Why it matters: The FDA has chosen Orange Photonics’ portable cannabis analyzer, the LightLab 3 HS Cannabis Analyzer, to be used in testing cannabis plants and products. This technology has previously been used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency to confiscate illicit cannabis.
What they are saying: Orange Photonics claims that the LightLab 3 Cannabis Analyzer simplifies the testing process and provides instant results, decreasing the burden on forensic laboratories. The company believes that the FDA’s adoption of their technology is a positive step towards ensuring consumer safety and regulation in the cannabis industry.
The big picture: The use of portable cannabis analyzers like the LightLab 3 could revolutionize product testing in the cannabis industry, ensuring the safety, labeling, and marketing standards of cannabis products on retail shelves. It may also help law enforcement in identifying the differences between cannabis and hemp, leading to quicker and more efficient drug enforcement operations.
What to watch: The adoption of the LightLab 3 Cannabis Analyzer by the FDA could set a precedent for other regulatory agencies and industry players. It remains to be seen how widely this technology will be used and how it will impact the cannabis industry’s testing practices.
My take: The use of advanced technology like portable cannabis analyzers can greatly enhance consumer safety and regulatory efforts in the cannabis industry. The adoption of these devices by regulatory agencies is a positive step towards ensuring the quality and safety of cannabis products, while also streamlining testing processes. It will be interesting to see how this technology continues to develop and contribute to the growth and regulation of the cannabis industry.
