Cannabis Testing
Cannabis testing is performed to ensure that cannabis plants and products meet regulatory requirements and are safe for human consumption. A range of cannabis testing equipment exists for individual tests.
- Mycotoxin testing is performed to detect contamination with molds that can reduce the effectiveness of the plant or make it hazardous to consume.
- Microbial testing determines the presence and quantity of bacterial and fungal growth in plants and products, most of which can be eliminated with gamma-irradiation.
- As for food and beverages, testing for heavy metals can determine acceptable levels of arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead and other heavy metals in cannabis products.
- Pesticide contamination is a concern for the industry, so cannabis pesticide testing is regularly performed on flowers and buds, concentrates, and infused edibles.
- Potency testing measures the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a sample, most of which can be found in the flowering heads and surrounding leaves of the plant.
- Residual solvent testing is performed following the extraction of the active ingredients using ethanol, carbon dioxide, butane, water, or other materials.
- Terpene testing measures the fragrance and flavor compounds present in the trichomes of cannabis plants that contribute to its unique flavor profile.
- Quality control testing may also include weight, moisture content, and other measurements that help ensure that each portion or cannabis product sold is appropriately represented by the label.
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