Cannabis products are increasing in production, and their demand is also improving with each passing day. For instance, CBD (cannabidiol) products are flooding the market, and they all label their products to have cannabinoids. However, how can you determine if what you are consuming contains any CBD? Remember, if it is about labeling products, anyone can label whatever they want, especially to lure customers into believing something non-existent.
Understandably, some hemp-derived products, including CBD oil, face fewer restrictions, making room for inconsistencies, especially regarding labeling. It makes it more challenging for consumers to pick a quality product because the information labeled is not necessarily accurate. So, how can you be sure that you are buying the right product? Cannabis lab testing is the solution.
By seeking products that have undergone certified hemp testing, you can understand how pure the product you purchase is. It also helps identify if the product has toxic contents like metals and pesticides. If you think cannabis lab testing is not necessary, think again. It plays a massive role, and here is why:
Consumer safety
Cannabis goes through several processes before it’s ready for consumption. The journey from seed to plant to processing is not typical for every additional product, but it is necessary before it gets to the shelves as a packaged product. Since it is a long process, it increases the chances of contamination.
Sometimes, the soil contains some heavy metals that might be absorbed through the roots and concentrated in the plant. Since cannabis contains natural moisture, it might facilitate microbes’ growth. Unfortunately, pesticides and processing chemicals are always an issue that should be dealt with, and sometimes they can be present at unsafe levels.
Such contaminants can be harmful to consumers. With cannabis lab testing, it becomes more comfortable to pick out any impurities and ensure the product is safe for consumption.
To determine the cannabis potency
Lab testing is the only way to determine what the cannabinoid is made up of and its terpene profile. The two variables play a vital role, especially in assessing the effect of cannabis. They have a direct influence on the consumer experience. Remember, cannabis is influenced significantly by the environment it grows in.
For instance, if you have a cultivar grown in a specific part of the world and another in another far-off location, they could look the same. Still, the levels of cannabinoids and terpenes might be entirely different.
Consumers of the two products could then have completely different experiences. Through cannabis lab testing, it becomes possible to determine the chemical makeup of each product. You get to know the potency of what you are buying and understand better what kind of experience you should expect.
Testing for bacteria
Through lab testing, it is possible to check if the cannabis product could contain bacteria that may be harmful when consumed. If a product is not processed correctly or becomes contaminated, it could contain bacteria. With testing, it is easier to guarantee that nothing enters into the product that should not and makes it unsafe for consumption.
The test is also performed to check the cannabis moisture level since it is one of the leading factors promoting bacteria growth. Lab tests act as a safety net for ensuring consumers don’t consume hemp products with bacteria.
For quality control and assurance
Cannabis lab testing is the only way to ensure that you are dealing with the highest quality and most consistent product possible. Consumers are interested in something that they can consume quickly and understand what experience they should expect. With testing, you can identify characteristics such as potency and contaminants to give an idea of the product you are purchasing. Some labs also provide quality assurance testing to improve processes while getting rid of regulation issues.
After a long time, cannabis is now legal in most states, and it is a product that remains mysterious to many. As such, cannabis testing has emerged as one of the control measures put in place to ensure the usage of this product is not abused and that people can consume it safely. It is the best way for consumers and sellers to avoid violating the regulations put in place. Likewise, it is one of the ways of getting premier quality on all products.
