The Importance of Lab-Tested Cannabis Products: What You Need to Know

Weed has a well-deserved reputation for safety, and generally, this reputation is accurate. However, anything can be hazardous if it has been tampered with or produced incorrectly. With this realization, marijuana lab testing was developed as a result. It entails a collection of various assessments that aid in figuring out the potency and purity of a cannabis product, as well as other elements. It is similar to what various health agencies do with our food, at least in terms of intent.

In the following, we'll tell you more about these lab tests for cannabis products and why they are essential. Keep reading to learn more. 

The Importance of Lab Testing Cannabis Products

For cannabis products to be sold, the majority of states demand testing. The right result levels, however, differ from state to state for each category. Additionally, some states are behind because testing procedures vary across the states where cannabis use is legal. Nonetheless, the intent and result are the same: protecting and informing consumers.

The following are the particular benefits of lab testing cannabis products:

Promoting Consumer Safety

From seed to planting to processing, cannabis travels a long way before it is finally packaged and available for purchase. As a result, there are numerous possible sources of contamination along the way.

Through the roots, heavy metals in the soil can be taken up and concentrated inside the plant. Microbes may flourish due to the cannabis plant's inherent moisture. Unsafe pesticide residues and processing chemicals can affect the safety of cannabis products.

Consumers' health is at risk from any potential contaminant. The only way to guarantee that your items are clean of contamination and suitable for consumption is to conduct cannabis testing.

Quality Control and Assurance

Do you want to guarantee that your cannabis product is of the highest quality and consistency? Then you must conduct cannabis lab tests.

Customers are searching for products that are simple to dose and have predictable effects. In order for your customers to know exactly what they are getting, cannabis testing enables you to place a value on qualities like contaminants and potency.

Some cannabis testing labs even provide quality assurance testing to help you optimize your procedures and avoid future legal problems.

Determining Potential Medical Uses and Probable Dosing

Potency testing helps determine the potential medical applications of a specific plant and informs consumers on how to dose it. THC, for example, is commonly used to treat chronic pain disorders, nausea, gastrointestinal disorders, appetite stimulation, opioid addiction, and chemotherapy. On the other hand, CBD, CBN, and CBG have been shown to help with neurological issues, anxiety, and depression. Knowing the potency of a product allows consumers to select safe and enjoyable cannabis products for their preferred experience. Our Beach Fire staff of budtenders can help direct you to find the products you seek. 

What Cannabis Product Testing Looks For

Cannabis tests look for different things. Whatever is tested, the reason for testing in any of these categories boils down to human safety. If the levels are too high or not detected, it may harm humans.

THC potency

This test aims to determine the content of cannabinoids (THC, CBG, and CBD) with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Potency testing helps determine a particular product's possible uses and informs consumers how to dose it. The higher the potency, the less is needed to be consumed for your desired effects. 

Terpenes

Many laboratories look for 6 to 10 primary terpenes, but some look for up to 26. Terpenes are responsible for the flavor and aroma of the finished cannabis product. They also play an essential role in a product's effects and therapeutic benefits and may help the immune system, fight bacterial diseases, and alleviate chronic pain conditions. Some terpenes, such as caryophyllene, can also act as cannabinoids. 

Residual Solvents

Distributors commonly extract the essence of the flower using butane extraction to generate distillate concentrates, resins, and other products. Materials from these operations are not always completely expelled during the process. As a result, solvents such as acetone, benzene, butane, benzene, and ethanol may remain. This test allows you to know if your product has been tampered with. 

Mycotoxins

This lab test aims to isolate mold pollutants using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS). The approach helps determine and quantify precise mycotoxin levels.

Heavy Metals

Natural metals can be found in fertilizers and soils, and cannabis is a hyperaccumulator. This means it absorbs metals faster than other plants. Heavy metals are harsher, and exposing the cannabis plant to them in its surroundings can pose health risks to consumers. Cannabis samples are tested for arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury, among other things.

Pesticides

Cannabis samples are tested for any pesticide residue that could be harmful if consumed. A process known as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) can be used to identify and isolate these residue contaminants.

Water activity and Microbes

Microbes, particularly yeast and mold, can cause problems in people with respiratory issues, allergies, or immunocompromised. On the other hand, salmonella can cause vomiting and severe stomach pain. In extreme cases, it can cause respiratory illness and intestinal damage. Water activity tests are critical to do so because they are linked to bacterial and microbial growth. Cannabis absorbs what surrounds it in the soil; therefore, it is extremely easy to have high water activity levels. Furthermore, high water levels in weed plants can shorten the product's shelf life.

Conclusion on the Importance of Lab-tested Cannabis Products

With the legalization of marijuana, cannabis testing has become an essential component of the industry. Cannabis testing allows growers and sellers to comply with state regulations while providing high-quality, easy-to-dose cannabis products that customers can feel confident about consuming. Testing also ensures that the products being marketed are safe. So, lab-tested products are safe and high-quality.

That's why at Beach Fire, we are committed to providing only the highest quality cannabis products in Michigan. Check out our online cannabis menu to find your favorites.