Consumables to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The cannabis testing products market is broadly categorized into two segments, namely, analytical instruments and consumables. Cannabis testing instruments are expected to account for the largest share of the cannabis testing market in 2016. However, the market for consumables is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to their recurring requirement and repetitive usage.
The global cannabis testing market is expected to reach USD 1,416.3 million by 2021 from USD 822.0 million in 2016, at a CAGR of 11.5% of during the forecast period (2016-2021). Growth in the cannabis testing market is primarily driven by factors such as legalization of medical cannabis; growing number of cannabis testing laboratories; growing adoption of LIMS in cannabis testing labs; rising awareness of the medical use of cannabis through conferences, symposia, and workshops; and increasing availability of analytical testing instruments and software.
Dearth of trained laboratory professionals is the major restraints for the market
The appropriate use of advanced analytical instrumentation requires relevant experience and knowledge of chromatography, spectroscopy, and PCR. The lack of awareness regarding the right choice of technique (especially in emerging economies) incurs several other indirect expenses and increases the workload and time pressure on researchers. This is limiting the adoption of these technologically advanced products among laboratories. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. is facing a shortage of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professionals and the demand for skilled professionals in the fields of medical research, pharmaceuticals, and science start-ups is expected to increase by 40% by 2018. Other major markets across Europe and APAC are facing similar issues, and as a result, the lack of trained laboratory professionals is expected to restrain the overall growth of the cannabis testing instruments and consumables market.
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Growing legalization of medical marijuana (especially in the US), and funding initiatives for cannabis testing laboratories, are driving the growth of cannabis testing services market.
Potency Testing
Potency testing involves isolating cannabinoids and evaluating their strength and the effect they will have on medical marijuana users. There are about 113 different cannabinoids. The primary cannabinoids of interest are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), cannabinol (CBN), CBD (cannabidiol), and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid). Liquid and gas chromatography are some of the recommended methods for potency testing. In addition, portable cannabis analyzers are used for on-field potency tests that deliver on-the-spot results for THC, THCa, CBD, and CBDA in dried cannabis and processed oils.
Terpene Profiling
Terpenes are volatile unsaturated hydrocarbons that give an aroma to cannabis. They act as essential medicinal hydrocarbon building blocks, influencing the overall homeopathic effect.
Residual Solvent Screening
Residual solvents are excess chemicals from the process used to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants. These solvents are evaporated to prepare oils, waxes, and edibles. Sometimes, the evaporation process does not eliminate all solvents. As these solvents can cause harmful effects if consumed, it is very crucial to remove them.
Microbial Analysis
Cannabis plants are prone to contamination from microorganisms such as mold, mildew, bacteria, and yeast. The presence of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella as well as fungal toxins such as mycotoxins and aflatoxins can cause severe illness, especially in children or immunocompromised patients using medical marijuana. qPCR and LCMS are some of the recommended analytical techniques used in microbial analysis.
