Cannabis Testing Glossary
Essential terms and definitions for understanding cannabis testing
Cannabinoid
Chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the endocannabinoid system.
Terpene
Aromatic compounds responsible for the distinctive smells and flavors of cannabis.
HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
Analytical technique used for separating and quantifying compounds in liquid samples.
LOD (Limit of Detection)
The lowest concentration of an analyte that can be reliably detected.
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
Official document reporting the results of laboratory testing for a specific sample.
Mycotoxin
Toxic compounds produced by certain molds that can contaminate cannabis products.
Residual Solvent
Solvents remaining in cannabis extracts after the extraction process.
ISO/IEC 17025
International standard for testing and calibration laboratory competence.
GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)
Analytical technique that combines gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify and quantify compounds, commonly used for residual solvent and terpene analysis.
LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)
Advanced analytical technique combining liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry for highly sensitive detection of cannabinoids, pesticides, and mycotoxins.
ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry)
Highly sensitive technique for detecting and quantifying heavy metals in cannabis samples at parts-per-billion levels.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Molecular biology technique used to detect and identify specific microbial DNA sequences in cannabis samples for pathogen testing.
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
Immunological testing method used for rapid screening of pesticides and mycotoxins in cannabis products.
qPCR (Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Real-time PCR technique that provides quantitative measurement of specific microbial contamination levels in cannabis samples.
UPLC (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography)
Advanced form of HPLC with higher resolution and faster analysis times, ideal for cannabinoid and pesticide testing.
GC-FID (Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection)
Technique used for detecting and quantifying residual solvents and terpenes based on their combustion properties.
LC-UV (Liquid Chromatography with UV Detection)
Chromatography technique using ultraviolet light detection for measuring cannabinoid concentrations.
FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)
Rapid screening technique used to identify chemical functional groups and verify sample composition.
NIR (Near-Infrared Spectroscopy)
Non-destructive testing method for rapid screening of cannabinoid content and moisture levels.
XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence)
Non-destructive technique for screening heavy metal contamination in cannabis products.
AA (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy)
Analytical technique for measuring concentrations of heavy metals in cannabis samples.
SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy)
High-resolution imaging technique used to examine cannabis structure and detect foreign material contamination.
TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis)
Technique measuring mass changes in samples as a function of temperature, used for moisture and volatile content analysis.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis responsible for the "high" effect, regulated in most jurisdictions.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for therapeutic properties, widely used in wellness products.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
Acidic precursor to THC found in raw cannabis that converts to THC when heated (decarboxylated).
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
Acidic precursor to CBD found in raw cannabis that converts to CBD through decarboxylation.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Minor cannabinoid known as the "mother cannabinoid" from which other cannabinoids are synthesized in the plant.
CBN (Cannabinol)
Mildly psychoactive cannabinoid formed from the degradation of THC, often associated with sedative effects.
CBC (Cannabichromene)
Non-psychoactive cannabinoid with potential therapeutic benefits, third most prevalent cannabinoid in some strains.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
Cannabinoid with psychoactive properties at high doses, known for potentially suppressing appetite.
Delta-8 THC
Naturally occurring cannabinoid with psychoactive properties, chemically similar to Delta-9 THC but with different effects.
Delta-10 THC
Minor cannabinoid isomer with mild psychoactive effects, gaining attention in hemp-derived products.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Parent molecule from which other cannabinoids are derived during plant growth, showing promising therapeutic potential.
Cannabichromene (CBC)
Non-intoxicating cannabinoid that may work synergistically with other compounds in the entourage effect.
Myrcene
Most abundant terpene in many cannabis varieties, characterized by an earthy, musky aroma with potential sedative effects.
Limonene
Citrus-scented terpene with potential mood-elevating and stress-relieving properties.
Pinene
Pine-scented terpene found in many conifers, may help with alertness and memory retention.
Caryophyllene
Spicy, peppery terpene that uniquely binds to cannabinoid receptors, showing anti-inflammatory potential.
Linalool
Floral, lavender-scented terpene with potential calming and anti-anxiety properties.
Humulene
Earthy, woody terpene found in hops and cannabis, known for potential appetite-suppressant properties.
Ocimene
Sweet, herbaceous terpene with potential antifungal and antiviral properties.
Terpinolene
Complex terpene with piney, floral, and herbal notes, often found in lower concentrations.
Bisabolol
Floral terpene found in chamomile with potential anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties.
Nerolidol
Woody, floral terpene with sedative properties and potential therapeutic benefits.
Heavy Metals
Toxic metallic elements (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) that can contaminate cannabis through soil, water, or processing equipment.
Pesticides
Chemical substances used to control pests during cultivation that must be below regulatory limits in cannabis products.
Aflatoxin
Highly toxic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus molds, subject to strict limits in cannabis products.
Ochratoxin
Toxic compound produced by certain mold species that can contaminate improperly stored cannabis.
E. coli (Escherichia coli)
Bacteria species tested to ensure cannabis products are free from fecal contamination.
Salmonella
Pathogenic bacteria that must be absent from cannabis products to ensure consumer safety.
Aspergillus
Genus of mold that can produce harmful mycotoxins, tested to ensure product safety.
Mold
Fungal growth that can contaminate cannabis, producing mycotoxins and reducing product quality.
Yeast
Single-celled fungi monitored in cannabis products as indicators of contamination and storage conditions.
Microbial Contamination
Presence of bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms that may pose health risks if present above acceptable levels.
Pathogen
Disease-causing microorganism tested to ensure cannabis products are safe for consumption.
Arsenic
Toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in cannabis plants from contaminated soil or water sources.
Lead
Toxic heavy metal that can contaminate cannabis through soil, water, or processing equipment contact.
Cadmium
Heavy metal toxin that plants can absorb from soil, monitored to ensure consumer safety.
Mercury
Highly toxic heavy metal tested to ensure cannabis products are safe for consumption.
LOQ (Limit of Quantification)
The lowest concentration of an analyte that can be reliably measured with acceptable accuracy and precision.
Accuracy
Closeness of a measured value to the true or accepted reference value, indicating correctness of results.
Precision
Degree of agreement among repeated measurements of the same sample, indicating reproducibility.
Recovery
Percentage of analyte successfully extracted and measured compared to the amount originally present in a sample.
Matrix
The components of a sample other than the analyte of interest, which can affect analytical results.
Analyte
The specific substance or compound being measured or detected in a laboratory analysis.
Standard Curve
Graph showing the relationship between known concentrations and instrument response, used to quantify unknown samples.
Calibration
Process of establishing the relationship between instrument response and known analyte concentrations.
Blank
Sample containing no analyte, used to establish baseline measurements and detect contamination.
Control
Reference sample with known properties used to verify that testing procedures are working correctly.
Spike
Known amount of analyte added to a sample to assess recovery and method performance.
Dilution
Process of reducing analyte concentration by adding solvent, used when concentrations exceed instrument range.
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
System ensuring products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards.
SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)
Documented step-by-step instructions for performing routine laboratory operations consistently.
QC (Quality Control)
Operational techniques and activities used to fulfill quality requirements and ensure reliable test results.
QA (Quality Assurance)
Systematic activities ensuring quality requirements are fulfilled, including method validation and audits.
Batch
Specific quantity of product produced under uniform conditions, identified for quality control and traceability.
Lot
Specific quantity of material produced in a single manufacturing run, tracked for quality and compliance purposes.
Sample
Representative portion of a batch or lot submitted for testing to determine compliance with specifications.
Homogeneity
Uniformity of composition throughout a sample or batch, ensuring consistent test results.
Stability
Ability of a product to maintain its quality characteristics over time under specified storage conditions.
Traceability
Ability to track a product through all stages of production, processing, and distribution.
Extract
Concentrated preparation of cannabinoids and terpenes obtained through extraction processes.
Concentrate
Cannabis product with high cannabinoid content achieved through extraction and purification processes.
Distillate
Highly refined cannabis concentrate produced through distillation, typically containing 85-95% cannabinoids.
Isolate
Pure crystalline cannabinoid (typically CBD or THC) with 99%+ purity and no other plant compounds.
Full Spectrum
Cannabis extract containing all naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds.
Broad Spectrum
Cannabis extract containing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but with THC removed.
Edible
Cannabis-infused food or beverage product requiring testing for accurate dosage and contaminants.
Topical
Cannabis-infused product applied to skin or hair, subject to testing for potency and safety.
Compliance
Adherence to regulatory requirements, standards, and specifications governing cannabis testing and products.
Accreditation
Third-party verification that a laboratory meets specific technical competence standards, often ISO/IEC 17025.
Validation
Process of confirming that a test method performs as intended for its specific purpose.
Verification
Confirmation through evidence that specified requirements have been fulfilled for testing procedures.
Chain of Custody
Documented chronological record tracking sample handling from collection through disposal.
Proficiency Testing
Inter-laboratory comparison where laboratories analyze the same samples to assess technical competence.
Method Development
Process of creating and optimizing analytical procedures for specific testing requirements.
SOP Review
Periodic evaluation of standard operating procedures to ensure they remain current and effective.
Audit Trail
Chronological record of system activities enabling reconstruction and examination of transactions.
Deviation
Departure from approved procedures or specifications requiring documentation and investigation.