Beginning at 4 p.m., Eternum Analytics, a cannabis testing facility in Tucson, is hosting its grand opening party on Tuesday, November 19. From cannabis brand owners to homegrowing aficionados, there are plenty of experiences awaiting potential attendees at 9052 S. Rita Rd.
Keep scrolling for the details, which include lab tours, free cannabis seeds, and more.
The lab is a segment of the University of Arizona’s Tech Park, making Eternum Analytics the only academic-affiliated cannabis institution in Arizona. Built in late 2022, Eternum utilizes every square inch of its humble-sized facility with state-of-the-art automation and digitization.
“We rely heavily on our digitization methods, which allows us to compete with larger testing facilities,” said Dr. David Scott, Co-Founder and CSO (Chief Scientist Officer) of Eternum Analytics.
Dr. Scott is a Tucson native, having graduated from Santa Rita High School before attending the University of Arizona and completing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Microbiology, then his Ph.D in Medical Pharmacology in 2022.
Cannabis lab testing can be a convoluted and confusing topic for the average cannabis consumer, but Eternum Analytics hopes to help the customers better understand the product they are purchasing.
Why is it important to test cannabis?
Dr. Scott states the importance of testing cannabis products is a matter of public health.
“The main point is dispensaries sell goods, and we need to make sure they are safe for the consumer,” he said. “We can find anything — like if isopropyl [alcohol] was used for cleaning tools and trace amounts remained [on the cannabis product]. We can detect any diseases the plant may have had, anything that can be a danger.”
Dr. Scott also hopes consumers remember one important thing: “They can see a Certificate of Analysis for every product they buy!” Recreational users can view these Certificates at the dispensaries themselves, or by scanning a QR Code on the product’s packaging.
How should a consumer analyze lab reports?
“First look for a PASS on all six sections on the first page of the Certificate,” said Dr. Scott. “Then look through the following pages, look at the cannabinoids and the terpene potencies, and make sure there’s no pesticides or microbials. Testing cannot be skipped, you don’t know a product is truly safe until you see the results.”
While cannabis brands and homegrowers can choose which lab facility they use, there are some tips to keep in mind.
“They should consider the ethics of the facility,” Dr. Scott added. “Transparency also- don’t fight us if we can’t pass your product! We don’t have any financial or political influences that would change results. We’re fully transparent and here for our customers to make sure a safe product is coming out.”
While cannabis lab testing is mandatory in Arizona, Dr. Scott also believes there is still a long way to go. “We’re working with legislation to get better enforcement on lab testing and batch sizes,” he said.
There’s also an Arizona-specific issue of no third-party companies operating between the lab and the consumer, which Dr. Scott believes the addition would increase ethical standards.
Eternum Analytics offers:
- Full Flower/Oil/Ingestables Full Compliance Testing ($325) – includes 11 cannabinoids, 21 terpenes, Aspergillus speciation, E. Coli, pesticides, and heavy metals
- Post-Production Ingestable Testing ($200) – includes 11 cannabinoids, E. Coli, and salmonella
- Licensed cannabis cultivators can get their first panel free if attending the grand opening
- Tucson Doobie Members can also take $10 off a potency test of their homegrown cannabis
Meet the team at the Grand Opening
Meet Dr. Scott and the Eternum Analytics scientists at their Grand Opening on Tuesday, November 19 from 4 – 7 p.m.
There will be live music, light bites, and goody bags. Michael Pahle from Mantis Seeds will be distributing cannabis seeds and select informational tables will be set up. Lab tours are available and the scientists will be on hand to answer questions.
Eternum Analytics is located at 9052 S. Rita Rd. For more information, visit eternumanalytics.com.
