As the cannabis industry continues to grow at a rapid pace across the United States, strict regulations and testing standards have been established to ensure product safety and compliance. With dozens of states now allowing medical and recreational use, consistency in testing has become crucial.
Pesticide Screening
One of the most important tests conducted is pesticide screening. States like Colorado, Washington, and Oregon have banned certain pesticides and set limits on residue levels allowed in finished cannabis products. U.S. Cannabis Testing Services Since pesticides can be harmful if consumed, especially for medical patients, screening helps identify contaminated batches that require remediation or destruction. Laboratories use techniques like gas or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to test for over 200 common pesticides.
Potency Analysis
Nearly all regulated markets require potency testing to ensure accurate labeling. Laboratories evaluate the concentration of THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, and other cannabinoids to verify labels are truthful. This is important for both quality assurance and compliance. HPLC or GC methods are typically employed to generate cannabinoid profile certificates for every production lot. Precise potency testing allows patients and consumers to use cannabis as intended.
Microbial Testing
Pathogen screening is crucial to avoid medical issues in consumers. Laboratories screen for total aerobic bacterial count, total yeast and mold count, pathogenic bacteria like E. coli and salmonella, and any other microbes of concern. Samples failing microbial testing must not be sold or distributed. High quality, current Good Manufacturing Practice facilities help prevent contamination during production to begin with.
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