Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is one of the main components in marijuana. Home testing kits make it easy for medical marijuana users to determine the amount of THC in the variety used. Simply place a small amount of the sample into a small vial or the supplied glass slide, drop a few drops of the test solution, and wait for the two substances to react. To test for THC levels in the body, you will need to perform a fluid test, such as blood serum or saliva analysis, and process the sample as soon as possible while the compound is still active in the system.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Testing THC Levels in Cannabis
Step 1. Purchase a home testing kit
There are devices available to detect the type and concentration of the two main components (or “cannabinoids”) in marijuana, namely THC and CBD. In this case, you need a device that looks for THC. Combination devices that test for THC and CBD can also provide the information you want, although the results can be more difficult to interpret.
- You can buy cannabinoid testing kits at your doctor's office or pharmacy. If no one sells them in your area, try searching online.
- The price of a test kit is usually between Rp. 280,000-Rp. 1,400,000, depending on the level of accuracy.
Step 2. Select the cannabis variety for testing
A quick test lets you know the approximate amount of THC in the variety used. This tool is useful if there is no medical information when you buy the product, or want to verify the content to ensure the correct dosage.
- You may only test one type of marijuana at a time. Make sure the tested variety has never touched another variety so that the results are not wrong.
- In most places where marijuana is legal, vendors are required by law to disclose the cannabinoid content of the variety sold. However, not all comply. Home testing kits are great for knowing more about a particular variety before consuming it.
Step 3. Read the instructions for use very carefully
Using a home test kit is pretty simple, but each one works a little differently. Look for the user manual on the packaging to find out exactly how to perform the test. Otherwise, there is a chance that the results will be completely inaccurate.
Most devices contain multiple tests, which will give you a second chance if you make a mistake on the first test
Step 4. Put a small amount of marijuana in a small test bottle
Measure out about gram of marijuana and put it in a small bottle. This is the minimum amount to get accurate results. Test kits usually list the amount of marijuana needed for testing.
- Break up large lumps so that the sample can enter the vial and mix with the test solution.
- Use tweezers to take small samples.
Step 5. Put the test solution into a small vial
Drop a few drops of the clear solution from the vial that came with the device. Use as directed by the guide. The solution will act as a solvent to attract the compounds in the marijuana so they are easier to identify.
- Basic testing kits tend to require only 1 ml of liquid, while more sophisticated systems can require up to 15 ml.
- If the device has more than one test solution, make sure you enter each in the right proportions.
Step 6. Close and shake the small bottle
Tighten the bottle cap, and check again to make sure it is tight. Shake the bottle again vigorously for 5-10 seconds, or long enough for the marijuana to completely dissolve inside. Once done, place the bottle perpendicular to the box or other surface so that the sample stays at the bottom.
Hold your thumb on the bottle opening while shaking it so you don't accidentally open it
Step 7. Transfer the solution to a slide if a test kit is provided
Some test kits use a slide glass instead of a vial. After the sample has dissolved in the test liquid, use a pipette to collect it and drop it onto a new slide. Then, place it at one end of the slide in a shallow dish containing the remaining solution.
- After a few minutes, the solution will slowly wet the slide and separate the various compounds so that they are easier to distinguish.
- Test preparations are more nuanced and designed to make it easier to interpret results by color. This test is often used in conjunction with a combination device.
Step 8. Wait for 10 minutes until the sample reacts
Set the timer so that it goes off at exact intervals as directed by the user manual. When allowed to stand, the solution will begin to change color. Darker colors indicate higher levels of certain cannabis.
Leave the sample for a full 10 minutes. If you check ahead of time, the test results may be inaccurate
Step 9. Check the sample on the color chart included in the test kit
The test color chart is usually located on the box or on the instruction sheet. Compare the color of the solution in the vial with the color chart until you find the closest one. This quick comparison will show the concentration of THC in the variety tested.
- Color charts are usually labeled to indicate the range of pot strength versus the exact percentage. For example, a light blue sample can contain as little as 5% THC, while a royal or navy blue sample can be close to 20%.
- If you're only using the test preparation, be sure to look at the coating associated with THC to avoid misreading it with another compound.
Method 2 of 2: Testing THC Levels in the Body
Step 1. Evaluate your test options
Blood serum and saliva assays are the most frequently used methods for testing THC levels. Other types of tests, such as urine scans and hair follicle analysis, are not considered reliable enough because they can only examine recently consumed marijuana. This test cannot identify THC that has been removed from the wearer's body.
- Look for drug testing labs in your area to see if there are places where you can get blood or saliva samples.
- If you live in Australia, you may be able to purchase a saliva testing kit to check THC levels.
Step 2. Perform the test as soon as possible
There are many factors that determine how long THC will appear in a standard fluid test, including body composition, blood chemistry, and the type of marijuana used. In order to reduce the ambiguity of the test results, the inspection should be carried out as soon as possible. Depending on the frequency of marijuana use, you may have several hours to days before all traces of THC are gone from your body.
- In most areas of the world where THC is classified as a controlled substance, the legally accepted concentration is 5 nanograms per milliliter or less.
- Because THC breaks down quickly in the body, new samples are usually destroyed before they can be processed.
Step 3. Understand the limits of the test for THC levels in the body
Until now, there is no sure way to detect THC while it is still active in the body. You should know that any test that is performed is not completely accurate, especially if it is done alone without the help of specialized laboratory equipment. The best result you can get is a rough estimate.
Even most researchers find it difficult to interpret the impact and lifespan of THC in the body
Step 4. Be familiar with the laws regarding marijuana use in your area
Be aware that marijuana can only be obtained legally in places that allow its medical or recreational use. THC is also usually classified as a controlled substance, which means that if you are caught in possession of it without a permit, you could be in serious trouble. Understand the law well to maintain safety and prevent bad consequences.
You could be subject to heavy fines or even for the unauthorized purchase, possession or use of marijuana
Tips
- Keep in mind that home testing results are not 100% accurate. The results of this test are more suitable in providing a rough description of the levels of cannabinoid varieties.
- Make sure the sample used meets the criteria stated in the instructions.
- Home testing kits can also be used to check for the presence of other compounds, including lesser known cannabinoids such as THV, CBC, CBG, CBD, and CBN.
