Cannabis testing and product regulation are some of the many benefits of cannabis legalization. Certified weed testing labs ensure the effectiveness and safety of cannabis products. This testing process is required by law — and for good reason. So, you should only buy products and visit dispensaries that use marijuana quality testing.
What Is Third-Party Testing for Weed?
Specific weed testing requirements vary by state, though many procedures and goals are the same. Third-party labs analyze products’ cannabinoid levels to guarantee they have the desired and legal potency levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabinol). This is especially important when distinguishing recreational and medical weed.
Additionally, labs test products for pesticides, metals, and other contaminants. This level of safety is particularly crucial for concentrates, tinctures, and other products that use solvents.
Third-party labs also test for:
- Microbes
- Mycotoxins
- Lipids
- Moisture and water activity
- Hair, dust, and other foreign matter
Benefits of Marijuana Quality Testing
First and foremost, third-party testing is important for product safety. Pesticides, residual solvents, and other contaminants can create short and long-term health issues for users.
Furthermore, THC quality testing guarantees only the best products go on the dispensary shelves. Most labs test for homogeneity and potency, guaranteeing your weed has the right levels of THC and CBD.
Finally, third-party testing keeps cultivators, manufacturers, and dispensaries compliant with state and federal regulations. Unsafe products can impair the legitimacy of individual businesses and the overall weed market. It’s up to everyone in the cannabis industry to follow safe practices and maintain quality kush.
How To Verify That Your Weed Has Been Tested
Weed products are required to include a certificate of analysis (CoA), which verifies they were tested according to state and federal laws. This makes it incredibly easy to check each product’s safety.
A certificate of analysis generally includes the following details:
- Product name
- Serving size
- Total THC levels
- Total CBD levels
- Other cannabinoid levels
- Reporting and testing dates
- Testing methods
You can usually find information about the CoA on the product’s backside label. Many products feature QR codes and links that lead to the CoA. Even if it takes you a moment to find it, you should never buy weed without double-checking its CoA. Do not buy a product if you can’t verify whether it was tested.
Find High-Quality Weed Near You
It’s not always enough to go product-by-product to check for proper testing procedures. Instead, you should find a dependable dispensary near you that only sells quality products. Even if it’s an extra ten-minute drive, it’s worth knowing that weed testing labs have checked the stuff you’re smoking.
At Harbor House Collective, we provide our community with high-quality weed and reliable education about cannabis use. Visit us online or in person to explore our stock and learn more about what we do.
