Researchers at Kansas State University’s Olathe campus are helping Kansas hemp growers clear the smoke when it comes to knowing the levels of delta-9 THC and CBD concentrations in their industrial hemp crop.
Now, growers can voluntarily send samples of their hemp crop to the Postharvest Physiology Lab at K-State Olathe to get the samples analyzed and quantified for five hemp-based cannabinoids, including delta-9 HTC and CBD. Results are confidential and given to growers three to five business days after receiving a plant sample.
The Postharvest Physiology Lab is directed by Eleni Pliakoni, associate professor of urban food production and postharvest handling. It is the only state-licensed testing facility in Kansas outside of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, or KDA. The K-State Olathe lab uses the same testing methods as the state Agriculture Department, and the lab received a State Educational Institution License from the agriculture department as part of the 2019 Kansas Industrial Hemp Research Program.
“We’ve been working closely with the KDA chemists to make sure that our testing methods are identical so that it’s a beneficial service to growers,” Pliakoni said. “We help growers check their crop’s THC levels before the regulatory testing is done by the KDA. We also are providing growers with their crop’s CBD levels, which will help them better market their product.”
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