The two companies will collaborate with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on ways cannabis testing labs can demonstrate and improve measurement capabilities and comparability. The tools developed through the program will support measurements establishing legal, commerce, and safety claims through the development of fit-for-purpose analytical methodologies, production of Reference Materials,
NIST is part of the US Department of Commerce. NIST does research on and develops validation standards for materials testing and measurements of all kinds. In the dietary supplement realm, NIST has in the past developed a multivitamin validation standard and more recently has worked on DNA identification techniques for botanical ingredients.
NIST is now administering a Cannabis Quality Assurance Program (CannaQAP). CV Sciences and Alkemist will assist in developing fit-for-purpose analytical tools and validated reference materials to support legal, commerce and safety claims on hemp/CBD raw material and finished products.
CV Sciences, Alkemist Labs to collaborate on distribution of validated materials
Under the program CV Sciences will produce reference materials to be distributed to participating laboratories. Alkemist Labs will do the initial validation testing on those reference standards, including verifying that their THC levels comply with the federal definition of industrial hemp, which is no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
The companies said hemp testing does not present any special challenges over and above those presented by any other botanical. But there’s more at stake, making the outcome of one test in particular something that can make or break a company.