True North Analytical

Cannabis Potency

(Cannabinoid Profiling)

Potency testing determines the concentration of cannabinoids present in a cannabis or hemp product. Accurate cannabinoid profiling is required to verify label accuracy, demonstrate regulatory compliance, and provide consumers and retailers with transparent product information. True North Analytical measures both active cannabinoids and their acidic precursor forms. This allows our laboratory to calculate values including Total THC and Total CBD, which Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management uses to determine compliance thresholds and product classification.

What Is Cannabis Potency Testing?

Cannabis potency testing is a laboratory analysis that quantifies the concentration of cannabinoids within a product. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant that interact with the human endocannabinoid system, influencing the physiological and psychoactive effects of a product.

The most regulated cannabinoids are THC and CBD, but comprehensive potency panels measure a broader set of compounds to give producers and regulators a complete picture of a product’s chemical composition. This data is used to verify that labeled potency values accurately reflect what is in the product.

Cannabinoids Tested

TNA panel includes all 10 cannabinoids required by Minnesota OCM for regulatory compliance.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) — Primary psychoactive compound; the key metric for regulatory classification and labeling.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) — Non-intoxicating precursor to THC; converts to THC upon heating (decarboxylation). Included in Total THC calculations.
CBD (Cannabidiol) — Non-intoxicating cannabinoid important for hemp classification and wellness product labeling.
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid) — Acidic precursor to CBD; included in Total CBD calculations.
CBN (Cannabinol) — Degradation product of THC; elevated levels may indicate aging or improper storage.
CBG (Cannabigerol) — Non-intoxicating cannabinoid; precursor compound in cannabis biosynthesis.
CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid) — Acidic precursor to CBG; considered the foundational cannabinoid from which most other cannabinoids are synthesized.
Delta-8 THC (Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol) — Psychoactive cannabinoid and isomer of delta-9 THC; typically present at low levels in cannabis but monitored for regulatory compliance.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) — Minor cannabinoid structurally similar to THC; measured as part of a comprehensive potency profile.
CBC (Cannabichromene) — Minor cannabinoid measured as part of a comprehensive potency profile.

How Potency Testing Works

Cannabinoid potency testing is typically performed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). HPLC is the preferred method for cannabis potency analysis because it measures cannabinoids without applying heat, allowing both acidic and neutral forms (such as THCA and THC) to be measured separately and accurately.

During analysis, a prepared sample is injected into the HPLC system. Cannabinoid compounds are separated by their chemical properties as they move through a stationary phase, then detected and quantified by a UV detector or photodiode array (PDA). Results are reported as a percentage of the product’s total weight.

These individual measurements are then used to calculate Total THC and Total CBD using standardized conversion formulas that account for decarboxylation.

Why Potency Testing Matters

Potency testing is required for all regulated cannabis products in Minnesota before they may be sold to consumers. Beyond compliance, accurate potency data: