Cannabis Testing labs; Quality Control and Standardization

Cannabis testing laboratories play a pivotal role in the multidimensional cannabis industry. Production companies to the consumers, whole cannabis community rely on the analytical results produced by the laboratories. Given the immense importance, it is the responsibility of testing laboratories to produce precise, accurate, and consistent results for every sample they analyze. Quality controls including the Quality control (QC) checks, that a laboratory runs in every batch, are determining factors for the certainty of the results. Quality control checks are not only to satisfy the regulatory boards but to have confidence in the results produced. From calibration to the sample runs, every batch should consist of quality control checks. It should be ensured that QC checks such as method blank, technical blank, laboratory control sample, and continuing calibration verifications are passed before analyzing the data for the rest of the samples. Blind testing such as proficiency testing promptly helps in maintaining the accuracy of the instruments and the analysis. When the whole cannabis industry is proceeding towards the standardization, testing laboratories as well are working on it. As of now, a clearer picture for the ultimate standardization of Cannabis testing laboratories is not visible, however, the debate has been started on how it should look like, a plateau, or a peak? I will be presenting on how the quality control in testing laboratories impacts the whole cannabis industry and how a testing laboratory can maintain a good quality control system. I will also be discussing how the future looks like for testing laboratories.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand how the quality control in testing laboratories impacts the whole cannabis industry and how a testing laboratory can maintain a good quality control system

2. Understand how the future looks like for testing laboratories