4 Reasons Why NJ Dispensaries Should Test Their Products
A version of this article originally appeared in NJ Cannabis Insider.
Within the legal cannabis industry, it is required that cultivators and manufacturers obtain third-party analytical laboratory testing for all product. Testing results must be provided via a laboratory-issued written document, known as a certificate of analysis (COA), which breaks down everything about a product from its compound profile to any present contaminants.
When it comes to dispensaries, however, facilities in New Jersey and other states are not required to run tests on products again, leaving room for contamination or expiration before a product is made available for sale. Because cannabis is susceptible to contamination at every point of the supply chain, this leaves both dispensaries and consumers open to risks unless dispensaries choose to engage in additional testing when products arrive in their stores.
As an additional safety precaution, dispensaries can and should test their products periodically before selling them, especially if they have been sitting in transit or in a store for long periods of time.
In this blog, you will learn:
Why it is important for dispensaries to test products periodically
How testing can improve customer satisfaction and dispensary quality
The importance of label accuracy and verification of test results
Additional testing strengthens dispensary reputation
There are a lot of dangers that come with consuming a contaminated cannabis product. In any legal cannabis market, it is essential that customers can trust the products they purchase from dispensaries. Establishing this confidence and trust is key to building a reputation as a compliant, trustworthy source of high quality cannabis products.
While testing may not always be required at the dispensary level, taking the extra step goes a long way in showing consumers why they should shop there. By developing a transparent plan for periodic testing, dispensaries can show customers that they care not only about sales and regulatory compliance, but also about the health and safety of their customers.
Test results serve as an educational opportunity
With consistent and transparent testing procedures in place, both consumers and dispensary associates can gain a better understanding of the products and their effects. With detailed knowledge of a product’s contents, including cannabinoid and terpene profiles, consumers will be able to make more informed decisions on what is right for them. This also creates more accurate expectations for those who may be new to cannabis or a specific product.
Higher levels of education within a dispensary help from a customer service standpoint as well. With the ability to provide verified and accurate test results pertaining to every product, as well as an understanding of how to interpret them, employees are better able to assist customers in explaining specific cultivar and product types and their intended effects. This is especially important given that many consumers are new to cannabis.
In New Jersey and beyond, prohibition limited the amount of reliable information available to consumers. Additional test results serve as another educational touchpoint that can inform them of the latest science and what it means to them.
Cannabis contamination can occur at any time
When it comes to any agricultural crop, contamination can be quite difficult to control, even with the best quality-control practices in place. Because of this, it is always a good idea for dispensaries to obtain additional testing on their products to ensure quality control and lower liability.
Cannabis is susceptible to contamination and natural degradation from the moment it is planted to the moment it is consumed. When state-mandated testing procedures only require screenings at certain points during the process, that does not account for the time a product spends in transit, in storage, or sitting on the dispensary shelf. While a product may have already passed required testing, there are still things that could go wrong.
For example, if water activity levels are too high, the cannabis product in question may be at risk of microbial contamination by mold, mildew, or fungi during transit and storage. Additional testing would reveal this problem to a dispensary, which could remove the contaminated product from their inventory and protect consumer health in the process.
Verifying label accuracy promotes confidence in product integrity
Because phytocannabinoids are known to degrade over time, it is important that dispensaries obtain accurate cannabinoid profiling and terpene profiling in close proximity to the time of sale. Inaccurate profiling and labeling can lead to dispensaries and customers not getting what they paid for, leaving them at risk of a disappointing or unfavorable experience. This is even more vital when a consumer, and particularly a medical cannabis patient, relies on a certain product for best health outcomes.
With compound profiling results, dispensaries can affirm the accuracy of product labeling and ensure their customers get what they’re expecting instead of an unpleasant surprise.
Ensure consumer confidence with True Labs for Cannabis
When it comes to cannabis, testing is more just a regulatory formality. Analysis laboratories provide information to both manufacturers and dispensaries that can be used to increase safety and education for consumers and partners.
At True Labs for Cannabis, it is our mission to help cannabis businesses build the consumer confidence and transparency needed for success. Visit our cannabis testing services page to find out how we can help your New Jersey operation build and maintain a reputation that consumers trust.