The cannabis industry faces a dilemma around the testing of products. While the rules and regulations have changed over time, lab testing for THC, terpenes and other cannabinoids remains an important component in the supply chain. Most of the products on the market for marijuana rely on their THC content for dosage, marketability, and price point, and on the hemp side, it is vitality important for farmers to test pre-harvest for harvesting timelines and post-harvest to ensure that the product does not exceed .3 percent THC.
Lab testing also ensures that new terpenes and cannabinoids are identified and research can proceed to develop the next medicines for consumers. Because the regulatory framework for testing is very small, many products on the market today have over inflated THC values, which can threaten consumer trust. As we move forward with cannabis legislation and the legalization efforts federally, it will be important to determine guidelines for producers and suppliers as well as hold labs to standards of integrity.