The Q-Range" of Medical and Laboratory Pure Water consists of a suite of 5 high grade pure waters, ranging from simple deionised water through to molecular biology grades, servicing the requirments of the majority of pure water laboratory uses.
The Q-Range™ MLG Pure Waters are suitable for the majority of laboratory reagent and molecular biology applications.
‘The majority of failed, laboratory tests are thought to be directly attributed to the impurities in the reagent water used, leading to erroneous results, added expense and delays.’
The inconsistency of source water, poor maintenance of ‘pure water’ lab systems, the lack of credible pure water standardisation/definition and the high cost of pure water all add to the financial burden which laboratories have to factor into their running costs.
Many tests are laborious, precise and expensive to perform. Laboratory water which is poor quality and has inconsistent purity can negatively impact the accuracy of the results by having unwanted conductivity, particles, bacteria, Nuclease or silicate levels etc.
The work involved with repeating failed test can waste many hours of analysts time further adding to the cost of each analysis.
Successful test results rely heavily on the quality
and consistency of the reagents being used.
Q-Range Pure Waters provide that important guarantee, thereby reducing costs and increasing productivity.
Ever wondered what to do with your pumpkins after Halloween, other than make them into delicious soups and treats?
Pumpkins provide a welcome treat to our wildlife. Break open the pumpkin to prevent a little visitor getting its head stuck inside, then put the pumpkin in a place where it is safe for wildlife to visit and enjoy a healthy snack. Don't put the pumpkin flat on the ground as pumpkins can make Hedgehogs poorly. In the UK, Squirrels, badgers, deer, birds, pigs, goats, horses, cattle, sheep, chickens, will all enjoy a tasty feast. If you're not planning to leave them on your own land seek the landowners permission before leaving the pumpkins as horses and goats etc can have too much of a good thing.
Pumpkins contain high levels of Vitamins A & E as well as folate and fiber. Birds will enjoy the seeds, you can seperate them from the flesh, dry them and put them in a feeder. If you scoop out your pumpkin and use the flesh to make a pie you can save the seeds and put them out seperately from the shell.
Try hanging your pumpkin lantern from a tree and filling it with left over pulp and seeds.
Cannabis farmers in the United States may have a serious chemical problem to contend with–pesticides. Right now, there aren't any federal regulations on pesticide use in cannabis farming, and laws and use can vary widely by state. Some groups are calling for explicit restriction and regulation of pesticides used by commercial growing operations. Marijuana still isn't fully legal at the federal level, and it's possible pesticide regulations won't be added until these laws are amended.
Typically, there are two ways pesticides commonly reach crops. Marijuana farms may use pesticides themselves or grow using contaminated soil, or contamination can occur from a nearby farm's pesticides reaching the crop. Some states restrict the pesticides that farmers can use on their own operations. They may also restrict other farmers' use of certain pest control chemicals near local cannabis farms.
With more people consuming cannabis from commercial operations, there could be more exposure to pesticides. This is why many states choose to regulate pesticide use on or near marijuana growth.
States Investigating Pesticide Complaints
So far, complaints of pesticide contamination at cannabis farms are often investigated at the state level. Here's how a few of the states where cannabis is grown are handling the pesticides issue.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture, for instance, has investigated 11 cases of pesticides potentially contaminating marijuana crops as of January 2019. In these cases, any pesticides present in the cannabis are generally expected to be caused by drift from other farms. Reportedly, farmers are increasingly concerned that the pesticides they use for their own crops will somehow end up impacting marijuana grown nearby. Cannabis farmers can file cases in civil court and sue other farmers for damages caused by pesticides that reach their marijuana plants. The state can penalize farms that have repeated reports filed against them for pesticide use.
In Washington, the Washington State Department of Agriculture has a list of pesticides that meet state criteria for use with cannabis crops. Since the state regulates how pesticides and fertilizers are used in growing marijuana commercially, growers must generally restrict their own use of chemicals in pest management.
Researchers Recommend Adopting National Pesticide Standards
At Purdue University, researchers have recommendations for dealing with pesticides and industrial hemp. Hemp is a cannabis crop legalized in 2018 for commercial growth in the United States–hemp itself isn't the same as the cannabis that contains levels of THC high enough to have psychoactive effects. While many cannabis types are still technically illegal at a federal level, hemp is now legal and is expected to have significant commercial possibilities for farmers. Right now, the use of pesticides by hemp farmers could present serious problems, as these researchers claim in a recent report.
To address the problem, they reportedly recommend that cannabis farmers educate themselves about pesticide use. This includes learning about how to manage pests without using chemicals that could be harmful or result in environmental contamination. Hemp farmers who have limited experience with agricultural pest control or who haven't thoroughly researched their options may experience challenges keeping their crops clean for use.
In some cases, farmers are finding their cannabis contains pesticides at hundreds or even thousands of times the acceptable level of contamination for other crops. And because Federal agencies such as the USDA aren't involved in regulating cannabis production, there are fewer opportunities for cannabis farmers to learn about pesticide options.
Pesticide Awareness
Greater awareness of pesticide use and potential contamination may eventually motivate the public to push for change, or may encourage associations of growers to set their own guidelines in places where specific regulations are currently limited. Greater self-regulation by growers may be the first step. Farmers can take pesticide regulation into their own hands by testing their own products and doing what they can to protect their crops.
About Chem Service Inc
Established in 1962 Chem Service is the largest independent supplier of Analytical Reference Materials and the original source of small quantities of organic chemicals. Chem Service also has over 2,000 Pesticide Standards, including Pesticide Standards for Cannabis in its catalogue. Chem Service offers Custom made Standards manufactured to your specific requirements, all standards are accredited to ISO 17043:2016; ISO/IEC 17025:2005; ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
Over 95% of Chem Services’ neat Standards Grade materials have a purity of 98.0% or greater.
Chem Services’ worldwide customers are found in the chemical, government, food quality, agricultural and life science research communities.
View Chem Service's ISO Accreditations and Certifications
Chem Service, Inc. is a leader in the design, development, production, distribution, and servicing of organic neat and synthetic reference materials and has achieved multiple industry certifications:
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that create natural scents like lavender, orange, rosemary, cannabis, and pine. Most commonly found in plants, they can be found in everyday products too. The cannabis plant is well-known for having high concentrations of terpenes which is why so many people associate terpenes with it. (1)
What do terpenes do? How do terpenes affect the body?
Terpenes play an important role in nature and especially in plants. They are responsible for attracting pollinators and repelling predators. They’re also known to boost plant immune systems and keep them healthy from infectious germs. Since most terpenes are technically bioactive, they will affect the body. The higher the concentration of terpenes, the larger the effect on the body. Many terpenes are associated with their therapeutic and calming effects on the human body. While studies on the effects of terpenes on the human body are limited, many believe terpenes have an antioxidant effect, boosting the effects of cannabinoids and giving you a greater high. (2) This is also called the ‘entourage effect.’
How do you use terpenes?
Terpenes can be extrapolated from plants and used as scents and mixed into fragrances in other products like body lotions, perfumes, and food products. In cannabis, terpenes are used to enhance the effect of cannabinoids. Since terpenes are incredibly aromatic, many people will use terpene-based solutions or products as forms of aromatherapy or stress-relief. This can be in the form of a candle, an essential oil, or an aerosol.
What are CBD terpenes?
While scientists have found over 100 different terpenes in cannabis, some are more commonly used than others. Some of the most common CBD terpenes include:
Lymonene – known for its citrusy smell
Myrocene – a powerful antioxidant found in hops, lemongrass, and thyme
Pinene – therapeutic and known for its rosemary and pine aroma
Linalool – closely associated with its lavender aroma and therapeutic effect
Humulene – found in hop, clove, and ginger
Caryophyllene – known for its spicy aroma closely associated to cinnamon and cloves
Terpinolene – less common, but recognized for its multidimensional aroma of citrus, pine, and flowers
How to increase terpenes?
Increasing terpenes will give your solution a stronger aroma. We can learn more about this by examining the terpene-boosting strategies cannabis growers use across the growth cycle of cannabis plants. There are essentially 6 ways cannabis growers enhance the flavor profile of cannabis with more terpenes:
Add terpene-boosting nutrients
Use terpene-boosting soil
Stress cannabis plants or pinch branches back
Use UVB Lights
Change the humidity in the greenhouse
Use enhancing harvesting techniques
How to dilute terpenes?
Since terpenes are highly concentrated, there is a risk involved with people using them in high concentrations without diluting it or mixing it into other substances. Diluting terpenes means that you reduce the strength of the terpene in a substance or mixture. Carrier oils, concentrates, coconut oil, PG, and PEG are often used to dilute terpenes. A good rule of thumb is to never use more than 10% terpene in any product. It’s best to experiment with 1% and gradually increase to your optimal flavor and effect.
How can using Chem Service terpene analytical standards help you?
Chem Service has over sixty years setting the standard for high-quality chemical testing. With superior customer service, we will work with you to find the right materials and standards for your testing needs. Contact us today for more information about terpene analytical standards.
Sources:
“What to Know about Terpenes.” Medical News Today, Healthline Media, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-are-terpenes#terpenes-vs-cannabinoids. Accessed February 2021.
Grassmann, J. “Terpenoids as Plant Antioxidants.” PubMed.gov, National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16492481/. Accessed February 2021.
“6 Ways to Increase Terpene Levels in Cannabis.” 3 Gems Nutrition, 2021, https://3gemsnutrition.com/articles/6-ways-increase-terpene-levels-cannabis/. Accessed February 2021.
Established in 1962 Chem Service is the largest independent supplier of Analytical Reference Materials and the original source of small quantities of organic chemicals. Chem Service also has over 2,000 Pesticide Standards, including Pesticide Standards for Cannabis in its catalogue. Chem Service offers Custom made Standards manufactured to your specific requirements, all standards are accredited to ISO 17043:2016; ISO/IEC 17025:2005; ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
Over 95% of Chem Services’ neat Standards Grade materials have a purity of 98.0% or greater.
Chem Services’ worldwide customers are found in the chemical, government, food quality, agricultural and life science research communities.
View Chem Service's ISO Accreditations and Certifications
Chem Service, Inc. is a leader in the design, development, production, distribution, and servicing of organic neat and synthetic reference materials and has achieved multiple industry certifications:
Cannabis Solvents extract the oil and can contain harmful residues.
BOOMTOWN DEVS
Cannabis can have many benefits and as it becomes more legalized across the United States the industry is starting to be held to quality control standards. Like any growing industry though, there is still a lot of room for growth regarding safety and testing. For example, if medical cannabis was put into the same bucket as other pharmaceuticals, every batch would be tested for potency and purity, but that is not always the case.
During the cannabis extraction process to create concentrations for recreation, food, pharmaceuticals and personal care items, solvents and other hydrocarbons can be used that contain potentially unsafe residues. Testing cannabis for both medical and recreational use varies from state to state, but it is important to test for residual solvents that can be potentially harmful to users.
What are the Active Chemicals in Cannabis?
Cannabis is derived from a complex plant called hemp, or Cannabis sativa. The most known active ingredient is THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannadinol, that is found in the leaves and flowering parts of the plant and is responsible for the behavioral influences of marijuana. The other common active ingredient is cannabidiol which is related to diet, energy utilization and pain sensors. The structure of the chemicals are very similar, but their effects are quite different.
What are Cannabis Oil Solvents?
When utilizing a solvent to extract cannabis oil it is intended to evaporate, but sometimes the evaporation process does not remove all of the solvent and it remains in the final product. Solvents are separated into 3 categories: Class 1 (volatile solvents to avoid), Class 2 (suspect solvents to limit) and Class 3 (safe solvents to use).
Some common residual solvents to test for include:
Acetone (Class 3)
Heptane (Class 3)
Acetonitrile (Class 2)
Methanol (Class 2)
Benzene (Class 1)
Pentane (Class 3)
Chloroform (Class 2)
Toluene (Class 2)
Ethanol (Class 3)
Triethylamine (Class 1)
Can you Make Cannabis Oil Without Solvents?
There are many ways to make cannabis oil without the use of harmful solvents. A solventless, or mechanical extraction, can be used and does not require chemicals to achieve the final product. When small hair-like growths (trichomes) are rubbed or pressed from the plant, it results in a concentrate known as kief. Ice water extraction can also be using to make kief which is then pressed into bubble hash. These processes leave more of the original cannabinoids intact that are normally altered from the use of solvents and can be tried safely at home.
What is a Cannabinoid Profile?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds produced by cannabis flowers that mimic the effects of endocannabinoids. These chemicals are naturally produced in the human body to help us maintain homeostasis.
A cannabinoid profile informs consumers about the concentration of active cannabinoids in their product. Cannabinoids can help with a variety of things such as pain, nausea relief, preventing nervous system degeneration, and reducing seizures and convulsions, so this profile aids processors, physicians and consumers in understanding the potency of cannabis products and when assessing which product is best suited for the patient’s needs.
How do you Test Cannabis Oil?
There are no strong regulations or guidelines currently in place about how cannabis is tested and measured making it even more important to test cannabis at home. To get an accurate determination of solvent residuals in a cannabis sample a chromatography should be used. This test provides high accuracy that users can depend on.
Analyzing Cannabinoids using Chromatography
Chromatography plays a vital role in the purification and testing of cannabis products and can be tightly linked to cannabis safety. This testing process is helpful to accurately measure the levels of cannabinoids and terpenes while also checking for potential contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents.
Chem Service Provides Residual Solvents for Testing the Safety of Cannabis
Chem Service has recently launched residual solvents that test the safety of cannabis products. Through our years of experience with chemical testing, we have curated residual solvent mixes for those across the United States and additionally for those who live in California, Oregon, Florida, and Canada.
Click over to our ‘Residual Solvents’ page for more information on the Chem Service options or call our seasoned staff at 1-800-452-9994 to discuss any questions you may have and how we can best help with your needs.
Team, NuggMD. “Six Ways to Make Cannabis Extracts & Concentrates: Which Is Best for You?” NuggMD, 15 Jan. 2021, www.nuggmd.com/blog/cannabis-extracts.
About Chem Service Inc
Established in 1962 Chem Service is the largest independent supplier of Analytical Reference Materials and the original source of small quantities of organic chemicals. Chem Service also has over 2,000 Pesticide Standards, including Pesticide Standards for Cannabis in its catalogue. Chem Service offers Custom made Standards manufactured to your specific requirements, all standards are accredited to ISO 17043:2016; ISO/IEC 17025:2005; ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
Over 95% of Chem Services’ neat Standards Grade materials have a purity of 98.0% or greater.
Chem Services’ worldwide customers are found in the chemical, government, food quality, agricultural and life science research communities.
View Chem Service's ISO Accreditations and Certifications
Chem Service, Inc. is a leader in the design, development, production, distribution, and servicing of organic neat and synthetic reference materials and has achieved multiple industry certifications:
