Broughton, an independent life sciences contract research organisation (CRO), has launched a novel set of methods for cannabis batch release testing.
The goal of the service is to streamline and expedite the UK supply chain for medical cannabis, offering customers analytical testing from its GMP-accredited and Schedule 1 licensed laboratory — therefore bypassing the need to send samples to Europe for testing.
Testing with regulatory standards at the centre
As per the European Pharmacopoeia Monograph, which comes into effect in July 2024, Broughton tests three aspects of the medicinal cannabis it receives, including:
- Macroscopic appearance and odour
- Microscopic examination of flower properties
- Flower type identification with HTPLC
Broughton can also determine any contaminations present in a batch, as well as its moisture content.
Additionally, through high-performance liquid chromatography, Broughton can test for the levels of CBN, THC and CBD in a sample, ensuring a client's label claims are accurate.
Future heavy metal analysis capabilities
As well as the current analytical offerings, Broughton will begin offering testing for the presence of heavy metals using ICP-MS later this year.
It will take into account the General Monograph for Herbal Drugs and will allow testing for pesticides, terpenes, aflatoxins and ochratoxin A.
“What we’ve seen up to now is medicinal cannabis products being transported to Portugal or Spain for batch release testing,” said CEO of Broughton, Chris Allen. “This isn’t easy with a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance and adds a long lead time. With an ever-increasing demand for medicinal cannabis products, the industry needs a better way of quality checking these life-enhancing products.
“As a natural product with variability, it's hugely important that the safety and consistency of cannabis flower is tested to ensure it adheres to the same rigorous standards as other medicines.”
All data collected will be hosted in Broughton’s laboratory information management system (LIMS) LabHQ. The company will report results to clients within 15 working days from receipt of the samples, with data accessible on LabHQ.
Clients can submit their samples before shipping and, once the data is approved, perform data analysis, export data, access their certificates, perform product trend analysis and more.
