Frequently Asked Questions
A CannaCheck™ Kiosk is a self-service machine for cannabis testing.
The kiosk uses advanced NIR spectroscopy to analyze cannabis samples.
NIR spectroscopy works by shining near-infrared light onto a sample. The light is absorbed by the sample at specific wavelengths, creating a unique spectral fingerprint that can be analyzed to determine the composition and properties of the sample.
The kiosk provides highly accurate results comparable to lab tests. The machine is accurate to +/-10% of the measured value. For example, on a 20% THC-A flower, the variance would be +/-2%. This means the flower would be within 18% to 22% THC-A.
Total THC and Total CBD are calculated using specific equations that account for both the acidic and neutral forms of these cannabinoids. The equations are as follows:
Total THC = (THC-A * 0.877) + THC
Total CBD = (CBD-A * 0.877) + CBD
These calculations are based on the fact that THC-A and CBD-A, the acidic forms, convert to their neutral forms (THC and CBD) when heated. The conversion factor 0.877 accounts for the loss of the carboxyl group during this process. These equations provide a more comprehensive measure of the total potential content of THC and CBD in the sample.
Total THC = (THC-A * 0.877) + THC
Total CBD = (CBD-A * 0.877) + CBD
These calculations are based on the fact that THC-A and CBD-A, the acidic forms, convert to their neutral forms (THC and CBD) when heated. The conversion factor 0.877 accounts for the loss of the carboxyl group during this process. These equations provide a more comprehensive measure of the total potential content of THC and CBD in the sample.
Variations can occur due to differences in sample preparation and environmental factors. Environmental factors are the most prevalent, primarily due to the natural variance in cannabis flower itself. Examples of variations in sample preparation include differing levels of fineness in the ground flower, holes where light can shine through the sample, or dirty sample cups, such as sample cups with fingerprints on the bottom.
Even when retesting the exact same sample, variations can occur due to several factors. Touching the bottom of the sample cup when removing the sample, jostling the sample when reinserting it, and fingerprint oils on the sample cup can all affect the results. Additionally, slight changes in temperature and moisture can impact the readings. Because the machine only tests a 14mm diameter of a 47mm cup, and cannabis is naturally highly variable, different parts of the same sample can yield different results.
Ensure consistent sample preparation and handling of the sample cups for best results. If retesting a sample, average the differences between tests to understand the most representative value.
Grinding the sample ensures a uniform and representative sample for analysis.
Yes, the weight of the sample does matter for accurate results with NIR spectroscopy. However, when testing a small portion of a much larger sample, like CannaCheck™'s method, the weight is not critical as long as the sample completely fills the cup to ensure no light passes through. Consistency in sample preparation is key.
No, CannaCheck™ cannot measure extracts at this time.
Currently, CannaCheck™ is not designed to measure edibles or infused products due to many other ingredients obscuring the optical sampling process.
CannaCheck™ cannot detect certain contaminants at meaningful levels, as it is primarily designed for potency testing.
No, CannaCheck™ does not measure heavy metals.
The NIR technology that empowers CannaCheck™'s testing abilities is used in industries such as big agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverage.
No. Most states name only HPLC or GC as certified methods. The CannaCheck™ is not intended to replace mandatory third-party testing of final product. It is only intended to replace R&D testing which does not require HPLC or GC.
Any time a potency measurement is needed that doesn’t require third-party lab testing. Pheno hunting, optimization of cultivation parameters, R&D testing, dosing of edibles, and more. CannaCheck™ is made for home growers to receive testing with far greater accuracy and precision than competing products.
No, CannaCheck™ is designed to complement outside lab-testing.
CannaCheck™ can test for THC-A, CBD-A, THC, CBD, Total THC, and Total CBD.
CannaCheck™ uses spectroscopy, which is faster and less expensive than HPLC or GC.
CannaCheck™ results are highly accurate and comparable to lab values, but slight variations may occur due to sample preparation, sample size, natural variance, and other factors.