Cannabis Testing: A High Potency Conundrum

By Christina Michael

The cannabis industry is riddled with complexities that often confuse and confound industry professionals and consumers daily. It is a mammoth undertaking to operate in an industry that requires not only a high level of understanding on how to navigate regulations, but also to be able to build trust with licensed retailers and be creative enough to achieve brand awareness and loyalty with such stringent restrictions on marketing and advertising for cannabis currently in effect. One, if not the most vital, step before a cannabis product option is available for purchase by a provincially-licenced retailer is that a batch sample must be sent to a Health Canada approved lab. Health Canada states; “analytical testing activities may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following testing processes: chemical contaminants, microbial contaminants, cannabinoid content, dissolution or disintegration, sterility, stability testing and/or pesticides, including ensuring requirements are met by licence holders bound by the mandatory cannabis testing for pesticide active ingredients requirements.”

The outcome of these tests is available on a Certificate of Analysis (COA), otherwise known as “test results” document, confirming the cannabis product batch is compliant and safe for consumption, and can be traced back to the original batch in the event of contamination and recall according to regulations defined by Health Canada and the government’s Pest Control Products Act and The Cannabis Act Once a product sample “passes”, it would be reasonable to conclude the product batch is safe for consumption and consumers can be assured of product quality.

Considering the importance of COA results and the litany of regulatory and compliance checkmarks required to sell regulated cannabis to the end-consumer for safe consumption, one would think Health Canada approved labs to not only pass a rigorous licensing process but also comply with standardized testing methods, not to be confused with standard reference materials (SRMs) to ensure all lab results are equal and results would be within a percent or two from lab to lab. To be fair, all labs must apply and successfully pass the application process to become a holder of a licence for analytical testing under The Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations. To remain accredited labs, they must also perform annual proficiency tests for services provided to maintain their approved license status. However, standardized testing methods are not part of this governance process. So, it is understood that cannabis testing requirements are meant to ensure cannabis products are safe for consumption, but no standardized testing methods exist to date, and nowhere does it state that high THC levels are a mandatory part of the testing process and/or a requirement for product submission.

While we can agree that conducting safe consumption tests on all consumables is important to the health and safety of Canadians, it is equally important to acknowledge a lack of standardized testing results in potential lack of trust and confidence in end results. Herein lies the high potency conundrum, as emphasis on high THC products has become one of the most prominent features required for a successful listing and consumer purchase decisions. To be clear, high THC does not guarantee quality cannabis nor does it mean the end consumer is getting the best bang for their buck.

We know cannabis flower, like humans, is inherently different, which is also what makes cannabis and people unique. We also know every person will respond to cannabis differently, therefore it would also seem not only reasonable, but also proactive to standardize testing methods and advance the industry with consumer education and a diverse product selection with a healthy range of THC potency products, cannabinoid and terpene profiles in order to to build trust in safe, quality and value for cannabis products available for purchase; not to mention, allow for a wider selection of products for licensed retailers to differentiate their stores and curate product menus that appeal to their target demographic, loyal and new patrons. In the spirit of industry advancement, reducing the stigma and creating consumer trust, it’s high time we standardize.

Centre for Research and Innovation (CRI) is one of the few facilities in Canada with the experience and expertise in ultra-high purification and formulation of trace cannabinoids with potencies exceeding 99%.

We specialize in advanced chromatography and high shear micronization technologies for products in food, beverage, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical.

Funding support of up to $100,000 is available for eligible projects.