Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) are the main active compounds found in cannabis plants. In the living plant, cannabis primarily produces THCA. When the plant material is heated or burned, THCA loses its acidic group and converts into THC—the compound that becomes airborne and can be inhaled.
Because THC and THCA have similar toxicological properties, they are commonly measured together and reported as total THC.
Air Sampling for Occupational Exposure
LCS Laboratory offers air sampling services to evaluate THC concentrations in workplace air, including:
-
Greenhouses
-
Research and analytical laboratories
-
Processing and packaging areas
Our sampling kits include calibrated air sampling pumps and appropriate sampling media. Air is collected on a 37-mm Glass Fibre filter at a flow rate of 1–2 L/min, with a total sampled air volume of up to 500 litres.
Collected samples are analyzed in our laboratory using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results are reported as THC with a method sensitivity of 1 µg per sample.
This testing is recommended for assessing occupational exposure of workers involved in cannabis harvesting, drying, processing, and packaging, and for evaluating compliance with applicable occupational exposure limits.
Additional Occupational Exposure Testing
In addition to THC air sampling, LCS Laboratory offers other analytical services to support occupational exposure assessments in medical marijuana production facilities. Please contact us by email for more information or to discuss your specific testing needs.
