Using Cloud-based LIMS to Improve Efficiency in Cannabis Labs

Author: Shonali Paul

Journal: Cannabis Industry Journal, November 10, 2017

Abstract: With the increasing legalization of both adult recreational and medical cannabis, there is a need for robust and reliable cannabis testing to ensure consumer safety. The existing cannabis testing labs are receiving huge numbers of test requests from cannabis growers and manufacturers for potency testing, terpene profiling, pesticide screening, residual solvent screening, heavy metal testing, microbial analysis, and genetic testing. To keep pace with the number of test requests received, efficient data management is imperative. Considering the magnitude of this task, data management using spreadsheets is a serious impediment to quality assurance as it is error prone and difficult to manage. Furthermore, using spreadsheets does not allow laboratories to adhere to regulatory guidelines that demand strict accounting for every gram of the sample right from reception through consumption for testing all the way to disposal. To overcome these challenges and improve operational efficiency of cannabis testing laboratories, a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) plays a significant role. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are much more capable than spreadsheets and paper-based tools for managing the analytical and operational activities. LIMS enhances the productivity and quality by eliminating the manual data entry. With built-in audit trail capability, LIMS helps laboratories adhere to regulatory standards such as ISO 17025.