Maryland Cannabis Testing Labs
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Does Maryland License Independent Cannabis Testing Labs?
The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) approves independent testing laboratories to test and analyze marijuana in the state. Also, per Section 36-204 of the Maryland cannabis laws, the MCA is permitted to establish and maintain a state cannabis testing laboratory. According to HB 556, an independent testing laboratory refers to a facility, entity, or site registered with the MCA to perform tests related to the inspection and testing of cannabis and products containing cannabis.
Requirements for Marijuana Testing Labs in Maryland
It is mandatory for independent testing laboratories to have International Organization for Standardization or ISO-17025 accreditation. Laboratories with provisional registrations are required to obtain their ISO-17025 accreditations within the 12 months over which their registrations remain valid. Once accredited, testing laboratories must maintain their ISO-17025 accreditations in order to continue testing cannabis products. ISO-17025 is the standard for testing and calibration that most countries, including the United States, use to accredit laboratories.
Maryland Required Tests for Cannabis Products
All cannabis products sold in Maryland must be tested to ensure their safety for consumption prior to sale. Under state laws, independent testing laboratories are required to test for:
- Water activity and moisture content
- Potency analysis
- Terpene analysis
- Foreign matters
- Microbiological impurities, including Shiga toxin for Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2, and ochratoxin
- Mycotoxin
- Heavy metal
- Residual solvent
- Pesticide residue
How Do Maryland Marijuana Testing Labs Submit and Report Test Results?
Cannabis testing results are required to be reported to the MCA through the statewide seed-to-sale tracking system - Metrc. Reporting of results is required to ensure that cannabis potency and purity are maintained throughout the process from cultivation to sale. The MCA may take disciplinary action against laboratories falsely reporting test results in METRC and on Certificates of Analysis.
How Much Does It Cost to Test Cannabis in Maryland?
There are no fixed costs for cannabis testing in Maryland. Prices vary depending on the laboratory, sample volume, and the specific testing type required. Typically, cannabis tests may cost between $50 and $300.
What Happens to Cannabis Products That Fail Lab Tests in Maryland?
If a cannabis sample does not pass a laboratory test in Maryland, the sample and other products in that batch are prohibited from being sold to consumers. Upon identifying a failed lab test, the Maryland Cannabis Association (MCA) will notify the company responsible for the product. Subsequently, the company is required to take corrective measures, either by properly disposing of the product or remediating it to meet the testing standards set by the MCA.
The MCA can impose disciplinary actions against cannabis companies whose products fail lab tests. Potential punitive measures include fines, temporary suspensions, and, in severe cases, the revocation of the cannabis business license to operate within the Maryland cannabis industry.
List of Cannabis Testing Labs in Maryland
According to the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, there are 5 independent testing laboratories in the state. These are Green Analytics; Quales LLC; Pinnacle CT, Inc.; Eastern Analytical Lab; and Highgrade Labs of Maryland LLC.