICING CLICK HERE)

Under ideal conditions, some fungi can produce toxic metabolites known as mycotoxins (ex. Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin) which can infect immunocompromised humans and cause allergic, aflatoxin and pathogenic infections such as the disease Aspergillosis.

Especially for those with compromised immune systems, Microbiological contamination can be very harmful and dangerous to one’s health. Scientific studies suggest continuous exposure to a specific mycotoxin often results in an allergic reaction resulting from buildup over time, that has the potential to be lethal to some patients even without a compromised immune system

infused hemp/cannabis products are not properly tested, the medicine you are consuming can be contaminated with a variety of harmful pathogens.

Microorganisms in hemp/cannabis can be an indication of spoilage, levels of sanitation and the potential for human pathogenesis. We recommend all manufacturers to test their products before they hit the store shelf and also seek consulting advice on how to properly package and store the edible to increase stability for its shelf life. All of these preventative actions can help prevent consumers from getting sick and also increase the credibility of the hemp/cannabis industry as a whole.

RESIDUAL SOLVENT TESTING (FOR PRICING CLICK HERE)

Our Residual Solvent Testing offers a quantitative analysis of 20 solvents commonly used in the extraction of cannabinoids to make concentrated forms of hemp/cannabis. If a hemp/cannabis concentrate is not purged properly to eliminate solvents used in the extraction process; the residual solvent can remain in the concentrate when used by consumers. These residual solvents remaining in the concentrates can be very harmful when inhaled or ingested. Residual solvents are typically not acutely toxic but may have a long-term effect on exposed individuals. An exposed person may exhibit eye, nose, and throat irritation, nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, allergic skin reaction and at higher levels can cause central nervous depression, respiratory and cardiac arrest. We use an established scientific method for the separation and quantification of: 1-2-Dichloroethane, Acetone, Acetonitrile, Benzene, Butane, Chloroform, Ethanol, Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl Ether, Ethylene Oxide, Heptane, Hexane, Isopropanol, M,P-Xylene, Methanol, Methylene Chloride, O-Xylene, Pentane, Propane, Toluene, Trichloroethylene.

PESTICIDE TESTING (FOR PRICING CLICK HERE)

We test for 66 pesticides commonly used during different states of growing hemp/cannabis. Our method for determining Pesticide concentration by LC MS/MS and GC MS/MS is completely quantitative and involves an extensive sample prep procedure to ensure high sensitivity. All samples are run with accompanying standard curves containing known concentrations of pesticide standards as well quality control samples to ensure high accuracy and precision. The process begins by pulverizing the plant material into a homogenous powder to ensure all parts of the flower are represented in the analysis. The material is then extracted in a solvent that solubilizes pesticides, and these compounds are then further separated from interfering compounds using additional purification steps. We have developed our sample prep process independently in our lab and we do not use any commercially available system to extract pesticide from the products.

Once the sample prep is complete, the sample is analyzed on a Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer which is coupled to an HPLC or a GC. Our quantitation range spans nearly 3 orders of magnitude, ranging down to the low parts per billion for most compounds. Calibration curves and quality control analysis ensure linearity in quantitation, and this analysis is included in the report.

We test for: Abamectin, Acephate, Acequinocyl, Acetamiprid, Aldicarb, Azoxystrobin, Baygon (Propoxur), Bifenazate, Bifenthrin, Boscalid, Captan, Carbaryl, Carbofuran, Chlorantraniliprole, Chlordane, Chlorfenapyr, Chlorpyrifos, Clofentezine, Coumaphos, Cyfluthrin, Cypermethrin, Daminozide, Diazinon, Dichlorvos, Dimethoate, Dimethomorph, Ethoprophos (Prophos), Etofenprox, Etoxazole, Fenhexamid, Fenoxycarb, Fenpyroximate, Fipronil, Flonicamid, Fludioxonil, Hexythiazox, Imazalil, Imidacloprid, Kresoxim-methyl, Malathion, Metalaxyl, Methiocarb, Methomyl, Methyl Parathion, Mevinphos, Myclobutanil, Naled, Oxamyl, Paclobutrazol, Pentachloronitrobenzene, Permethrin, Phosmet, Piperonyl Butoxide, Prallethrin, Propiconazole, Pyrethrin, Pyridaben, Spinetoram J,L, Spinosad A, Spinosad D, Spiromesifen, Spirotetramat, Spiroxamine, Tebuconazole, Thiacloprid, Thiamethoxam, Trifloxystrobin

HEAVY METAL TESTING (FOR PRICING CLICK HERE)

Unfortunately, there is a potential of heavy metal exposure with the use of hemp/cannabis from cultivating the plant itself, its commercialization, and its intake methods. Soils used for growing hemp/cannabis outdoors are frequently in peri-urban locations or near abandoned industrial and mining sites. Consequently, the presence of pollutant metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) in the soil and water tend to be more pervasive. Certain packaging’s have been found to contain heavy metals, where these metals have been proven to leech into products at high contaminating levels, failing batches. Cultivation soils used indoors can also present problems especially if non-certified fertilizers and/or pesticides containing Pb or As are used. As hemp/cannabis is a commodity typically sold by weight, some street dealers have been known to deliberately “lace” product to increase its weight. Pb is commonly used for this and in excess amounts is visible due to its consistency and white color.

TERPENE TESTING (FOR PRICING CLICK HERE)

Our Terpene Testing offers a quantitative analysis of 23 major terpenes found in hemp/cannabis. Why does certain hemp/cannabis strains smell and taste a certain way? Terpenes! Terpenes are a diverse group of organic HydroCarbons (C5H8), produced by a wide variety of plants. They are important building blocks for certain odors, hormones, vitamins, pigments, steroids, resins, essential oils, and CANNABINOIDS! Terpenes interact with each other synergistically for a range of different smells, qualities, and physical effects.

There are over 120 different terpenes that can be produced by Hemp/cannabis, some only in trace amounts, while others around 20 percent. Terpenes are produced in the Trichomes, which are the same glands where THC is produced, comprising between 10 and 20 percent of the total oils produced by the glands. About 10-29 percent of hemp/cannabis smoke resin is composed of terpenoids.

We use an established scientific method for the separation and quantification of: 3-Carene, Camphene, Caryophyllene Oxide, Eucalyptol, Geraniol, Guaiol, Isopulegol, Limonene, Linalool, Myrcene, Terpenolene, a-Humulene, a-Ocimene, a-Pinene, a-Terpinene, a-bisabolol, b-Caryophyllene, b-Ocimene, b-Pinene, cis-Nerolidol, g-Terpinene, p-Cymene, trans-Nerolidol

FILTH AND FOREIGN MATERIAL INSPECTION (FOR PRICING CLICK HERE)

Filth and foreign material inspection includes but is not limited to the identification of hair, insects, feces, packaging contaminants, and manufacturing waste and by-products in hemp/cannabis and hemp/cannabis products.

WATER ACTIVITY/MOISTURE TESTING (FOR PRICING CLICK HERE)

Our laboratory analyzes solid and semi-solid edible hemp/cannabis products to determine its water-activity level. If the water activity is at or below 0.85 Aw, the sample “passes” water activity testing. Water activity at or above .85 Aw that is found in a product is an indicator that there are the ideal conditions for bacteria’s to grow and contaminate the product in the sealed package.

Our laboratory reports the water-activity level of the sample in Aw to 2 significant figures. This information is included on certificate of analysis when required.

WE ARE ISO/IEC 17025 CERTIFIED! SO, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

ISO is an acronym for the International Organization for Standardization. ISO/IEC 17025 are requirements for the competence of testing and calibration of analytic laboratories and is the main ISO standard used by testing and calibration laboratories. In most major countries, ISO/IEC 17025 is the standard for which most labs must hold accreditation in order to be deemed technically competent. In many cases, suppliers and regulatory authorities will not accept test or calibration results from a lab that is not accredited. Originally known as ISO/IEC Guide 25, ISO/IEC 17025 was initially issued by the International Organization for Standardization in 1999. There are many commonalities with the ISO 9000 standard, but ISO/IEC 17025 is more specific in requirements for competence. The ISO/IEC 17025 standard itself comprises five elements that are Scope, Normative References, Terms and Definitions, Management Requirements and Technical Requirements. The two main sections in ISO/IEC 17025 are Management Requirements and Technical Requirements. Management requirements are primarily related to the operation and effectiveness of the quality management system within the laboratory. Technical requirements include factors which determines the correctness and reliability of the tests and calibrations performed in the laboratory. Laboratories use ISO/IEC 17025 to implement a quality system aimed at improving their ability to consistently produce valid results.[2] It is also the basis for accreditation from an accreditation body. You can trust that your testing results with PharmLabs™ will be accurate every time!

We know how to get the job done right!

RANDOM SAMPLING AND TRANSPORTATION:PHARMLABS WILL COME TO YOU!

PharmLabs Random Sampling and transportation service makes the testing process a breeze! Our mission is to provide random batch sampling for the hemp/cannabis industry using a proven scientific method to ensure accurate representation of a submitted laboratory sample. This proven random sampling method will increase testing accuracy by ensuring the test sample is an accurate representation of a batch and ensure the health and safety of consumers.

One of our trained laboratory staff and/or a third party courier service that is licensed, bonded and specializing in laboratory sampling and transportation will come on site to your location. The sampling specialist will collect samples using a scientifically proven method for random sampling.

The cost for certified random sampling and safe and secure transportation to the laboratory starts out at only $100 per visit! Sampling includes safe and secure transportation and there are no limits on the number of samples to be collected and transported.

SUBMITTING SAMPLES

Test credits can be purchased over the phone or in person at our laboratory via cash, check, or charge.

  • If you are a first time client, please make a client account and then stop into our laboratories anytime between 9AM and 5PM Monday through Friday.
  • Hemp/cannabis product samples for testing can be dropped off in person to our laboratory. You can also call the lab to schedule CA compliance sampling where a trained Sampling & Transportation Specialist will come to you.
  •  Please utilize PharmLabs Chain of Custody (COC) sheet and fill out completely when submitting samples for testing.
Amount of sample required: 
SERVICE TYPEFLOWERCONCENTRATE SOLIDLIQUIDTOPICALEDIBLE
Cannabinoid / Potency1g1g2.5ml2.5g/mlEntire packaged edible
Pesticide Screening2g2g2.5ml2.5g/mlEntire packaged edible
Heavy Metal Screening2g2g1.5ml1.5g/mlEntire packaged edible
Mycotoxins2g2g2ml2g/mlEntire packaged edible
Microbial Testing4g4g4ml4g/mlEntire packaged edible
Homogeneity n/an/an/an/a10 Entire packaged edibles
Residual Solvent1g.5g1ml1g/mlEntire packaged edible
Terpene1g.5g1ml1g/mlEntire packaged edible
Above are the amount of samples needed for each service offered shown in units of g or ml

PharmLabs™ will provide customers with a unique customer log-in and password to access their own personal PharmLabs™ webpage. From this personal webpage customers will be able to:

  • Review current lab results 
  • Review a complete history of past lab results with easy to use filters to help you find information fast
  • Print their Certificate of Analysis (COA) complete with detailed graphs illustrating the results
  • Export all testing data to spreadsheets that you can filter for easy analysis
  • Share their certified results directly via a public URL over the web
  • Share their certified results publicly through our PUBLIC CATALOG 
  • Purchase testing credits 
  • Review billing and invoices
  • Place testing orders with previously purchased credits

WHY WE ARE DIFFERENT

PharmLabs has been a pioneer in testing since 2011 for cannabinoid, psychedelic and select nutraceutical testing.  We ensure product quality, safety, and compliance for both regulated and non-regulated industries.  Our white glove service guarantees that you will always be able to contact live assistance before, during and after the testing process.  Our extremely competitive pricing is personalized for your business to make sure you keep your operating costs low, but also have the opportunity to grow without compromising your ability to test your products for quality and safety.  Fast turnaround times, including same-day testing when available, means you get your results, and can conduct business in a timely manner.  Accuracy is everything to us, and we work diligently to continuously verify all processes and results before they ever reach you.  If ever there are concerns with your results, our Client Care Team is here to help you address and find resolution in a timely manner. Experience excellence with us at PharmLabs!
care@sdpharmlabs.com