Broughton, a UK-based life sciences contract research organisation, is strengthening its support for medicinal cannabis and CBD product developers with advanced analytical testing services. Operating from GMP-compliant laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, and regularly inspected by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the company delivers high-quality data to meet strict regulatory requirements. Its expanded services, including testing for minor cannabinoids such as CBG and CBGA, aim to meet the increasing demand for safe and compliant cannabis products in 2025.
The medicinal cannabis and CBD industry faces challenges that include strict safety standards, variable cannabinoid potency, and contamination risks that can slow product approvals. Broughton addresses these issues through a comprehensive testing suite. Cannabinoid potency testing ensures accurate label claims for CBD, THC, CBN, and CBG. Safety and contaminant screening covers pesticides, mycotoxins, residual solvents, heavy metals, and microbial threats. Stability and shelf-life studies are supported by more than 60,000 litres of on-site storage capacity, enabling both real-time and accelerated testing. Batch release testing verifies compliance with the European Pharmacopoeia Monograph (Ph. Eur. 3028), which became effective in July 2024 for cannabis grown in the UK and the Channel Islands.
Testing is supported by Broughton’s proprietary Laboratory Information Management System, LabHQ, which provides real-time data access, secure storage, and customisable reporting. Clients can monitor progress, retrieve audit-ready data, and receive results within 15 working days. “Our ISO and GMP accredited laboratories and cross-functional scientific teams give clients the confidence that their medicinal cannabis and CBD products meet the highest standards of quality, safety and regulatory compliance,” says Beccy Bell, associate director of laboratory services at Broughton. “By providing robust validated data we enable manufacturers to bring life enhancing products to market faster and with greater assurance.”
Beyond testing, the company offers regulatory consultancy and toxicology assessments to help clients navigate EU and UK cannabis regulations, including Novel Food applications. As a member of the Cannabis Industry Council, Broughton collaborates with stakeholders to advance standards and innovation. With the UK’s Food Standards Agency expected to authorise the first CBD products by spring 2025, its services are positioned as critical for businesses in this evolving market. The European cannabis market is projected to reach €3.2 billion by 2025, supported by wider acceptance of medical cannabis and legislative changes.
Broughton’s expertise also aligns with emerging trends such as the growing interest in minor cannabinoids. A 2024 Grand View Research report predicts that CBG will contribute to a $22.05 billion CBD market by 2030. By testing for cannabinoids beyond CBD and THC, the company enables the development of new products targeting specific health outcomes, including fast-acting delivery systems and precise dosage formats. Its Schedule 1 Controlled Drugs licence allows it to handle and test cannabis materials without prior approval, eliminating delays that can arise when sending samples overseas to countries like Portugal or Spain.
Through a combination of analytical precision and regulatory expertise, Broughton is established as a trusted partner for medicinal cannabis and CBD producers. Its services ensure safety, efficacy, and compliance, enabling manufacturers to meet consumer demand while addressing regulatory requirements.