How to check THC level in cannabis products?
Cannabis products are subject to strict regulation, especially in the context of the THC concentration limit in the flowers and their preparations. In Poland, it is currently 0.3% THC for over-the-counter products. In Germany, according to a recent amendment to the law, it is 10%. To inexpensively, quickly and easily check THC concentration, we recommend the TLC PRO Test for Cannabinoids.
THC % testing methods:
- A colorimetric test can indicate the preponderance of THC or CBD amounts
- A TLC-type test will indicate the full profile of cannabinoids and allow you to estimate the concentration of
Colorimetric quick test for THC / CBD
Presumptive quick colorimetric test for checking cannabis is Cannabis Reagent (4-AP), which distinguishes between THC-rich and CBD-rich products. It allows us to confirm whether we are dealing with a typical psychoactive sample or a CBD product. Although it can’t handle samples in which the proportions of THC and CBD are similar, according to research and practice it works in the vast majority of cases.
Instructions for testing THC / CBD
Colorimetric results for testing THC / CBD
The results of THC and CBD with Cannabis colorimetric reagent (4-AP) is the change in color of the test. Samples with a predominance of THC will show a blue or bluish color, while samples with a predominance of CBD will show a purple or purple tint. The required ratio for unambiguous results is 3:1 or more.
The Cannabis Reagent Test requires the addition of 1 drop of Part A and at least 1 drop of Part B. This test is extremely sensitive and using too large a sample can cause false negatives (not positives). Therefore, we recommend using very small samples and adding more Part B in case of a negative result.
CBD / THC reagent test results
How to check amount of THC and CBD?
To test the amount of THC and CBD at home, a TLC cannabinoid test kit is required (thin-layer chromatography). This test includes a procedure for extracting cannabinoids from a sample onto a special testing card using the included test liquid. The cannabinoids separate from the initial sample, allowing them to be measured individually using specially calibrated percent concentration measuring rulers. Everything you need is included in the test kit. Below is an instructional video:
How to identify cannabinoids?
To identify the cannabinoids detected by the TLC test, use the included measuring ruler labeled with a diagram. Knowing, for example, through the use of a rapid colorimetric test, whether the sample contains mainly THC or CBD, you can determine the presence of other phytocannabinoids after performing the TLC test: CBC, CBG, CBN, THCV. Each of these substances will separate from the initial sample and show up as a separate dot on the test card. If you don’t have a quick colorimetric test, it’s worth knowing that THC oxidizes quickly and will be visible to the naked eye in about 30 minutes when exposed under a light source.
Cannabinoids test result
The dye for TLC helps distinguish between CBD and THC, as well as several smaller cannabinoids such as CBC, CBG and THCV. Most importantly, CBD turns orange, while THC takes on a pink tint. The colors may be less intense if not enough dye has been applied or dissolved.
The dye is optional, and each kit comes with a UV-C lamp to check the results in a way that allows the test card to be reused.
Cannabinoids test results
Cannabinoids test kit
The best reagent test kit for CBD, THC and other cannabinoids is PRO Test’s CBD / THC Reagent Test Kit which includes reagents Cannabis and Zimmermann. It can reliably confirm presence of CBD, THC and help rule out synthethic cannabinoids such as MDMB-PINACA. To check the potency % of CBD or THC pair reagent tests with the TLC Cannabinoids Test Kit.
Recommended CBD test kits:
A positive or negative test kit result does not indicate if a substance is safe. No substance is 100% safe.