Marijuana Business Factbook 2019

255 © Copyright 2020, Marijuana Business Daily , a division of Anne Holland Ventures Inc. You may NOT copy this Factbook, or make public the data and facts contained herein, in part or in whole. For more copies or editorial permissions, contact CustomerService@MJBizDaily.com or call (720) 213-5992, ext. 1. Cannabis Testing Labs and Ancillary Firms | Chapter 6 MJBIZDAILY.COM CHART 6.04: Types of Cannabis Testing Obtained By Marijuana Businesses Note: Multiple-choice question; respondent total may be greater than 100%. Source: 2019 Marijuana Business Factbook © 2019 Marijuana Business Daily, a division of Anne Holland Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Types Of Cannabis Testing Obtained By Marijuana Businesses Potency Pesticides Terpenes Pathogens Heavy Metals Residual Solvents Moisture Homogeneity 97% 88% 72% 68% 65% 63% 50% 40% Percent Of Businesses The absence of universal testing requirements means the testing that cannabis undergoes in each state varies widely. Potency is the only testing requirement that holds across all states that mandate lab testing. Companies that submit their cannabis products for testing (i.e., cultivators, retailers) were asked to describe the types of tests they typically obtain. The assertion that 88% of cannabis businesses are testing for pesticides seems high given that pesticide testing is not required in most states. However, this may be a reflection of companies submitting for voluntary pesticide testing to provide this information to their consumer base even if it is not required by law. In Washington state, regulators conduct random pesticide testing, but cultivators, manufacturers and retailers say they voluntarily test for pesticides to ensure their products are clean and also to be able to provide this information to their customers. Testing for terpene profile is typically not required, but an increasing number of consumers find this information valuable when selecting products. This profile can provide guidance to users who may be seeking a certain response, such as the uplifting effects of limonene, the soothing effects of linalool for anxiety or the effects of caryophyllene for pain relief. Testing for heavy metals is rising in consumer consciousness as well as regulator focus. Residual solvents, such as butane or ethanol, relate primarily to testing for products such as wax and shatter as solvents are used in their creation. This type of testing is not required in most states but may appeal to consumers, particularly as consumers shift away from flower to concentrates. Moisture content is primarily tested for in flower, which is partly why only half of companies do so. Homogeneity testing is conducted mainly by edibles manufacturers who strive to have THC and/or CBD dosed evenly throughout their products.