As a cannabis dispensary, it is extremely important to ensure that your products are of the highest quality and potency. This can only be achieved through regular and accurate testing of your inventory.
What Do Testing Labs Measure in Cannabis Products?
Cannabinoid profiling is the most common type of cannabis testing. This process quantifies the levels of the following:
- THC potency. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major psychoactive compound in cannabis. The THC potency tells how strong the product is. In California, the maximum THC potency allowed in a product is 10% per serving.
- CBD potency. CBD potency testing lab results will tell you how much cannabidiol (CBD) is present in the product. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that has been shown to have many medicinal benefits.
- Pesticide residues. Hemp pesticide testing is important to ensure that your product does not contain harmful chemicals. Pesticides are chemicals used to kill insects or other pests in cannabis plants. Cannabis products must be free of all pesticide residues to be sold legally in California.
- Heavy metals. Some cannabis products may contain heavy metals, including lead or mercury. These can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities.
- Microbial impurities. Microbial testing helps ensure that your product does not contain harmful bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms.
- Residual solvents. Some cannabis products may be made with solvents, such as butane or propane. These solvents must be completely removed from the final product to be safe for consumption.
- Is It Expensive to Have Cannabis Products Tested?
- The cost of cannabis testing varies depending on the type of test being performed and the size of the batch being tested. Many testing labs offer discounts for larger batches.
- Moreover, you need to have your products tested to operate legally. So, the cost you have to pay is worth it, as it protects your business and customers.
- How to Ensure Your Cannabis Testing Results Are Accurate?
- Here are some tips to ensure that your cannabis testing results are accurate:
- Use a reputable testing laboratory. Make sure to use a cannabis testing laboratory accredited by a third-party organization, like the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). You may visit https://belcostalabs.com/ if you live in California.
- Check the lab’s calibration and calibration certificate. All testing laboratories should have their equipment regularly calibrated. Ask for the laboratory’s calibration certificate and verify that the equipment is calibrated correctly.
- Make sure the lab uses proper techniques. All laboratories should use appropriate analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography or high-performance liquid chromatography. An independent party should verify the results of these tests.
- Check for homogeneity. Make sure that the cannabis product you are testing is homogeneous. This means that it is evenly mixed and contains no clumps or chunks. A good way to check for homogeneity is to take a small product sample and mix it thoroughly.
In Conclusion
Cannabis testing is essential to ensure the accuracy of your results. Use a reputable testing laboratory and check for proper calibration, techniques, and homogeneity. These tips will help ensure that your cannabis testing results are accurate.