Policy to Potency
By Meagan Chris
What if a single spark on Capitol Hill could ignite a scientific revolution? For Nick Palmer, it did. Trading the polished halls of lobbying for the precise hum of lab equipment, he embarked on a transformative journey. This Arkansan, a former furniture lobbyist, traded Capitol Hill for a lab coat, spearheading Arcanna Labs and playing a crucial role in Arkansas’s evolving cannabis industry. But this wasn’t just about testing; it was about building trust, one molecule at a time.
From Capitol Hill to the Chemistry Bench:
A Journey of Discovery
Palmer’s journey into the cannabis industry began with a simple curiosity sparked on Capitol Hill during the medical cannabis bill’s introduction. But before he was deciphering terpene profiles, he was navigating the equally complex world of furniture lobbying. “I was a lobbyist for the Arkansas Home Furnishings Association in Little Rock,” he recalls, “and spent time on Capitol Hill when medical cannabis was brought to the floor.”
Think of it: one day, he’s debating the merits of memory foam mattresses, the next, he’s pondering the intricacies of HPLC-UV. “It was quite a shift,” Palmer notes, “going from ensuring the comfort of Arkansans’ homes to ensuring the safety of their medicine.”
“Although I didn’t participate in the bill, I enjoyed learning more about it and how it could help Arkansans. Doing some more of my own research, I really started to understand the good that can come from cannabis as a medicine. Following that, I met some like minded people and started the lab project back in 2018.”
Starting a cannabis testing lab wasn’t without its hurdles. “The biggest challenge was developing robust testing methods,” Palmer explains. “Our potency testing, in particular, required meticulous calculations and highly sensitive instruments.” He likens the process to assembling a bunk bed without the instructions – only, in this case, the stakes were far higher.
Building a team of experienced chemists and instrumentation experts was crucial. “We sought individuals with a strong chemistry background and hands-on experience with our specialized equipment,” he says. This dedication to expertise, combined with a significant investment in cutting-edge technology, underscores Arcanna’s commitment to accuracy. “Essentially what you’re paying for is accuracy, and we didn’t cut corners on that front.”
“The future of cannabis
hinges on accuracy and safety.”
Behind the Lab Doors:
Precision and Transparency
Arcanna offers a comprehensive suite of testing services, including potency, pesticide, terpene, heavy metal, residual solvent, moisture content, and water activity analysis. They even extend their expertise beyond Arkansas, offering custom formulation for hemp-derived products.
The testing process at Arcanna is a meticulous dance of science and precision. Samples, received under strict chain-of-custody protocols, are finely processed and analyzed using advanced technologies like HPLC-UV, HS+GC-FID, ICP-MS, and LC-MS. “We’re essentially using gas and liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to break down and analyze individual compounds,” Palmer explains.
To ensure accuracy and consistency, Arcanna participates in rigorous proficiency testing. “These are blind tests provided by a third party,” Palmer says. “We test them internally and compare our results to acceptable ranges.” This commitment to quality control is paramount in an industry where accuracy is non-negotiable. “There are acceptable ranges of each sample and the goal is to land right inside the acceptable range, thus passing the proficiency test.”
Navigating the Arkansas Cannabis Landscape:
Challenges and Opportunities
The Arkansas cannabis industry has evolved significantly since Arcanna’s inception. “We’ve seen a growing focus on lab testing by consumers and patients,” Palmer observes. He welcomes this scrutiny, emphasizing the importance of transparency in building trust. “As a lab, transparency is paramount. Especially while trying to navigate online forums, so I hope to become more active in those spaces so we can help be as informative as possible about our testing services.”
However, challenges remain. “The required sampling frequency based on batch size can be demanding,” Palmer notes. To address this, Arcanna has introduced a new testing structure that balances cost-effectiveness with comprehensive analysis, a strategy that recently garnered attention in LA Weekly.
Looking ahead, Palmer envisions a future of increased transparency and innovation in Arkansas’s cannabis testing landscape. He advises cultivators and processors to “test early and often,” emphasizing the importance of proactive compliance and getting testing out early in the day for quick turnaround. “I do suggest we get samples in the lab as early as possible so that business is streamlined. As a lab, we want to be as efficient as possible so that our clients can continue churning out great products without any kinks in the system.”
Dispelling Myths and Building Trust:
The Importance of Third-Party Testing
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding cannabis testing is the prevalence of lab fraud allegations. “We’re often under scrutiny,” Palmer admits. He stresses the importance of third-party testing to ensure impartiality and consumer safety. “It’s crucial for us to operate without any bias or conflict of interest.”
Arcanna plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future by providing accurate and reliable data that informs product development and ensures consumer safety. “The future of cannabis hinges on accuracy and safety,” Palmer asserts.
Terpenes, Technology, and the Future of Cannabis
When it comes to terpenes, Palmer notes that Myrcene, Beta Caryophyllene, and Limonene are commonly found in Arkansas cannabis, with increasing appearances of Linalool and Humelene.
Addressing the challenges posed by federal illegality, Palmer anticipates a shift towards more uniform accreditation standards. “We’re currently accredited through A2LA, but federal legalization may lead to a transition to bodies like CLIA,” he says.
Arcanna’s future goals include becoming a premier testing facility in Arkansas and expanding its reach to other states. “We aim to revolutionize cannabis testing through transparency and innovation,” Palmer states
A Lab for the People:
Open Doors and Open Minds
Palmer emphasizes that Arcanna’s strength lies in its team of ambitious and curious individuals.
He extends an open invitation to the public to tour the lab, reinforcing Arcanna’s commitment to transparency. “When it comes to the Arcanna lab, we want to be right in front and available for the public. If anyone would like a lab tour, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the lab. We want the people of Arkansas to be proud of our cannabis market and help support it as it grows.”
Arcanna Labs is more than just a testing facility; it’s a vital partner in the Arkansas cannabis industry, ensuring safety, accuracy, and transparency. By bridging the gap between science and consumer trust, Arcanna is helping to pave the way for a more responsible and reliable cannabis future.
Meagan Chris
Co-Owner of CannaChris Consulting,
Meagan Chris is a passionate advocate for elevating the cannabis industry. With over 6 years of experience, including leadership roles and diverse consulting projects, Meagan specializes in cannabis education & training, business consulting, product development, and patient advocacy. She’s dedicated to improving patient outcomes and driving business success within the cannabis sector.
