Engineering:Cannabis product testing

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Short description: Testing of the properties of cannabis destined for consumer use

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 continues to escalate following the legalization of cannabinoid products in the United States since 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 know 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

Since cannabis is still federally illegal, cannabis testing 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. Currently, there are only 9 laboratories in the state permitted to test for the full scope of required analytes.[38]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Clarke, Vanessa; Lin, Melody (December 1, 2020). "Cannabis Compliance Testing: Safety vs. Quality" (in en-US). https://cannabisindustryjournal.com/feature_article/cannabis-compliance-testing-safety-vs-quality/. 
  2. ↑ CEM, C. (2018). "Extraction of Pesticides from Cannabis". AP0168: 1–5. http://cem.com/media/contenttype/media/literature/ApNote_EDGE_Extraction_of_Pesticides_from_Cannabis_ap0168v1.pdf. 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, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/04/moldy-marijuana_n_4386139.html 
  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, http://www.nbclosangeles.com/investigations/I-Team-Marijuana-Pot-Pesticide-California-414536763.html 
  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), http://www.thekindland.com/policy/unknown-unknowns-why-cannabis-needs-standardized-lab-testing-now-2908, retrieved June 26, 2017 
  8. ↑ Cavendish, Violet. "Texas Becomes 40th State to Legalize Medical Cannabis" (in en). https://www.mpp.org/news/press/texas-becomes-40th-state-to-legalize-medical-cannabis/. 
  9. ↑ Goldman, Stephen; Bramante, Julia; Vrdoljak, Gordon; Guo, Weihong; Wang, Yun; Marjanovic, Olivera; Orlowicz, Sean; Di Lorenzo, Robert et al. (June 15, 2021). "The analytical landscape of cannabis compliance testing" (in en). Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies 44 (9–10): 403–420. doi:10.1080/10826076.2021.1996390. ISSN 1082-6076. 
  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" (in en). International Journal of Drug Policy 93. doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103111. ISSN 0955-3959. PMID 33478804. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395921000104. 
  11. ↑ "Title 22, Chapter 558-C: MAINE MEDICAL USE OF CANNABIS ACT". https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/22/title22ch558-Csec0.html. 
  12. ↑ "Certificate of Analysis | ACS Laboratory". https://www.acslab.com/certificate-of-analysis. 
  13. ↑ "Cannabinoids - Alcohol and Drug Foundation" (in en). https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/cannabinoids/. 
  14. ↑ "Cannabis potency testing methodologies: What are the options?". https://www.agilent.com/about/cannabis/en/cannabis-potency-testing-methodologies-what-are-the-options.html. 
  15. ↑ "What Are Terpenes? – Cannabis Workforce Initiative". https://cannabisworkforce.org/what-are-terpenes/. 
  16. ↑ "Terpene Analysis in Cannabis and Hemp by Gas Chromatography" (in en). https://www.ellutia.com/terpene-analysis-in-cannabis-and-hemp-by-gas-chromatography. 
  17. ↑ "Terpenes Testing for Cannabis & Hemp". https://www.agilent.com/en/solutions/cannabis-hemp-testing/terpenes. 
  18. ↑ "Pesticides" (in en). https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pesticides. 
  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". https://www.waters.com/nextgen/us/en/library/application-notes/2018/residual-pesticides-mycotoxins-cannabis-uplc-gc-ms-ms-california-regulatory-requirements.html#. 
  20. ↑ "Heavy Metal Poisoning (Toxicity)". https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23424-heavy-metal-poisoning-toxicity. 
  21. ↑ Nelson, Jenny; Jones, Craig; Drvodelic, Neli (2026-04-01). "Determination of Multiple Metals in Cannabis Samples Using ICP-MS and ICP-OES | Cannabis Science and Technology - Cannabis Industry News, Insights" (in en). https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/determination-multiple-metals-cannabis-samples-using-icp-ms-and-icp-oes. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Residual Solvent Analysis in Cannabis and Hemp by Gas Chromatography" (in en). https://www.ellutia.com/residual-solvent-analysis-in-cannabis-and-hemp-by-gas-chromatography. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 admin (2023-04-21). "Microbial Testing in Cannabis: A Comprehensive Guide" (in en-US). https://ppbanalytical.com/microbial-testing-in-cannabis-a-comprehensive-guide/. 
  24. ↑ "The Importance of Water Activity in Cannabis – Reassure Labs". https://www.reassurelabs.com/the-importance-of-water-activity-in-cannabis/. 
  25. ↑ "Testing the Water: The Top Techniques for Moisture Content Analysis In Cannabis" (in en). http://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/articles/testing-the-water-the-top-techniques-for-moisture-content-analysis-in-cannabis-390048. 
  26. ↑ "Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) & the Public Comment Process" (in en). https://cannabis.ny.gov/marihuana-regulation-and-taxation-act-mrta-public-comment-process. 
  27. ↑ "About us - Department of Cannabis Control" (in en). https://www.cannabis.ca.gov/about-us/. 
  28. ↑ Kristen Wyatt (March 26, 2015), "Colorado bill seeks to standardize marijuana lab testing", The Cannabist (The Denver Post), http://www.thecannabist.co/2015/03/26/colorado-marijuana-testing-lab-standards-review-lawmakers/32194/ 
  29. ↑ Jennifer Kovalesk (June 15, 2017). "Medical marijuana testing: 5 things you need to know". The Denver Channel. https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/marijuana/medical-marijuana-testing-5-things-you-need-to-know. 
  30. ↑ Lisa Rough (May 10, 2017), Leafly's State-by-State Guide to Cannabis Testing Regulations, Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/news/industry/leaflys-state-by-state-guide-to-cannabis-testing-regulations, retrieved June 26, 2017 
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (October 14, 2014). "Inspection of marijuana testing facilities". https://cdphe.colorado.gov/laboratory-services/inspection-of-marijuana-testing-facilities. 
  32. ↑ Melissa Schiller (July 25, 2018). "Pesticide Testing is Mandatory in Colorado Starting Aug. 1: Are You Ready?". Cannabis Business Times. https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/pesticide-testing-mandatory-colorado-august-1/. 
  33. ↑ Michael R. Blood. "California testing of cannabis products off to rough start with high failure rate". Portland Press Herald. https://www.pressherald.com/2018/09/11/california-testing-of-cannabis-products-off-to-rough-start-with-high-failure-rate/. 
  34. ↑ Oregon Health Authority. "Marijuana Testing Requirements". https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/CHRONICDISEASE/MEDICALMARIJUANAPROGRAM/Pages/testing.aspx. 
  35. ↑ "Medical Use of Marijuana Program product testing" (in en). https://www.mass.gov/info-details/medical-use-of-marijuana-program-product-testing. 
  36. ↑ Colton Lochhead (January 24, 2018). "Nevada officials cracking down on marijuana testing labs". Lad Vegas Review. https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/pot-news/nevada-officials-cracking-down-on-marijuana-testing-labs/. 
  37. ↑ Board Adopts Pesticide Testing Rules, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, March 2, 2022, https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WALCB/bulletins/30d1388 
  38. ↑ "Cannabis Laboratories" (in en). https://cannabis.ny.gov/cannabis-laboratories. 

Sources

See also



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