How to Interpret Cannabis Testing Results

Cannabis testing is a crucial part of ensuring the quality and safety of cannabis products. However, understanding the results of cannabis testing can be challenging, particularly for those who are new to the industry. In this blog, we will explain how to interpret cannabis testing results, including the terminology used, what the numbers mean, and how to compare results between different labs or tests.

Cannabis testing is a process that measures the chemical composition of cannabis products, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and contaminants. Understanding the terminology used in cannabis testing is essential for interpreting the results accurately.

Potency Results: Potency refers to the concentration of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, in a cannabis sample. Potency results are typically reported as a percentage of the total weight of the sample. For example, if a cannabis sample contains 15% THC, it means that 15% of the total weight of the sample is THC.

Terpene Results: Terpenes are volatile compounds that contribute to the aroma and flavor of cannabis. Terpene levels are typically reported in parts per million (ppm). For example, if a cannabis sample contains 500 ppm of a particular terpene, it means that there are 500 parts of that terpene for every million parts of the sample.

For some people, this might be all you’re concerned about at face value. If you would like to learn more about the importance of testing cannabis products, check out our blog post on the subject.

Contaminants: Contaminants are substances that are not intended to be present in cannabis products and can be harmful to human health. Contaminants can include pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants.

Pesticides: Pesticides are chemical compounds used to control pests and can be harmful to human health if consumed in high quantities. Pesticide levels are typically reported in parts per billion (ppb).

Heavy Metals: Heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium, can be present in cannabis products due to contamination from the soil or cultivation process. Heavy metal levels are typically reported in parts per million (ppm).

Residual Solvents: Residual solvents can be present in cannabis products due to the extraction process. Solvents, such as butane, propane, and ethanol, can be harmful if consumed in high quantities. Residual solvent levels are typically reported in parts per million (ppm).

Microbial Contaminants: Microbial contaminants can include bacteria, mold, and yeast and can be harmful to human health if consumed in high quantities. Microbial contaminant levels are typically reported in colony-forming units (CFUs) per gram of sample.

In conclusion, understanding the terminology used in cannabis testing is crucial for interpreting the results accurately. Potency and terpene levels are reported in percentage and parts per million, respectively, while contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants are reported in parts per billion, parts per million, and colony-forming units.

Not satisfied? Are you looking for an answer to a specific question? Looking for help interpreting data? Are you having a specific issue with an instrument? Book a consultation and we would love to try and crack the code for you!