Compliance Sample typically refers to a sample of a cannabis product that has been processed and is in its final packaging as intended for sale. This type of sample is usually taken for testing to ensure that the product meets regulatory compliance standards. The compliance testing of cannabis products can include a range of tests, such as potency testing, microbial testing, residual solvent testing, and heavy metals testing, among others. These tests help ensure that the product is safe for human consumption and meets the regulatory requirements set forth by the governing bodies. In summary, compliance samples are an essential component of the cannabis industry, and they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of cannabis products.
A process sample in the cannabis industry refers to a sample of a cannabis product that is taken at any stage of the production process before final packaging. This type of sample is usually collected to monitor and ensure the quality and consistency of the product throughout the production process. Process samples can be taken from various stages of the production line, including the raw materials, intermediate stages of processing, and the finished product before packaging. The purpose of taking process samples is to identify any deviations or variations from the desired specifications or quality standards. This information can then be used to make adjustments to the production process and improve the overall quality of the final product. cannabis product that is drawn from the process line at any stage of production prior to final packaging.
R&D testing often involves the creation of samples that are not intended for final sale, but rather to test various aspects of the product, such as its potency, purity, and effectiveness. These samples are created using different production methods, formulations, and processing techniques, and are typically tested in a laboratory setting to evaluate their properties and characteristics.
Encompasses multiple processed cannabis product lots of the same product form or type such as edibles (i.e., beverages, food, gummies, lozenges, and tablets) and concentrates (i.e., vape oil, resin, and wax). Line testing cannot include flower products, a mix of different cannabis forms, or lots that were processed more than 30 days apart from each other. A line that does not meet testing limit criteria may be reanalyzed using non-composite testing to identify the non-compliant component of the batch. Certificates of Analysis can be issued for the compliant products. Non-compliant products may be remediated and retested.
Lot testing is a crucial component of quality control in the cannabis industry. This testing applies to individual lots with unique SKU numbers, and it is used to ensure that each lot meets the required standards for safety, potency, and quality. The purpose of lot testing is to identify any deviations or variations from the desired specifications and take corrective action, if necessary, before the product is released to the market.
In the cannabis industry, lot testing can include a range of tests, such as potency testing, microbial testing, heavy metals testing, residual solvent testing, and pesticide testing, among others. These tests help ensure that the product is safe for human consumption and meets the regulatory requirements set forth by governing bodies.
One important aspect of lot testing is that prior approval for lot testing is not required by regulatory bodies such as OCM (Office of Cannabis Management). This means that companies can conduct lot testing as they see fit, based on their own internal quality control standards.
Process samples and Research and Development samples are classified as R&D testing and are not for compliance/saleable purposes to state licenses dispensaries. There is no requirement to perform R&D testing ahead of compliance testing, however, without R&D testing, there is no reliable indicator if a lot/line will pass or fail the contaminant screening.
Is packaging of the entire lot/line required before sampling can take place?
Yes, the lot/line in their entirety must be completed before the sampling can take for compliance testing.
Is final packaging required for compliance testing?
For final product testing, the final cannabis product or product equivalent to the sealed cannabis product distributed to the public (e.g., liquid extract in a sealed bottle or intact sealed bottle of capsules) shall be collected and submitted for final product testing.
How many grams/ounces need to be submitted to testing based off how many pounds were harvested?
For compliance samples and testing, the amount of material needed to be sampled and tested is dependent on the lot/batch size and the number of total produced units per lot. Each sample increment consists of 1 packaged unit, as would be sold to consumers. (Examples: 3.5-gram jar of flower, packaged unit of 2x 0.5g pre-rolls, 0.5g vape cartridge, etc.) Sampling size guidance can be found in the Sampling Quality System Standards dated 08-19-2022 (Link- https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/08/sampling-quality-system-standards-08-19-22-final.pdf)
What happens if my line test fails?
Check out our article on what happens if you fail your line test here.
Value of R&D testing – Without R&D testing ahead of compliance testing, there’s substantial risk that an entire lot or line of products will fail for a contaminant panel after undergoing extensive time and resources to fully package and prepare the samples into their final form for retail and testing for hundreds, thousands, and even 10’s of thousands of products.
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Talon Analytical is a fully accredited cannabis testing laboratory permitted by the Office of Cannabis Management and specializes in testing Hemp, Adult-Use, and Medicinal Cannabis in New York State, our lab is based out of Long Island, NY. Talon is proud to be ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited by A2LA in biological and chemical testing. We provide industry-leading analytical testing services with fast turn around and accurate results for the cannabis industry.
We want our clients to know that they have the industry’s leading products and consumers to know the same. This is why we don’t just offer a wide array of cannabis testing; we go above and beyond to help our clients thoroughly understand our process and effectively optimize theirs. Talon Analytical is certified for Pesticide Testing, Potency Testing, Heavy Metal Testing, Mycotoxin testing, Water activity testing, moisture content testing, filth and foreign material screening, and Microbial Contamination Testing.