Cannabis product testing

Cannabis product testing is a form of product testing that analyzes the quality of cannabis extracts, edibles, and cannabinoid content in an emergent consumer market eager to sell adult use products.[1] Analytical chemistry and microbiology laboratories are important entities in consumer protection. These labs not only determine the condition and viability of cannabinoids, water content, heavy metals, pesticides,[2] terpenes, yeast, but also the presence of mold, mycotoxins, and solvents.[3][4] These laboratories emerged when advocates of cannabis testing raised concerns about potential contaminants.[5][6][7]

The popularity of cannabis and cannabinoid products grew following the legalization of cannabinoid products in the United States starting in 2012.

Testing regulations and the Legality of cannabis by U.S. jurisdiction varies significantly. Since 2012, 24 states have legalized recreational cannabis consumption and, except for the District of Columbia, acted to implement legislation that also legalizes commercial production. By 2025, 40 states had legalized medical cannabis.[8]

Nowadays, the majority of the U.S. population can purchase cannabis and cannabinoid products as easily as alcohol. But exposure to contaminants is often overlooked. Limited regulation threatens product safety in the "gold rush" era of a fast-growing cannabis industry. Analytical chemistry and microbiology testing that protects consumer safety and prevents unfair practices becomes an added cost that most startups avoid due to the lack of oversight of recreational and medicinal cannabis in the United States.[9] Advanced analytical testing is critical given trade-offs between safety and quality in cannabinoid therapeutics and nutraceuticals. Product or compliance testing determines the chemical makeup and overall quality of the formulation before the sale of products.[1][10] Testing is required before sale in almost every state that cannabis use is legal. Maine is the closest exception as they do not require pre-sale testing on medicinal use cannabis.[11]

The Analytes
Analytes[12] Examples Effects of Analytes How analysis is done
Cannabinoids THC, CBD Targets various receptors in endocannabinoid system. Responsible for psychoactive and therapeutic effects of cannabis.[13] LC-MS, HPLC, FT-IR [14]
Terpenes Limonene, Myrcene Very volatile compounds responsible for the smell and taste of a plant. Also contributes to the therapeutic effects of cannabis.[15] GC-FID,

GC-MS[16][17]

Pesticides Paclobutrazol, Myclobutanil A wide category of chemicals that control pest, and Microbial populations on and around the plant. Some are even used to Regulate plant growth. However, they are also toxic to people.[18] UPLC-MS, GC-MS[19]
Heavy/Toxic Metals Lead, Arsenic, Mercury, Copper, Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel, Antimony Toxic metals are known to interfere with cellular functions. Over time the accumulation of heavy metals can cause damage to a variety of organs and systems in your body.[20] ICP-MS

ICP-OES[21]

Solvents Butane, Propane, Methanol Solvent are primarily used in extractions to make concentrates. If not removed properly it can be hazardous for consumption.[22] GC-FID + Headspace Sampler[22]
Microbes Aspergillus, Salmonella, Mold Can Infect the body or produce harmful toxins.[23] qPCR, Microbial Cultures[23]
Water Content Water Content, Water Activity Water content alludes to quality of the plant while water activity indicates the amount of water available to microorganisms. These are important for maintaining quality of product and reducing chance of microbial growth.[24] Moisture Meter, Hygrometer[25]

History

New York

New York established the Office of Cannabis Management at the same time they legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021. They are responsible for standards that keep consumers safe from contaminants as well as keeping the state safe from federal action. The testing requirements started off simple with cannabinoids, pesticides, and mold, before phasing in more analytes throughout 2022 and 2023.[26]

California

California started mandatory testing for cannabis products in 2018 with its “Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act.” Licenses and regulations are handled by the Department of Cannabis Control.[27]

Colorado

In 2015, the first government standards for testing were proposed in Colorado's legislature, when potency and microbial testing became mandatory in the state.[28][29][30] Colorado cannabis testing laboratories, such as AgriScience Labs, are regulated by the Colorado Department of Revenue's Marijuana Enforcement Division and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.[31] Over the next several years, other tests became mandatory, such as residual solvent analysis and pesticides.[31][32]

Other states

Cannabis testing is also required in other states, such as California,[33] Oregon,[34] Massachusetts,[35] and Nevada.[36] Washington State added routine pesticide testing and random or investigation-driven heavy metal testing, formerly required only for medical cannabis, to its testing suite for all cannabis on March 2, 2022.[37]

Standards

Cannabis testing for medical cannabis placed in Schedule III is regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division with Medical Marijuana Analytical Lab registration beginning in 2026.[38] Other standards and regulations are dependent on each state.

New York (Standards Subsection)

In the State of New York, cannabis testing standards are managed by the Office of Cannabis management. Labs are responsible to test cannabis for total cannabinoids/cannabinoid profile, pesticides, metals, moisture content, filth/foreign material, water activity, residual solvents, terpenes,  mycotoxins, specific bacteria, total aerobic bacteria count, total yeast and mold. The OCM dictates that each lab needs to be ISO 17025 accredited, the methods need to be approved by the OCM, and proper METRC seed-to-sale documentation is required. Furthermore, the OCM does routine inspections to ensure laboratories are maintaining set standards. As of 2026, there are only 9 laboratories in the state permitted to test for the full scope of required analytes.[39]

References

  1. 1 2 Clarke, Vanessa; Lin, Melody (December 1, 2020). "Cannabis Compliance Testing: Safety vs. Quality". Cannabis Industry Journal. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  2. ↑ CEM, C. (2018). "Extraction of Pesticides from Cannabis" (PDF). AP0168: 1–5. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  3. ↑ Small 2016.
  4. ↑ St. Louis 2018, p. 384.
  5. ↑ Matt Ferner (December 4, 2013), "Marijuana Can Be Covered In Mold, E.Coli, Insect Parts And Pollutants", Huffington Post
  6. ↑ Joel Grover; Matthew Glasser (February 22, 2017), Pesticides and Pot: What's California Smoking? An NBC4 I-Team investigation found evidence suggesting that pesticides could be present in a lot of marijuana legally sold in California, Los Angeles: KNBC-TV News
  7. ↑ Ben Parker Karris (June 22, 2016), "Unknown Unknowns: Why Cannabis Needs Standardized Lab Testing Now – From fentanyl-laced weed to pesticide-polluted flower, the importance of accuracy in lab test results cannot be overstated", Kindland, Kind, archived from the original on June 24, 2017, retrieved June 26, 2017
  8. ↑ Cavendish, Violet. "Texas Becomes 40th State to Legalize Medical Cannabis". MPP. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  9. ↑ Goldman, Stephen; Bramante, Julia; Vrdoljak, Gordon; Guo, Weihong; Wang, Yun; Marjanovic, Olivera; Orlowicz, Sean; Di Lorenzo, Robert; Noestheden, Matthew (June 15, 2021). "The analytical landscape of cannabis compliance testing". Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies. 44 (9–10): 403–420. doi:10.1080/10826076.2021.1996390. ISSN 1082-6076. S2CID 245157194.
  10. ↑ Pusiak, Ryan JP; Cox, Chelsea; Harris, Cory S. (July 1, 2021). "Growing pains: An overview of cannabis quality control and quality assurance in Canada". International Journal of Drug Policy. 93 103111. doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103111. ISSN 0955-3959. PMID 33478804. S2CID 231677596.
  11. ↑ "Title 22, Chapter 558-C: MAINE MEDICAL USE OF CANNABIS ACT". www.mainelegislature.org. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Certificate of Analysis | ACS Laboratory". www.acslab.com. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Cannabinoids - Alcohol and Drug Foundation". adf.org.au. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Cannabis potency testing methodologies: What are the options?". Agilent. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  15. ↑ "What Are Terpenes? – Cannabis Workforce Initiative". cannabisworkforce.org. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  16. ↑ "Terpene Analysis in Cannabis and Hemp by Gas Chromatography". www.ellutia.com. Archived from the original on January 16, 2026. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  17. ↑ "Terpenes Testing for Cannabis & Hemp". Agilent. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Pesticides". National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  19. ↑ Van Tran, Kim. "Analysis of Residual Pesticides and Mycotoxins in Cannabis Using UPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS to Meet California Regulatory Requirements". Agilent. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  20. ↑ "Heavy Metal Poisoning (Toxicity)". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  21. ↑ Nelson, Jenny; Jones, Craig; Drvodelic, Neli (April 1, 2026). "Determination of Multiple Metals in Cannabis Samples Using ICP-MS and ICP-OES | Cannabis Science and Technology - Cannabis Industry News, Insights". www.cannabissciencetech.com. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  22. 1 2 "Residual Solvent Analysis in Cannabis and Hemp by Gas Chromatography". www.ellutia.com. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  23. 1 2 admin (April 21, 2023). "Microbial Testing in Cannabis: A Comprehensive Guide". PPB Analytical Inc. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  24. ↑ "The Importance of Water Activity in Cannabis – Reassure Labs". www.reassurelabs.com. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  25. ↑ "Testing the Water: The Top Techniques for Moisture Content Analysis In Cannabis". Applied Sciences from Technology Networks. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  26. ↑ "Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) & the Public Comment Process". Office of Cannabis Management. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  27. ↑ "About us - Department of Cannabis Control". www.cannabis.ca.gov. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  28. ↑ Kristen Wyatt (March 26, 2015), "Colorado bill seeks to standardize marijuana lab testing", The Cannabist, The Denver Post
  29. ↑ Jennifer Kovalesk (June 15, 2017). "Medical marijuana testing: 5 things you need to know". The Denver Channel. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  30. ↑ Lisa Rough (May 10, 2017), Leafly's State-by-State Guide to Cannabis Testing Regulations, Leafly, retrieved June 26, 2017
  31. 1 2 Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (October 14, 2014). "Inspection of marijuana testing facilities". Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  32. ↑ Melissa Schiller (July 25, 2018). "Pesticide Testing is Mandatory in Colorado Starting Aug. 1: Are You Ready?". Cannabis Business Times. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  33. ↑ Michael R. Blood. "California testing of cannabis products off to rough start with high failure rate". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  34. ↑ Oregon Health Authority. "Marijuana Testing Requirements". Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  35. ↑ "Medical Use of Marijuana Program product testing". Mass.gov. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  36. ↑ Colton Lochhead (January 24, 2018). "Nevada officials cracking down on marijuana testing labs". Lad Vegas Review. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  37. ↑ Board Adopts Pesticide Testing Rules (press release), Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, March 2, 2022
  38. ↑ Tony Lange (May 11, 2026). "DEA's Schedule III Cannabis Registration 'Coming Soon' For Cultivators, Manufacturers, Distributors, Labs". Cannabis Business Times.
  39. ↑ "Cannabis Laboratories". Office of Cannabis Management. Retrieved April 1, 2026.

Sources

See also

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