Residual Solvent Testing for Cannabis Products
Cannabis concentrates are commonly made by using solvents to draw out phytocannabinoids and terpenes. Although extracts undergo additional processes to clear them of whatever solvent was used, some solvent may remain. To ensure that patients and adult-use consumers are receiving the cleanest product possible, manufacturers will send their extracts to analytical laboratories like New Jersey’s True Labs for Cannabis to verify independently that they are safe and ready to use.
What are residual solvents?
Residual solvents are organic volatile chemicals that are used or produced in some of the most common cannabis extraction processes. During this process, phytocannabinoids (such as THC) and terpenes are extracted from the plant material. Some solvents that may be used in the process include butane, ethanol, propane, acetone, and carbon dioxide.
Why is residual solvent testing important?
Cannabis product producers typically incorporate stringent protocols to heat and vacuum purge out the solvents and ensure acceptable levels for their cannabis concentrates, distillates, and extracts. However, some trace amounts may be left behind during the extraction and manufacturing process.
Many residual solvents are hazardous when inhaled or ingested and pose serious health risks, so it’s vital that cannabis extracts are tested for these solvents before they are sold to customers. Therefore, residual solvent testing is critical to assessing the efficiency of the manufacturing process, product quality and safety.
Is residual solvent testing required in New Jersey?
The State of New Jersey requires that cannabis products are tested for residual solvents or processing chemicals prior to being sold by a dispensary, or alternative treatment center (ATC) as licensees are referred to in the medical marijuana program in NJ. Many other states require residual solvent testing, so this is not unique to New Jersey cannabis processors or analytical laboratories.
True Labs for Cannabis provides residual solvent testing to ensure cannabis products are free of any hazardous impurities and confirm that production processes are compliant with regulations. We use methods like gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify and measure residual solvents left behind by the cannabis extraction process.
Test cannabis products for residual solvents with True Labs for Cannabis
Our analytical laboratory is led by Sarah Ahrens and Carl Christianson, Ph.D. Carl, the Chief Science Officer of True Labs for Cannabis, is an advocate well known for his efforts to help pass legalization in Vermont. He is also responsible for bringing compliant, high-quality, and transparent lab testing services to industrial hemp-derived products like CBD oil throughout the Northeast. Sarah, who is founder and CEO of the analytical laboratory, brings 20 years of entrepreneurial experience and a passion for clean, “green” products to True Labs for Cannabis.
Our transparent and wholly compliant cannabis analytical testing lab is based in central New Jersey and accepts samples from both regulated high-THC medical marijuana and industrial hemp markets. We are also fully prepared to accept samples from New Jersey’s adult use market once it is up and operating.
At True Labs for Cannabis, we know how critical testing for residual solvents and other contaminants like foreign materials and heavy metals is for compliance and consumer safety. That’s why we are relentlessly committed to bringing the best and most effective testing methodologies to New Jersey’s licensed cannabis entities. Contact True Labs for Cannabis today to learn more about how our industry-leading practices can enable your success.