Believe in the numbers: Kaycha Labs & The Hemp Institute

The need for accurate analytics is vital to every cog of the Cannabis sativa machine. Paying for a certificate of analysis (CoA) to flaunt numbers that are potentially devoid of meaning serves no purpose. Rather, the honorable CoA communicates product safety, information used for dosing, and the quantities of ancillary molecules like terpenes and minor cannabinoids that play various roles in a product’s medicinal and physiological properties. And as science desperately tries to (must) catch up to product development and, more importantly, consumption, the numbers calculated across any measurement must be trustworthy to make decisions, modifications, and claims based on factual medicine. In order to know “my product works for x, y, z”, the data associated with the product needs to be defendable and traceable.

Testing moisture in the flower (moisture balance instrument)

Enter Kaycha Labs…

In 2017, Kaycha Labs, formerly EVIO Labs Florida, identified a void in the cannabis market regarding patient outcomes. “We needed a way to aggregate chemical data to better understand what patients were consuming,” said Chris Martinez, the company’s president. “So, we invented a way to test these products and developed a platform to track patient/product efficacy.”

Preparing extraction samples prior to testing

Kaycha Labs provides analytical testing for the cannabis and hemp industries, serving cultivators, processors, manufacturers, and retailers. Kaycha’s mothership facility, a 6,000 sq. ft. laboratory in Davie, Florida, utilizes millions of dollars’ worth of technology and analytical instrumentation, enabling them to provide more predictable outcomes for patients and consumers who medicate with cannabis- and hemp-derived products.

Weighing out the samples

And The Hemp Institute

Kaycha’s family comprises the largest network of ISO accredited cannabis/hemp testing laboratories in the United States. They’ve also created The Hemp Institute at Kaycha Labs, a 7,000 sq. ft. a facility dedicated to hemp research and testing, powered by Shimadzu, and compliant with ISO 17025, AOAC, cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices), and GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) requirements.

TVs display the data, placing samples into the queue, reviewing data on overhead panels

“Our goal at The Hemp Institute,” Chris explained, “is to protect consumer health and well-being, while providing the infrastructure for hemp companies to determine the efficacy of their products, and ultimately change how consumers find relief with them. We want to end the trial and error for consumers and provide data which creates a better starting point for their treatment plan.”

Kaycha Labs and The Hemp Institute have also partnered with accredited universities and innovative businesses such as University of Florida, University of Miami, Duke University, Miami Dade College, PhytaTech, EndoCanna Health, and The Florida Hemp Council, all entities supporting the hemp and cannabis industries through research, analysis, advocacy, education, and service.

Kaycha Labs’ other contribution to industry innovation is its laboratory information management system (LIMS) platform called PureLIMS, which was specifically designed for the cannabis industry. PureLIMS’s different matrices and built-in quality control track information like the expiration date of consumables used, like reagents, to the analysts who conducted the measurements. “Our PureLIMS tracks data over time to support our customers in formulating products that best fit the needs of their consumers,” Chris added. “Our client portal allows our customers to submit samples with specified testing and post certificates of analysis directly to their website as well as custom QR codes.”

Chris, the Genie, and the Three Nuggets

Migrating away from the Kaycha Labs microcosm, I asked Chris what the most important needs of the cannabis industry are? “First, consistency across labs nationwide,” Chris responded, not unexpectedly, given his expertise and passion. “Second, we believe the industry needs to focus on testing innovations through technology, research, and science, furthering efforts to support patients in their transition from opiates and selecting cannabis as a treatment.”

And if Chris, like a genie in a bottle, could offer three nuggets of advice to his clients, what would they be? “First,” he responded, “understand the differences between testing labs based on proficiency testing, ISO accreditations, quality control, and automation. Consistency is key.”

“Second,” he continued, “understand that the CoA is only as good as the lab producing it and their qualifications, as it varies state by state.”

“And third, ask labs to be transparent and willing to show real data to consumers and clients. The more transparent labs can be, the safer patients and consumers will be.”

State Guidelines Pick Up Federal Slack

Currently, there are no testing guidelines federally mandated in the federally legal hemp industry, outside of quantifying total delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Therefore, when evaluating samples for contaminants, the hemp industry can turn to test guidelines mandated by states like New York and Florida.

“Our benchmarks are based on best practices established nationally while keeping patients’ safety in mind along the way,” Chris added. “As industry experts, we regularly speak with state regulators regarding consumer and patient safety. However, not all states operate under these benchmarks which is why patient education is key.”

Are the federal guidelines remiss for not including some basic guidance on contamination testing? “The federal guidelines are a good start,” Chris replied, “but we believe there is a lot more guidance that can be provided with regards to contamination and safety testing. These state guidelines will go a long way in ensuring consumer safety and preventing the influx of low-quality products that are currently flooding the market.”

Biggest Issues with Hemp and Cannabis Products

Labels sometimes aren’t representative of the product inside the packaging. There’s variance in CBD and THC levels compared to what’s labeled. Or, there’s no terpene information. Or, the ingredient list is vague (e.g. minerals). What’s more, from celebrities to politicians formerly against the plant, the mushrooming CBD industry has it all. Burgers, bubble bath, toothpicks, teas. A product for what ails you, including fleas.

“The industry has seen expansive growth with CBD and a great deal of white-label manufacturers and processors lack quality control standards, basic facility requirements, and certifications,” Chris commented. “We see products formulated and tested that ultimately fail due to contaminants. This is because brands are cutting corners to save on testing costs and bypassing the need to test their raw materials. The usual response is, ‘they provided me a CoA for the product.’ The question is, did you send out a sample of your raw materials to a credible lab to confirm for yourself?”

Given the lack of proper regulatory oversight of the industry, unlike federally illegal cannabis, I was curious if Chris has seen an escalating number of hemp samples testing at levels that would and should fail thresholds implemented on cannabis?

“There is a higher prevalence of hemp samples failing contaminant testing,” Chris answered. “This is because the hemp industry is like the Wild West, with many players looking to capitalize on market opportunities without doing basic safety testing and just focusing on potency testing.”

“The larger cannabis operators,” he continued, “understand their responsibility to consumers and are trying to put out the best product. If they would and should fail, then they do. There is no licensing structure in most states relating to CBD manufacturing, while cannabis manufactures have regulations that must be met.”

Although the hemp industry has yet to catch up to cannabis in regulatory oversight, it’s coming. Everyone recognizes its vitality. Until then, we can always look to cannabis testing requirements, and to labs like Kaycha, who have mastered state-level analytical regulations paramount for legitimizing cannabis products, regulations that have nicely transferred over to and served as a beacon in the tumultuous landscape of globalized hemp and CBD.

CBD 101: What you need to know, plus products put to the test

The FDA just released new guidance for consumers as we see more and more CBD products on store shelves.Author: Michael WootenPublished: 7:31 PM EST November 27, 2019Updated: 7:31 PM EST November 27, 2019

DEPEW, N.Y. — From tinctures to topicals, capsules to creams. Store shelves are stocked with the latest consumer craze: CBD.

The newest "Your CBD Store" opened last month in Depew. It sells only CBD products.

"It's a natural anti-anxietal, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-convulsive," explained store manager David Dec.

CBD that's sold online, at gas stations, in drug stores, and at places such as GNC and the "Your CBD Store" is derived from hemp, not marijuana. It has either no THC -- the ingredient in cannabis that makes you high -- or very low levels.

"This stuff is not the 1970s hippie lettuce that everyone is used to seeing people kind of go crazy on," Dec said. "It's non-psychoactive in all of its formats."

Dec said most of his customers use the oils, creams and other products to help with pain, anxiety or even insomnia. The CBD market, which is projected to jump to $16 billion by the year 2025, includes everything from cosmetics to bath bombs and even pet treats.

But not everyone is on board. The National Consumers League (NCL) recently launched a public awareness campaign to warn customers of the dangers. The group is calling on the FDA to regulate the CBD industry, which means more research, more testing and more scrutiny.

"We want Buffalonians to know that there is an explosion of these products out there, and the vast majority of them have never been checked for their safety or effectiveness," said Sally Greenberg, the executive director of the NCL.

A scientific study published in JAMA found 69.1% of the 84 CBD products purchased online tested had inaccurate labeling, with significantly more or less CBD than advertised. Other studies have found products containing potentially hazardous ingredients.

"That includes pesticides and herbicides and toxic mold, arsenic, lead," Greenberg said. "So we have a Wild West of CBD products that have exploded into our retail establishments."

2 On Your Side and its TEGNA reporting partners have done testing on products to see if they contain the amount of CBD that's advertised.

We bought three oils, two gummies and one lotion. Then we teamed up with Kaycha Labs, an accredited cannabis testing facility in Florida.

WGRZ

The testing results varied:

Diamond CBD gummy bears that we bought online claimed to have 75 milligrams of CBD. Kaycha Labs said the package only had 37 milligrams of CBD.
Hemp Bombs CBD gummy bears that we bought at a 7-Eleven claimed to have 75 milligrams of CBD. Kaycha Labs said the package only had 26 milligrams of CBD.
Koi oil from a vapours store claimed to have 250 milligrams of CBD. Kaycha Labs said it had 260 milligrams of CBD.
Sunmed Tincture Oil from "Your CBD Store" claimed to have 250 milligrams of CBD. Kaycha Labs said it had 248 milligrams of CBD.
Lazarus Naturals pet oil that we bought online claimed to have 225 milligrams of CBD. Kaycha Labs said it had 247 milligrams of CBD. It also had 9 milligrams of THC.
Physicians Grade Luxe Lotion that we bought at a GNC claimed to have 100 milligrams of CBD. Kaycha Labs said the lotion had 102 milligrams of CBD.

Dec said his store would never sell a product that had more or less than what is on the label.

"We actually as a company send our product out for third-party testing after we have tested it ourselves in our own labs," he explained. Then when it comes back from third-party testing, we re-test it to make sure that the product that we're putting out is as it says it is. If everything doesn't add up correctly, the batch is scrapped, and we start over again."

There are more than 500 "Your CBD Stores" across the country, and Dec said his company welcomes the FDA regulation that the National Consumers League is demanding.

"It will make companies that are putting out quality products that much stronger," Dec said.

Just this week, the FDA updated its consumer guidance, with a few key takeaways:

CBD can cause liver injury
CBD can affect other drugs in your system
CBD can cause unknown side effects
Not enough research has been done looking into the long-term effects of CBD use

"(T)here are many unanswered questions about the science, safety and quality of products containing CBD," the FDA advisory said.Climate Change HavensAd by The New York Times See More

While there are plenty of concerns, Dr. Stephen Hahn, President Trump's nominee to be FDA Commissioner, acknowledged in his Senate confirmation hearing that there are potential benefits from CBD.

"There are signals that CBD... can be an effective medical product, and I think we have to have a clear and transparent framework for assessing certainly on the medical product side," Dr. Hahn said.

In its guidance, the FDA reminded everyone that only one CBD product has been approved by the agency, and that's a specific drug used to treat severe forms of epilepsy. It remains illegal to market CBD as a dietary supplement or to add it to food. The FDA continues to send out warning letters to manufacturers and retailers that violate the rules.

Kaycha Laboratories chooses Anton Paar instrumentation to help set a Gold Standard in Cannabis and Hemp Testing.

DAVIE, Fla., Dec. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Kaycha Labs, the largest network of cannabis testing labs in the United States, has announced a strategic investment in cutting edge sample testing machinery from Anton Paar, the world's premier manufacturer of analytical instruments. The new machines will enable Kaycha to move to a fully automated testing process; create a Gold Standard in cannabis and hemp testing; and meet the company's ambitious throughput roadmap.

Kaycha Labs has identified three Anton Paar microwave digestion systems – Multiwave GO, the Multiwave PRO and Multiwave 7000 – which will result in improved speed of analysis; increased capacity, safety and reliability; higher precision; and reduced environmental impact.

Chris Martinez, President of Kaycha Labs says, "As the largest network of cannabis testing labs in the US, we are committed to improving existing standards in our industry as well as establishing new ones. With this new technology, our laboratories will be able to conduct more analyses per day at faster speeds and ultimately help us implement our modern automation program."

Faster analyses are highly valued by lab customers who use the data to solve their canna-problems or make decisions more quickly. In addition, faster analyses add value for the laboratory itself by extending the capacity of the instrument to allow more tests to be performed on it each day.

Martinez adds, "This is more than just an investment in Anton Paar's machines. We plan to continue to develop new methods for cannabis testing which will take Anton Paar's science even further. Our goal is to be the foremost, fastest and most precise cannabis testing laboratories in the world."

Neil Boesl, Vice President at Anton Paar, who manages the company's Southern Region office in Houston, says, "Anton Paar values innovation and precise measurement above all else, so it is exciting to work with like-minded partners like Kaycha Labs. We share a common vision that will require aggressive strides being made in throughput and automation. We look forward to working with Kaycha to help create a new standard in cannabis testing."

For more information on Kaycha Labs, contact Craig Hammon at craig@kaychalabs.com or 954.368.7661. For more information on Anton Paar USA, contact Jeff Linka at jeff.linka@anton-paar.com or 804.550.1051.

Kaycha Labs Announces Strategic Investment in Cutting Edge Cannabis Testing Technology from Anton Paar

Kaycha Laboratories chooses Anton Paar instrumentation to help set a Gold Standard in Cannabis and Hemp Testing.

The Multiwave 7000 microwave digestion system from Anton Paar

"We plan to continue to develop new methods for cannabis testing which will take Anton Paar’s science even further. Our goal is to be the foremost, fastest and most precise cannabis testing laboratories in the world.”-Chis Martinez, President - Kaycha Labs

DAVIE, FLA. (PRWEB) DECEMBER 10, 2019

Kaycha Labs, the largest network of cannabis testing labs in the United States, has announced a strategic investment in cutting edge sample testing machinery from Anton Paar, the world’s premier manufacturer of analytical instruments. The new machines will enable Kaycha to move to a fully automated testing process; create a Gold Standard in cannabis and hemp testing; and meet the company’s ambitious throughput roadmap.

Chris Martinez, President of Kaycha Labs says, “As the largest network of cannabis testing labs in the US, we are committed to improving existing standards in our industry as well as establishing new ones. With this new technology, our laboratories will be able to conduct more analyses per day at faster speeds and ultimately help us implement our modern automation program.”

Martinez adds, “This is more than just an investment in Anton Paar’s machines. We plan to continue to develop new methods for cannabis testing which will take Anton Paar’s science even further. Our goal is to be the foremost, fastest and most precise cannabis testing laboratories in the world.”

Neil Boesl, Vice President at Anton Paar, who manages the company’s Southern Region office in Houston, says, “Anton Paar values innovation and precise measurement above all else, so it is exciting to work with like-minded partners like Kaycha Labs. We share a common vision that will require aggressive strides being made in throughput and automation. We look forward to working with Kaycha to help create a new standard in cannabis testing.”

Kaycha Group LLC Declares Second-Quarter 2019 Dividend

Kaycha Group LLC approves cash dividend of $680,000 ($0.10 per unit) distribution to shareholders

July 03, 2019 05:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The board of directors of Kaycha Group LLC today declared a 10-cent dividend, payable August 1, 2019, to members at the close of business on July 1, 2019. Kaycha Group LLC operates numerous cannabis focused businesses for both marijuana and hemp testing, including the medical efficacy software “MJ Buddy” and Kaycha Holdings LLC (d/b/a EVIO Labs) that operates three cannabis testing laboratories.

“We are confident in the future of our Kaycha brands and focused on maximizing total shareholder return, of which the dividend remains a key component of our growth and success”

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Kaycha Group LLC expects to payout at least one additional dividend to its shareholders in 2019 and is focused on expansion and revenue growth in 2020. The dividend paid by Kaycha Group LLC is in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Kaycha Group LLC reported that continuing operations resulted in 2019 projected revenues of $10,000,000. Kaycha Group will distribute $680,000 in August 2019 with earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.10 for the first six months of 2019.

“We are confident in the future of our Kaycha brands and focused on maximizing total shareholder return, of which the dividend remains a key component of our growth and success,” stated Christopher Martinez, Kaycha Group President and Co-Founder.

About Kaycha Group LLC:

At Kaycha Group, we apply science and technology with our global resources to bring services to the market that extend and significantly improve the efficacy of patient and product data in the cannabis industry. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and execution of our services. Our national portfolio includes testing services for marijuana and hemp derived products as well as software systems and technology specific to our industry. Every day, Kaycha Group colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance testing capabilities, patient safety, product efficacy, and solutions that challenge the current marketplace. Consistent with our mission to ensure patients consume products that are safe, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable testing services from coast to coast. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.eviolabsfl.com and www.mjbuddy.com.

DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this release is as of July 1, 2019. The company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements.

Kaycha Group Announces Innovative Collaboration “The HEMP Institute” at EVIO Labs and Endocanna Health Inc.

The Hemp Institute at EVIO Labs Florida, Florida 1^stISO 17025:2017 accredited hemp testing facility, including a recent expansion to combine for over 16,000+ square feet of testing and research labs, announced today the strategic partnership with the innovative research group, Endocanna Health, to focus on the research and efficacy of hemp and hemp derived products, and their cumulative effects on the human body, based on individual patient DNA.

At the forefront of innovation, The HEMP Institute in collaboration with Endocanna Health will utilize Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, pronounced “SNIPS”, in DNA to detect biological similarities or differences among people. These SNPs will be used to identify and correlate the most up-to-date research for specific genotypes. In addition, Peer-Peer reviews and efficacy trials will be supported, tracked, and analyzed via MJ Buddy, a tracking and efficacy software tool developed specifically for the medical cannabis and hemp industry. MJ Buddy is publicly available for all physicians, patients and research institutes by download in Apple iTunes and Google Play stores bringing the power of cannabis to the palm of your hand. Tracking everything from bio markers, dosages, and feedback utilizing individual DNA profiles creating a complete and HIPAA compliant ecosystem for patient and product research.

“We’re pleased to collaborate with The Hemp Institute in this synergistic approach for building hemp-based therapeutic efficacy models. Our goal at Endocanna Health is to identify and optimize cannabinoid-based therapies based on an individual’s DNA while mitigating potential side-effects as well as adverse effects and drug interactions. The Hemp Institute’s hemp DNA validation along with their peer-to-peer efficacy feedback will provide key data to support our mission to facilitate the highest quality, consistent, personalized, genetically-aligned cannabinoid products.” – Len May, CEO Endocanna Health.

According to executives, this partnership comes at a time of much needed research and product efficacy for doctors and patients who are looking at utilizing hemp derived products over prescription pills. “Partnering with Endocanna Health allows us to utilizeunique technology at TheHEMP Institute, allowingus to see into a patient’s DNA the same way our labs see into the chemical profiles of different products. Hemp in its various formsaffect each patient differently and thiscollaborative effort will be a game changer for the industry. Allowing us to remove the guesswork for patients, providing a unique personalized wellness approach and increasing the standard of living for patients,” saidChristopher Martinez, Co-founder and President The HEMP Institute at EVIO Labs in Florida.

1. OUR COMMITMENT TO PRIVACY

Kaycha Labs knows that you care how Personally Identifying Information (PII) about you is used and shared, and we appreciate your trust that we will do so carefully and sensibly. This notice describes our privacy policy. By visiting a web site that communicates with or links to by Kaycha Labs software, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Notice.

PII means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (‘data subject’); an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.

2. THE INFORMATION WE COLLECT

Kaycha Labs operates solely as a provider of Internet-enabled Application Service Provider (ASP) that provides a comprehensive customer management system solution for cannabis and hemp growers, processors, and distributors. As such, Kaycha Labs does not collect any of the data within our systems except for and at the explicit instructions of our customers– the companies that have contracted to use our applications and services.

All PII received originates from companies who represent products, or their consumer websites that Kaycha Labs hosts for them, that have contracted with Kaycha Labs to act on their behalf in order to fulfill testing requests. -Kaycha Labs does not collect PII from any other source. Only information required to complete a testing request is asked for and received by our applications.

Kaycha Labs does operate session-based web-enabled applications, however Kaycha Labs does not employ stealth PII-gathering or spyware-type devices of any kind. Kaycha Labs does not utilize cookies that could be used to uniquely identify an individual other than a customer, with whom Kaycha Labs has a contract. However, our customers may choose to employ such devices in web sites that they control that accesses Kaycha Labs applications and systems. Kaycha Labs is in no way responsible for the content of such third-party web sites.

Kaycha Labs only receives PII that is provided by authorized customers who have contracted to use our applications and systems to benefit themselves or their clients. Kaycha Labs does not contract with outside entities to augment or provide personal information of any kind. Kaycha Labs, of its own accord, does not originate, collect or augment PII in any way.

3. THE WAY WE USE INFORMATION

Kaycha Labs does not act on any of the data within our systems except for and at or the explicit instructions of our customers– the companies that have contracted to use our software and services. Kaycha Labs passes all data that is collected through its systems to the appropriate entities in order to complete testing requests. Kaycha Labs does not act on, supplement or disseminate PII of its own accord in any way.

Kaycha Labs software requires that its clients input its agent’s information, which may optionally include an employee number in addition to traditional office contact information. This information is only used to identify client agent, facilitate travel requests and related uses.

Kaycha Labs applications and services will ask companies to provide customers’ PII in order to complete transactions.

When data is stored on Kaycha Labs systems, it is done so only at the instruction of customers, again, for the purposes of enabling the testing and related uses.

As part of Kaycha Labs offerings of testing cannabis and hemp and related services, Kaycha Labs applications will send email confirmations to customers at points in testing transactions. Kaycha Labs does not email PII.

Similarly, Kaycha Labs systems will occasionally be the source of email promotional campaigns. However, Kaycha Labs will only do so at a client’s request, and only with data that belongs to that company. Again, Kaycha Labs will not be the source of PII that is emailed, but the ultimate control of this rests wdiscretion of the client.