Cannabis Testing Standards

Comprehensive guide to laboratory testing methodologies and industry standards

Testing Standards Overview

Cannabis testing standards ensure product safety, potency accuracy, and consumer protection. These standards are established by state regulations, industry organizations, and accreditation bodies.

Key Accreditation Bodies

  • • ISO/IEC 17025 - Laboratory competence
  • • AOAC International - Analytical methods
  • • ASTM International - Testing standards
  • • State regulatory agencies

Common Testing Methods

  • • HPLC - High Performance Liquid Chromatography
  • • GC-MS - Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • • LC-MS - Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • • PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction

Cannabinoid Potency Testing

Testing Method

Primary Method: High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) or Gas Chromatography (GC)

  • HPLC preferred for accurate measurement without decarboxylation
  • Measures both acidic (THCA, CBDA) and neutral (THC, CBD) forms
  • Detection limits typically 0.01% or better

Cannabinoids Typically Tested

Major Cannabinoids

  • THC / THCA: Psychoactive compound
  • CBD / CBDA: Non-psychoactive, therapeutic
  • Total THC: THC + (THCA × 0.877)
  • Total CBD: CBD + (CBDA × 0.877)

Minor Cannabinoids

  • CBG / CBGA: "Mother" cannabinoid
  • CBN: Degradation product of THC
  • CBC / CBCA: Anti-inflammatory
  • THCV: Modulates THC effects
  • Delta-8 THC: Mildly psychoactive

Understanding the Numbers

  • % by weight: Grams of cannabinoid per 100g of product
  • mg/g: Milligrams of cannabinoid per gram (% × 10)
  • Typical accuracy: ±10-15% relative standard deviation
  • LOQ (Limit of Quantification): Usually 0.01% or 0.1 mg/g

Contaminant & Safety Testing

Pesticide Testing

Testing Method

Primary Method: LC-MS/MS or GC-MS/MS (Liquid or Gas Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry)

  • Tests for 50-100+ pesticide compounds depending on state
  • Detection limits in parts per billion (ppb) or parts per million (ppm)
  • Category I (most dangerous) and Category II classifications

Common Pesticides Tested

Category I (Highest Risk)
  • • Abamectin
  • • Imidacloprid
  • • Spiromesifen
  • • Myclobutanil
Category II
  • • Pyrethrins
  • • Spinosad
  • • Neem oil
  • • Azadirachtin
Action Limits
  • • Cat I: 0.1-0.5 ppm
  • • Cat II: 1-5 ppm
  • • Varies by chemical
  • • State-dependent

Heavy Metals Testing

Testing Method

Primary Method: ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry)

  • Measures inorganic elements at trace levels
  • Detection limits in parts per billion (ppb)
  • Tests for accumulation from soil, water, or growing media

Standard Heavy Metals Panel

Metal Symbol Typical Limit Health Concern
Lead Pb <0.5 ppm Neurological damage
Arsenic As <0.2 ppm Carcinogenic
Cadmium Cd <0.2 ppm Kidney, bone damage
Mercury Hg <0.1 ppm Neurological damage

Microbial Testing

Testing Methods

  • Culture-based: Traditional plating methods (TAMC, TYMC)
  • qPCR: Quantitative PCR for specific pathogens
  • ELISA: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for toxins

Standard Microbial Panel

Bacterial Pathogens
  • • E. coli: Must be absent/ND
  • • Salmonella: Must be absent/ND
  • • Total Coliforms: <100 CFU/g
  • • TAMC: Total Aerobic Microbial Count
Fungal Pathogens
  • • Aspergillus: Must be absent/ND
  • • TYMC: Total Yeast & Mold Count
  • • Typical limit: <10,000 CFU/g
  • • A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. terreus

Mycotoxin Testing

Testing Method

Primary Method: LC-MS/MS or ELISA

  • Tests for toxic compounds produced by molds
  • Detection limits in parts per billion (ppb)
  • Critical for consumer safety

Standard Mycotoxins Tested

  • Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2: Carcinogenic, typically <20 ppb total
  • Ochratoxin A: Kidney damage, typically <20 ppb
  • Action: Products exceeding limits must be destroyed

Additional Testing Parameters

Residual Solvents (for Extracts)

Method: GC-MS or GC-FID (Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection)

Common Solvents Tested

  • • Butane: <5000 ppm
  • • Propane: <5000 ppm
  • • Ethanol: <5000 ppm
  • • Acetone: <5000 ppm
  • • Isopropanol: <5000 ppm
  • • Hexane: <290 ppm

Note: Limits vary by state. Class 1 solvents (most dangerous) have stricter limits than Class 3 solvents.

Terpene Testing

Method: GC-MS or GC-FID

Common Terpenes
  • • Myrcene
  • • Limonene
  • • Caryophyllene
  • • Pinene
More Terpenes
  • • Linalool
  • • Humulene
  • • Terpinolene
  • • Ocimene

Terpenes contribute to aroma, flavor, and potential therapeutic effects

Moisture & Water Activity

Methods: Loss on Drying (LOD) for moisture, Water Activity Meter for aw

Typical Specifications

  • • Moisture Content: 10-12% (flower)
  • • Water Activity: <0.65 aw
  • • Purpose: Prevent mold growth

Proper moisture levels prevent microbial growth and maintain product quality

Laboratory Accreditation & Standards

ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation

The international standard for laboratory competence. Laboratories must demonstrate:

  • Technical competence and valid testing methods
  • Proper quality management systems
  • Validated and calibrated equipment
  • Trained and qualified personnel
  • Documented procedures and traceable results
  • Regular proficiency testing participation

Quality Assurance

  • Reference Materials: Certified standards for accuracy
  • Method Validation: Proven accuracy and precision
  • Instrument Calibration: Regular maintenance and checks
  • QC Samples: Blanks, duplicates, spikes
  • LOD/LOQ: Defined detection and quantification limits

Chain of Custody

  • Sample Collection: Proper sampling procedures
  • Transport: Secure, tamper-evident packaging
  • Storage: Appropriate conditions maintained
  • Documentation: Complete tracking records
  • Retention: Samples kept for specified period

Learn More

Need help understanding test results or setting up your testing program?

Compliance Guide

Regulatory requirements by state

Documentation

Complete platform guides

FAQ

Frequently asked questions