Cannabis flowers vary in potency tremendously, even if they are taken from the same plant. In order to properly dose its consumption or to know how much it’s worth, cannabinoid content is usually the number to look at. Since cannabis testing today (through HPLC) is destructive, only 0.5% of flowers are being tested. This means that labels on cannabis flowers are usually misleading, and there’s a need to test flowers individually to know what’s their potency.

Over the last few years, we have developed a patent-pending method, by which image analysis algorithms analyze magnified cannabis images to evaluate THC percentages. The magnified cannabis images contain trichomes and other microscopic elements we use to evaluate the potency with. Our patent-pending method is tested with HPLC, regulatory approved labs. Three photos from different areas of the flower are required (to account for in-flower variability), which we then analyze on our secured servers and send the results back to your phone in just a few seconds.

The current deviation average (RMSE) for the THC testing is 15% (statistical), which translate to about +/-3% THC on average. We calibrated our algorithms with many HPLC tests from regulatorily approved labs in the USA and EU. We are currently working on a white paper to be published on our website to elaborate further. This accuracy value is true only when testing dry flowers originating in THC-only strains (normally having less than 1% CBD).

Per one sample, an HPLC test has the potential of being much more accurate than a HiGrade test. However, since an HPLC test is destructive, and cannabis flowers have natural variability, labeling an entire batch on a single HPLC sample can be misleading (see “Why should I care about potency testing” section above). Moreover, there have been reports on a deviation in results between different HPLC labs, due to different calibration methods and testing protocols, among other reasons. Finally, in many countries the regulatory standard the labs need to withstand is 85% (statistical), which is comparable with the HiGrade potency test’s accuracy.

The HiGrade test is not supposed to be used as a replacement for HPLC tests demanded by regulatory bodies. Regulators require potency test in the form of HPLC tests as part of a larger set of tests – mostly ones for ensuring safe consumption (tests for chemical and biological hazards). It is not intended for self-dosage or pricing - anyone familiar with the HPLC method must know it is destructive, so you cannot consume the same flower that was tested by HPLC. HPLC testing is all about batch testing, which may be good for potency testing with concentrates (since they are homogenous), but not for the botanical product (cannabis flowers) which are inherently variable. Labeling an entire batch based on one test - not accounting for that variability - is misleading the public. This is what HiGrade tries to correct - we provide an evaluation for each and every flower in a non-destructive manner, empowering consumers to really know what they are putting in their body.

Not at all, you’ll just be taking photos of it using your phone's camera.

Depending on your internet connection, it can take as little as 5 seconds, and usually takes less than 30 seconds.

Since our algorithms trained on plants from THC-only strains (normally having less than 1% CBD), testing hemp or high CBD plants may result in less accurate results. We are working on a test that will enable to test CBD flowers as well, but in the meantime, know that the HiGrade test is intended for use with dry flowers, from THC-only strains.

Trichomes are tiny, hair-like organs on the surface of leaves. They are sometimes referred to as "crystals" or "frost" on cannabis flowers. In fact, many plants have trichomes which they use for chemical or physical defense, among other uses. Most people don't even know they're surrounded by trichomes all the time - a little-known fact is that the cotton we use for fabrics, clothes, etc. is actually a bundle of trichomes the cotton plant produces. In cannabis, trichomes are the major "factories" for production of THC, CBD and the rest of the cannabinoids.

The bud should be fully cured and have a Relative Humidity of approx. 60 RH.