Third-Party Laboratory Testing: Understanding the Procedure

September 15, 2020 • By Benjamin Wilson
The estimated reading time is 3 minutes

Have you ever bought a product but got disappointed when it failed to deliver the anticipated results? That is the disappointment that clients get if they buy poor-quality cannabis products. Indeed, it is worse when it comes to cannabis products, such as CBD tinctures, because most people buy them for therapeutic purposes. However, you can stand out from the pack by subjecting your products to third-party laboratory testing that allows you to select and stock high-quality hemp products.

Third-party laboratory testing involves subjecting your CBD sample to further analysis to determine the different components. Think of it as a checkpoint that seeks to confirm whether the components of cannabis products are as shown on the label. In this post, we will tell about the process of having your product tested in a third-party laboratory.

Is 3rd Party Laboratory Testing Mandatory?

Before looking at the procedure of testing cannabis products, it is important to appreciate that it is not mandatory. According to the Farm Bill Amendments of 2018, the primary requirement for cannabis products is ensuring that they do not contain over 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component in a cannabis plant.

Note that in addition to the requirement that all cannabis products should have very low THC levels, they are also subject to other laws on safety, especially by the FDA. The best way to ensure you stock high-quality cannabis products that have THC within the recommended levels and other ingredients, as shown on the label, is to subject them to additional testing in a third-party laboratory.

What is the Procedure for Testing a Cannabis Product?

The process of testing a product should be done on one or several samples, which are considered representative of that type of cannabis product. So, here is how it happens:

  • Order a specific item from your preferred manufacturer or supplier: It is advisable to order a single item or several before buying a larger stock to keep in your shop. The decision to buy in large quantities will depend on whether the results show the sample to be good.
  • Take the sample to a selected third-party laboratory: Once you get the first item or several, take them for further evaluation to determine their components. Remember to only work with a reputable third-party laboratory that has qualified staff and uses the latest technology.
  • The product is dissolved, and quantities of all components are determined: Although there are many methods for testing cannabis products, the commonest one is high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) which involves dissolving the sample and passing it through small tubes under pressure.
  • Once different components are noted, their quantities are established and presented to you. The process is completed fast to allow you to make the right decision to stock the specific cannabis product or not.

The surest way to identify high-quality cannabis products for sale in your store is by subjecting samples to third-party laboratory testing. The tests allow you to confirm if the information presented on the label is correct, and help you work with confidence that only the best products are sold to your clients.

Benjamin Wilson

He is a fitness trainer and part-time blogger interested in nutrition and in leading a healthy lifestyle. He writes smart and inspirational articles on nutrition supported by scientific research and his own personal experience in the healthcare industry.
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