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What Cannabis Potency Test Covers

Your customers read potency first. Your regulators do, too. Our potency panel gives you a complete cannabinoid profile for flower, concentrates, vapes, beverages, and infused edibles, so you can formulate confidently, meet NY rules, and keep labels honest.

Analytes (up to 16 phytocannabinoids):
THCA, Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC, (6aR,9S)-Δ10-THC, (6aR,9R)-Δ10-THC, THCV, THCVA, CBD, CBDA, CBDV, CBDVA, CBGA, CBG, CBC, CBCA, CBN.

Report outputs (by product type):

  • Flower / inhalables: % by weight for THC, THCA, Total THC, CBD, etc.

  • Edibles / tinctures / beverages: mg per serving and mg per package; homogeneity notes when requested.

  • Formulation cues: clear variance flags vs target potency, with total THC calculation shown on the COA.

How We Test (Methods & Instruments)

 

We run High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to measure THC and THCA independently with no heat, no forced decarb and then compute Total THC for labels. This is the industry standard for THC potency testing when label accuracy and potency variance compliance matter.
 

Quality & controls:

  • Multi-point calibration curves for all reported cannabinoids

  • System suitability, blanks, spikes, and duplicates on each batch

  • Routine proficiency testing to verify precision and reproducibility

  • Review by senior chemists before COA release

What you receive:

  • A QR-ready COA with % or mg outputs by matrix

  • The total THC calculation printed clearly (and Total CBD when applicable)

  • Variance guidance if results sit near tolerance edges (e.g., edibles targeting 10 mg/serving)

  • Actionable notes for edibles potency testing (NY) and homogeneity checks

NY Compliance & Limits (What We Align To)


  • Potency variance (adult-use): actual results must be 85%–115% of the labeled value

  • Potency variance (medical): 90%–110%

  • Edibles cap: ≤10 mg THC per serving, ≤100 mg per package

  • Homogeneity (edibles): each tested unit within ±25% of the batch mean

  • Labels & COAs: labels must reflect COA potency and include a QR code linking to the COA

Label mapping (examples):

  • Flower labeled 20% THC → compliant test range ≈ 17%–23%

  • Gummy labeled 10 mg THC/serving → compliant test range ≈ 8.5–11.5 mg per serving

We’ll flag any out-of-tolerance risk and advise whether to re-target potency, relabel, or retest before you release product.

Why DRS Testing for Potency

OCM-Permitted, NY-Focused

Built around New York label rules, retailer intake, and inspection reality.

Consultation Included

Scientist review when numbers trend high or low, plus pragmatic next steps.

HPLC Techniques Done Right

Separate THC / THCA quantitation with the total THC calculation your labels require.

QR-Ready, Retail-Ready

COAs designed for label accuracy (cannabis NY) and seamless distributor onboarding.

Fast COAs, Clear Decisions

Same-week reporting for most potency batches, with variance notes you can act on.

Chain of Custody & Data Integrity

Documented COC, clean audit trail, BioTrack-friendly reporting.

Ready to submit samples?

Get a QR-ready COA aligned to NY OCM rules. Our chemists help you avoid potency variance surprises and protect label accuracy before you ship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabinoid Potency Testing

Is THC potency testing required for every cannabis product in NY?

Yes. All final cannabis products sold in New York must be tested by an OCM-permitted laboratory, including potency (THC, THCA, Total THC), safety contaminants, and label accuracy. No batch can enter the supply chain without a compliant COA.

How is Total THC calculated on New York labels?

Total THC = THC + (0.877 × THCA). New York requires all labels to display Total THC because this represents the amount of THC a consumer could ingest after decarboxylation. HPLC testing allows labs to measure THC and THCA separately for accurate reporting.

What happens if my potency numbers fall outside NY’s allowed variance?

If potency results fall outside the 85–115% tolerance range (or 90–110% for medical products), the batch is considered mislabeled. NY OCM requires relabeling or correction before sale. Significant overages may require re-formulation or disposal.