Are Cannabis Products Safer Now? Inside The New Testing Standards

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has introduced a new hemp reference material, RM 8210, priced at $783 for 4.5 grams.

This product is designed to enhance the accuracy of THC and CBD measurements in cannabis products, which is crucial for regulatory compliance and consumer safety. This development is timely as the cannabis industry prepares for the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on Oct. 8-9, where leaders will discuss advancements in cannabis testing and other industry trends.

The Need for Accurate Measurements

In the cannabis industry, precise THC measurement is essential to distinguish legal hemp from controlled marijuana. Hemp is legally defined as cannabis containing no more than 0.3% THC.

Susan Audino, a chemistry laboratory consultant at S.A. Audino & Associates, emphasized, "If we have 0.31% THC, it's now called marijuana, and it is illegal." Reference materials like NIST's hemp samples are vital for laboratories to ensure consistent and accurate results.

Industry Leaders Focused on Testing Standards

Leading cannabis companies, such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. ACB and Canopy Growth Corporation CGC, have been prioritizing rigorous testing protocols to meet regulatory standards. Aurora Cannabis collaborates with multiple laboratories to ensure its products meet stringent requirements, thereby enhancing its market credibility. Canopy Growth has invested significantly in advanced testing methodologies to ensure product quality and safety.

These companies’ efforts in maintaining high testing standards are expected to be a point of discussion at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. Industry experts, including Beau Whitney, CEO of Whitney Economics, will share insights on the economic impacts of regulatory standards on the cannabis market, emphasizing the importance of accurate testing and compliance.

Justifying the High Costs

The high cost of NIST's hemp reference material reflects the meticulous process involved in its creation. Each sample undergoes extensive testing and validation to meet high standards of accuracy. This includes grinding hemp to a consistent particle size, blending lower-THC material to maintain legal levels, and storing samples at -80°C to prevent degradation.

NIST's pricing is consistent with other high-value reference materials, such as avocado powder at $1,166 for 50 grams and peanut butter at $1,143 for 510 grams. These costs underscore the precision and rigorous standards maintained by NIST, which are essential for ensuring safety and compliance in various industries.

Legal and Consumer Safety Implications

Accurate THC measurements are vital for forensic labs to determine whether a sample is hemp or marijuana, a distinction with legal implications. Amber McConnell, forensic chemistry manager at the Maryland State Police, noted, "Our reports will then be used in court to say whether or not a person has a controlled substance." For the cannabis industry, precise labeling builds consumer trust. NIST biologist Colleen Bryan stated, "If you buy a product that claims to have 25 milligrams of CBD per dose, you should be able to trust that number."

Broader Industry Impacts

NIST's hemp reference material is part of a broader effort to improve the reliability of cannabis testing through the Cannabis Laboratory Quality Assurance Program (CannaQAP). This program standardizes testing methods across the industry, ensuring all labs provide accurate and consistent results. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, the demand for accurate testing and reliable reference materials will increase.

At the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, industry leaders will explore these advancements in testing accuracy. Notable speakers such as Ross Gerber, Co-founder, President, and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management, and Sundie Seefried, CEO of Safe Harbor Financial, will offer valuable perspectives on how precise testing and regulatory compliance can drive industry growth.

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Image: Matteo Paganelli on Unsplash