Third Party Hemp testing: Separating Facts from Fiction

The cannabis industry has been undergoing rapid growth in the last few years, especially after the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill and legalization of cannabis growing in different states.

But this growth comes with many challenges, especially for traders. Some of these challenges include key misconceptions about third-party lab testing for cannabis products. Here, we separate these facts from myths. 

Myth: Third Party Laboratories are run by Cannabis Product Manufacturers 

This statement is wrong. Third party laboratories are not run by manufacturers. Instead, they are independent organizations that are not affiliated to any party in the hemp production chain. The main reason for this model is to ensure that they give unbiased results because they do not have any interest in one or more parties.

Myth: Testing a Cannabis Product Takes a lot of Time 

This information is wrong. The essence of subjecting cannabis products, such as hemp oil or CBD oil to independent checking is to help traders stock the best products.

Therefore, this information has to be availed quickly so that a trader’s clients do not get empty shelves.

To deliver results faster, the laboratories use the latest technologies, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy Testing and Mass Spectronomy (MS) Test.

Misconception: You Need to Test Every Product in Your Store 

This is a misconception. In order to know the quality of your cannabis products, there is no need to subject all of them to lab testing.

Instead, you only need to pick a sample and consider it as a representative. The reasoning behind this principle is that the same batches are expected to contain similar ingredients.

When placing your order, it is advisable to ask the supplier for a few packets of the cannabis product of interest. Then, subject it to third party testing to know the cannabinoid profile and whether it contains harmful components. If the sample is high quality, you can go ahead and order an entire batch to stock in your store. 

Myth: Third-Party Lab Testing is a Requirement in Law

Third-party lab testing is not a requirement in law. The law only indicates that cannabis products should not have more than 0.3% THC.

The need for third-party lab testing is voluntary and comes as a result of two considerations.

One, some suppliers and manufacturers give wrong information about the constituents of their cannabis products. Two, some cannabis products come with harmful compounds.

The best way to know about the components of a cannabis product and establish whether it contains harmful components is through an independent laboratory.

Misconception: It is Impossible to Get High-Quality Cannabis Products Without using Third Party Lab Testing

This argument is fallacious in every sense. Indeed, there are many products that are of high quality out there.

The main reason for using third-party labs is to help you get the confirmation that the items you buy are of high quality. Indeed, if you find a supplier who always supplies high-quality cannabis products, you should stick with him to guarantee your clients better results.