High-quality cannabis testing assured

Managing director Vic Soffiantini explains that this development is a direct result of the need to meet the requirements that the exploding cannabis industry has created for high-quality testing locally.

‘We have invested in specialised equipment and professionals to bring the Cannabis Testing online,’ he enthuses. ‘Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is in place to ensure correct control throughout the laboratory via our ISO 9001 Quality Management System.’

Quantitative assays will be used to ascertain the volume of THC, CBD, CBC, CBG and /or CBN in the respective identification samples. Samples can include final powders, tinctures and oil extracts.

‘Chem-Science Laboratories can perform a full spectrum test on your product giving you the potency, pesticide, residual solvent and terpenes all on one test sample. We aim to be a recognised accredited laboratory that complies with the current Good Laboratory Practice and ISO/IEC 17025,’ he concludes.

Chem-Science and Bio-Science Laboratories

The business was started in the Durban North home of Vic Soffiantini, an experienced and qualified analytical chemist. Soffiantini has extensive experience analysing fertilisers, chemicals and working in the sugar and dairy industries. He also worked in various consulting laboratories.

In 1991, the company moved to bigger premises at John Ross House in central Durban. During this time, many science students did their successful in-service training with the company. In 2004, the laboratories moved to larger premises in Umbilo Road, Durban.

Chem-Science Laboratories initially consisted of two laboratories – the one chemical and the other microbiological. In March 2003, the microbiology laboratory broke away from Chem-Science Laboratories and became a separate legal entity known as Bio-Science Technologies.

Due to rapid expansion, it became necessary to upgrade the legal identity of the small business. Chem-Science Laboratories became a fully established company in 2012.

To date, both companies have trained well over 100 students and graduates. Soffiantini and his team are committed to establishing a competent base of future technologists and scientists for South African industries and research laboratories.