Since recreational cannabis in California was legalized, many dispensaries have sprung up throughout the state. With this new industry, customers must be aware of the quality of their product and what goes into making it. Unfortunately, not all dispensaries are created equal. Some may cut corners by using subpar products or failing to test their stock properly.

If you are a dispensary, the only way to know the number of compounds present is to test your cannabis products. You can ensure that your customers are getting the highest quality product by properly testing your products.

What Do Testing Labs Measure in Cannabis Products?

Reputable laboratories do hemp potency testing. These labs use state-of-the-art equipment to properly test cannabis products to measure the amount of the following:

• THC potency. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major psychoactive compound in marijuana. The THC potency is important because it will show how strong the product is. In California, the maximum THC potency in a product is 10% per serving.
• CBD potency. While cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, the law mandates that all products must be labeled with CBD potency.
• Pesticide residues. Cannabis pesticide testing is important to ensure that your product does not contain harmful chemicals. Pesticides are chemicals used to kill insects or other pests in cannabis plants. Cannabis products must be free of all pesticide residues to be sold legally in California.
• Heavy metals. Some cannabis products may contain heavy metals, like lead or mercury. These can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities.
• Microbial impurities. All cannabis products must be free of harmful bacteria, mold, and other microbes.
• Residual solvents. Some cannabis products may be made with solvents, such as butane or propane. These solvents must be completely eliminated from the final product to be safe for consumption.

Is It Expensive to Have My Products Tested?

The cost of testing depends on the type of product being tested and the number of tests being performed. However, most testing labs charge by the sample, so the more samples you have tested, the lower the cost per sample will be.

In general, the cost is worth it because you are ensuring the quality of your product. Proper testing also protects you from liability if something goes wrong with your product.

What Other Ways Can Dispensaries Ensure the Quality of Their Products?

Along with lab testing, dispensaries can take other steps to ensure the quality of their products, including:

• Buy cannabis plants from reputable growers. Get to know the farmers growing your dispensary’s cannabis. Ask about their cultivation methods and whether they use pesticides.
• Conduct in-house testing of products. In addition to having products lab-tested, some dispensaries also test products in-house. This can be done using portable testing devices, such as a trichome scope or a hand-held microscope.
• Regularly inspect the grow facilities. If possible, visit the farms and greenhouses where your dispensary’s cannabis is grown. Look for signs of pests or mold and ensure the plants are properly cared for.
• Educate employees on quality control procedures. All dispensary employees should be familiar with quality control procedures, such as properly handling and storing products. Employees should also know how to inspect products properly for signs of damage or contamination.

In Conclusion

Testing is the best way to ensure the quality of your dispensary’s cannabis products. By testing for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbes, you can be sure that your customers get a safe and high-quality product. In addition to testing, dispensaries can also take the steps mentioned above.