Cannabis Testing: A solution for compliance and oversight issues
The medical use of cannabis albeit an ancient practice was prohibited from 1937 with exacerbated restrictions inclusive of medical use in 1970 with the passage of the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). However, thirty-seven states starting with California have implemented provisions for use of cannabis for medical and adult recreational use. In 2016 investment conferences, the hottest selling booths were not equity, bonds, or cryptocurrency but cannabis-related investments that made headwinds.
With legal acceptance and states framing their rules compliance and industry practices are nascent and changing rapidly. As states accept and draw their guidelines for quality and standards for safety related to the products, cannabis testing in a lab becomes an imperative step. Many other challenges can impede the growth of the relatively new industry with as many even at the cannabis testing stage. The primary reason for the barriers in the testing stages are; the source region from where the crop is procured, its storage and handling, and different standards and measure of states concerning testing requirements.
Before dwelling on the need for cannabis testing, it is important to understand the base product. Let us check the basic facts about cannabis and why there is widespread prejudice and equal acceptance for this plant:
- Historical importance as a medicinal plant
Cannabis was used extensively all over the world in different civilizations for both humans and their livestock. Ancient physicians used cannabis leaves to treat sores and wounds and prescribed them for almost all types of pain. Till the early 1900 cannabis was used as patent medicine till legal and regulatory prohibitions restricted its use even for medical purposes.
The reason cannabis is and was used as a pain reliever is because of its effect in alleviating pain.
Research also suggests that cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant calm sore muscles through interaction with pain receptors in the brain. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD bind with sensory receptors of pain in our bodies and relieve muscle spasticity and repress inflammation in nerves. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are primary compounds that distinguish cannabis for its medicinal value.
- The debate surrounding the use of cannabis
Vilification of cannabis use persists alongside the legal acceptance for medical and even adult-recreational purposes in some states. The two-fold debate prevails due to public perception which is largely negative where many believe that long-term cannabis is akin to the substance or opioid use. Moreover, clinical trials are yet to establish that there are no health risks associated with the long-term use of cannabis. These factors will be negated through successful research and medical trials in the future.
Owing to its history and perception the need for cannabis testing in laboratories is an important and unavoidable step for the stakeholders of products derived from cannabis. There are a few other reasons that mandate testing of cannabis in labs mentioned here:
- Potency test
Testing cannabis for its potency verifies the number of cannabinoids in the product. If the intensity of cannabinoids is heavy then it’s not safe for human or veterinary consumption. By testing for potency, transparency is ascertained about the product and consumers can determine how harmless the product is. Taking an informed decision on foods and drugs a person consumes, improves the patient’s experience rather than taking one without certainty about the facts. Gas and liquid chromatography helps in the accurate quantification of the organic chemical compounds found in a sample of cannabis.
- Pesticide testing
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves the list of pesticides that can be used for crops grown and sourced in the country. Although states have relaxed their rules for medical and recreational use of cannabis, it is still not legally recognized at federal standing in the United States. Owing to this mismatch between state and fed policies, EPA has not approved a list of pesticides for the cannabis crop. As a result, testing cannabis for the presence of pesticides is imperative as there are no regulated measures used by different growers.
- Chemical testing
The presence of chemicals in the land where the cannabis is grown and the different stages of processing will affect the presence of harmful chemicals and heavy metals that are not safe for human consumption.
Toxic metals like cadmium, arsenic, lead, and mercury is usually absorbed by most crops. If human bodies accumulate these highly toxic chemicals over time through food and water sources, then the normal healthy functioning of body parts is severely affected and can be fatal.
- Microbial testing
Food contamination is one of the primary causes of death in most parts of the world. Its effect can be short and long-term. Microbes’ initial presence is not seen by the naked eye, and in a short period, they spread through multiplication and spoil the entire batch of food. Following HACCP guidelines eliminates the risk of contamination to some extent. However, testing for microbial action will help manufacturers ensure that their product is free from dangerous bacteria like E Coli and Salmonella. Cannabis testing for microbes in the lab screens for mold, fungi, and yeast contamination that can spoil large amounts of processed products. With advanced tools like molecular diagnostics, there is no need to collect cultures. Through polymerase chain reactions genetic barcodes are used to identify the presence of microbes in food consignments.
Conclusion:
Each state’s guidelines for manufacturing cannabis products are different. Some states that allow adult-recreational cannabis use also need the determination of the potency to guarantee that the products are sold under the right category. The tax implications and purchase limits vary based on medical or recreational cannabis purposes.
Cannabis testing for the potency and safety of the product is very important. Any deviation from the specific state guidelines will lead to major business loss and legal fallout for the manufacturer. Identifying and partnering with reliable laboratories established in testing complex compounds present in cannabis helps in meeting the stipulations set by different state laws and maintaining standards of safety of the end product.