Compliance Guide | Verifire.org

Important Legal Notice

Cannabis regulations vary significantly by state and jurisdiction. This guide provides general information but is not legal advice. Always consult with legal counsel and verify current regulations in your specific location. Verifire is a verification platform and does not provide legal or compliance services.

Compliance Overview

Verifire helps cannabis companies meet regulatory requirements by providing a transparent, traceable verification system that documents product testing, batch tracking, and consumer access to lab results.

Track & Trace

Complete product traceability from seed to sale

Lab Testing

Document and share verified test results

Consumer Safety

Transparent access to product information

Laboratory Testing Requirements

Potency Testing

Required in most states. Tests cannabinoid levels including THC, CBD, and other compounds.

THC (Delta-9 THC, THCA, Total THC)
CBD (CBD, CBDA, Total CBD)
Other cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, CBC, etc.)
Terpene profiles (in some jurisdictions)

Pesticide Testing

Required in all legal markets. Tests for harmful agricultural chemicals.

Category I: Most harmful pesticides (strict limits)
Category II: Less harmful but still regulated
Detection limits vary by state (typically ppm or ppb)
Products must pass or be destroyed

Heavy Metals Testing

Required in most states. Tests for toxic metals that can accumulate in cannabis plants.

Lead (Pb) - typically <0.5 ppm
Arsenic (As) - typically <0.2 ppm
Cadmium (Cd) - typically <0.2 ppm
Mercury (Hg) - typically <0.1 ppm

Microbial Testing

Required in all legal markets. Tests for harmful bacteria, mold, and pathogens.

E. coli and Salmonella (must be absent)
Total yeast and mold counts
Aspergillus species (dangerous molds)
Total aerobic bacteria counts

Mycotoxins Testing

Required in some states. Tests for toxic compounds produced by molds.

Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2)
Ochratoxin A
Typically measured in ppb

Residual Solvents Testing

Required for extracted products. Tests for leftover extraction chemicals.

Butane, Propane (for BHO extracts)
Ethanol (for ethanol extracts)
CO2 (generally safe, monitored)
Various other solvents depending on method

State-by-State Variations

Important: Testing requirements vary significantly by state. Always verify current regulations with your state's cannabis regulatory agency.

Common Requirements Across States

All products must be tested by licensed, accredited laboratories
Batch-based testing (representative sampling)
Certificate of Analysis (COA) must be available
Failed batches must be remediated or destroyed
Results must be accessible to consumers
Proper labeling with potency information

State-Specific Considerations

More Stringent States

• California - Comprehensive testing panel
• Oregon - Strict pesticide limits
• Washington - Detailed labeling requirements
• Massachusetts - Consumer access mandates

Key Differences

• Testing frequency varies
• Action limits differ
• Some states require moisture/water activity
• Terpene testing may be optional or required

Labeling & Packaging Requirements

Required Label Information

Product name and type
THC and CBD content
Net weight or volume
Producer/manufacturer information

Batch or lot number
Manufacturing date
Health warnings
UID or tracking number

Required Warnings

• "For use only by adults 21 and older" (or 18+ in some states)
• "Keep out of reach of children"
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings
• Impairment warnings (driving, operating machinery)
• May be habit forming / addictive

Compliance Best Practices

Choose Accredited Laboratories

Work only with labs that are licensed by your state and hold ISO 17025 accreditation. Verify their credentials and ensure they test for all required parameters.

Maintain Complete Documentation

Keep records of all testing, batch information, and compliance documentation. Many states require records to be maintained for 3-7 years.

Implement Regular Testing Protocols

Test every batch, not just occasionally. Establish SOPs for sampling, handling, and responding to failed tests.

Train Your Staff

Ensure all team members understand compliance requirements, testing procedures, and the importance of accurate documentation.

Stay Updated on Regulatory Changes

Cannabis regulations evolve frequently. Subscribe to state regulatory updates, join industry associations, and consult with compliance professionals.

How Verifire Supports Compliance

Track & Document

• Store all test results and COAs
• Maintain batch traceability
• Generate compliance reports
• Audit trail for all activities

Consumer Transparency

• QR codes for instant verification
• Public access to test results
• Product authenticity confirmation
• Enhanced consumer trust

Get Started with Verifire

Cannabis Compliance Guide