The Science
No regulations exist governing the quality or content of CBD products sold in the general consumer market.
Let that sink in for a moment. No QC. None.
So, how do consumers make CBD purchasing decisions? More importantly, what can manufacturers and retailers do to help?
At AVC we bring all this together in one place to allow for the right companies in the industry to showcase the safe products they have.
To comply with THC limits, many hemp and cannabis growers and CBD oil companies employ the services of cannabis analytic testing laboratories. These labs specialize in the analysis of cannabis and hemp flower, as well as products derived from the crops. Besides quantifying the levels of THC and other cannabinoids, testing labs can determine if samples include dangerous substances such as pesticides, bacteria, molds, and other contaminants. Although required testing of cannabis products exists is some states, most states do not have regulations mandating lab testing of CBD products.
Among the most powerful tools available to companies and consumers alike is a certificate of analysis (COA).
Pesticides
Although hemp can be grown successfully without the use of pesticides, some farmers still use agricultural chemicals on their crops and overspray from nearby fields is possible. Cannabis products should not contain residues of insecticides, weed killers, fungicides, or other chemicals.
Biological Contaminants
CBD products should not be contaminated with bacteria, molds, or fungi.
Heavy Metals
Some soils have higher levels of heavy metals than others, either naturally or through contamination. Cannabis plants can accumulate dangerous metals including arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, lead, and mercury.
Residual Solvents
Cannabis oils produced with hydrocarbon solvents can sometimes have residual contamination.
To find the concentration of CBD in a product, look for its cannabinoid profile. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that act directly and indirectly on the body’s endocannabinoid receptors. They are responsible for the purported therapeutic benefits of cannabis products. The compounds include CBD, THC, and lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG, THCVA, CBC, and CBL. The cannabinoid profile shows the presence and concentration of all measured cannabinoids, usually presented as percent of weight or MG/ML.
To find the concentration of CBD in a product, look for its cannabinoid profile. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that act directly and indirectly on the body’s endocannabinoid receptors. They are responsible for the purported therapeutic benefits of cannabis products. The compounds include CBD, THC, and lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG, THCVA, CBC, and CBL. The cannabinoid profile shows the presence and concentration of all measured cannabinoids, usually presented as percent of weight or MG/ML.
A product’s terpene profile is another important aspect to look for when considering potency. The terpene profile shows which terpenes are present, such as myrcene, limonene, or linalool, and in what concentration they appear, usually measured as parts per million.
To test for adulterants, laboratories run screenings for heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury; microbes like yeast and mold; bacteria like E-coli and salmonella; mycotoxins, pesticides, and chemical solvents. The presence of any such materials could pose serious health risks.
A product’s terpene profile is another important aspect to look for when considering potency. The terpene profile shows which terpenes are present—such as myrcene, limonene, or linalool—and in what concentration they appear, usually measured as parts per million.
To test for adulterants, laboratories run screenings for heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury; microbes like yeast and mold; bacteria like E-coli and salmonella; mycotoxins, pesticides, and chemical solvents. The presence of any such materials could pose serious health risks.
According to ISO.org, the website of the International Organization for Standardization, “ISO/IEC 17025 is useful for any organization that performs testing, sampling, or calibration and wants reliable results. This includes all types of laboratories, whether they be owned and operated by government, industry or, in fact, any other organization.
ISO/IEC 17025 enables laboratories to demonstrate they operate competently and generate valid results, thereby promoting confidence in their work both nationally and around the world. It also helps facilitate cooperation between laboratories and other bodies by generating wider acceptance of results between countries. Test reports and certificates can be accepted from one country to another without the need for further testing, which, in turn, improves international trade.”
According to ISO.org, the website of the International Organization for Standardization, “ISO/IEC 17025 is useful for any organization that performs testing, sampling, or calibration and wants reliable results. This includes all types of laboratories, whether they be owned and operated by government, industry or, in fact, any other organization.
ISO/IEC 17025 enables laboratories to demonstrate they operate competently and generate valid results, thereby promoting confidence in their work both nationally and around the world. It also helps facilitate cooperation between laboratories and other bodies by generating wider acceptance of results between countries. Test reports and certificates can be accepted from one country to another without the need for further testing, which, in turn, improves international trade.”
Does the concentration of cannabinoids shown on the product’s label match the lab test results?
With a clear understanding of laboratory test results, it is easy to see their value, particularly from a consumer’s point of view. As demand for CBD products increases, so too will the number of products coming to market. For manufacturers, having products tested by a trustworthy laboratory, and making publicly available the results of that testing, may be the best way to differentiate themselves from the pack.