Why Is Hemp Testing So Important?
Hemp is the only variety of cannabis that is legal under federal law for domestic production, processing, and distribution. As the hemp industry grows, quality assurance for products intended for consumption, such as CBD extract, becomes increasingly important.
From understanding hemp potency to testing for a wide range of contaminants, hemp and hemp-derived product producers need to partner with reliable, precise labs to determine that their products are safe and ready for store shelves.
In this blog, you will learn:
If testing industrial hemp is a requirement set out by federal authorities
Which tests a third party analytical laboratory should run on industrial hemp samples
How labs test hemp samples for potency
Is hemp testing required?
Hemp testing is required under federal law, but specifically for total Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. This is because the federal government defines the line between federally legal industrial hemp and federally illegal “marijuana” as 0.3% or less total THC in the plant. To learn more about the THC content of hemp, read our blog on the history of this distinction.
The USDA’s involvement: Industrial hemp testing falls under the purview of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which descheduled hemp and hemp-derived products from the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The USDA's guidelines are laser-focused on ensuring hemp producers stay within this THC threshold, and less focused on other quality issues that impact health and human safety.
The USDA’s guidelines include a description of the required testing method, which involves identifying and quantifying the sum of THCA and THC to determine overall potency. While hemp testing labs are not required to maintain an ISO 17025 accreditation, the USDA "strongly encourages" that labs adhere to these standards.
What about other tests? Even though other tests are not required for industrial hemp like they are for cannabis, educated consumers are demanding to know about what is in their hemp CBD products. Checks for contamination, potency, and product quality are all a part of building consumer trust and brand reputation, especially in an industry that is not as regulated just yet. You can learn more about additional tests on hemp later in this blog.
How hemp samples are tested for THC and other phytocannabinoid potency
To perform potency testing, labs often use a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify individual cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, and measure their amount. Gas chromatography (GC) is another testing method, but it is no longer considered the industry standard.
Other tests that can be run by a hemp testing facility
While USDA regulations focus primarily on THC concentration and the 0.3% THC threshold, hemp testing facilities can run additional tests for quality assurance, including:
Cannabinoid profiling: Consumers want to know the amount of CBD and minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBN contained in their product. Hemp testing labs offer cannabinoid profiling to determine which phytocannabinoids are present and in what amounts.
Terpene profiling: Terpenes are volatile organic compounds that give cannabis its unique flavors and scents. They are also thought to contribute to the overall consumption experience. Labs can identify and quantify terpenes to determine a product's terpene profile.
Pesticides: Pesticide testing is required in many states, though the acceptable quantity of specific pesticides may vary from state to state. Whether required or not, though, hemp plants are bioaccumulators that take in more contaminants than other plants, making pesticides particularly risky.
Microbials: Microbes include bacteria, fungi, molds, and mildews, and these contaminants are a constant threat to cannabis (including hemp) throughout its lifecycle and post-harvest. Labs test for toxic microbes and high levels of contamination to confirm a crop is clear of things like yeast, salmonella, and E. coli.
Residual solvents: CBD products like tinctures and concentrates are made with an extract of concentrated phytocannabinoids and terpenes. This concentrate must be refined to remove solvents used in the extraction process; residual solvents in high levels could pose a health risk to consumers. Labs test to ensure residual solvents are within safe levels.
Heavy metals: Because hemp is a bioaccumulator, it stores heavy metals found in soil, water, metal planters, tables where plants are harvested or products produced, and in cartridges, among other places. When this occurs, the hemp may contain higher-than-acceptable levels of heavy metals. Labs can test cannabis products to ensure they are free of dangerous heavy metals like nickel, silver, zinc, copper, iron, and more.
Mycotoxins: Mycotoxins are naturally occurring carcinogens linked to an array of health problems. They are generally a byproduct of the proliferation of microbes like mold or fungi and can pose serious risks to consumer health. Hemp testing can identify and quantify mycotoxins to determine whether a product is safe for consumption.
Lipids: Lipids are fatty acid compounds found in all plants, including hemp. Lipids may be unsafe at elevated levels when inhaled and may be linked to Electronic Vape Associated Lung Illness (EVALI). Some labs test for lipids, including for the additive Vitamin E acetate, even though many states don't require lipid testing by law.
Moisture content: Labs can analyze the amount of moisture in cannabis flower, which should range from 6% to 15% depending on the cultivar. The higher the moisture content, the more likely mold and fungal growth occurs, ruining a product and putting consumers at risk. Lab testing can confirm that moisture content is within safe and acceptable levels.
Homogeneity: Homogeneity tests help determine the consistency of a cannabis product across batches. For example, a chocolate bar infused with 100mg of hemp-derived CBD meant to break into 10 pieces should contain 10mg of CBD per piece. A homogeneity test confirms that all compounds are uniformly and evenly distributed throughout the product.
Hemp testing ensures legal compliance and product quality
Hemp producers must contend with the delicate balance of maintaining a less than 0.3% THC content in their crop. Lab testing becomes critically important to ensure hemp producers are in full legal compliance. Additionally, hemp and hemp-derived product producers can rely on test results to demonstrate product quality to their target market, setting themselves apart from competitors in the eyes of their customers.
True Labs for Cannabis offers comprehensive cannabis testing services for hemp and hemp-derived product producers and retailers in New Jersey and beyond. From guaranteeing low THC potency to identifying any potential contaminants, hemp producers and product retailers in the Garden State can rely on True Labs for Cannabis for accurate results performed in a timely manner while utilizing state of the art technology. Contact True Labs for Cannabis to learn more.