[ 12 assays · 215 labs ]
Cannabis testing assays explained
What each cannabis lab test measures, why regulators require it, and which laboratories run it. Potency, pesticides, heavy metals, microbials, mycotoxins, residual solvents and more.
Potency
1 assay01 · Potency
194 labs
Cannabinoid Potency
Quantifies THC, CBD and minor cannabinoids. Required on every compliance panel and on the label of any product sold at retail.
90% OF INDEX
Quality
3 assays02 · Terpenes
190 labs
Terpene Profile
Identifies and quantifies the aromatic compounds that drive strain character. Usually optional for compliance, but a major marketing input.
88% OF INDEX
03 · Moisture / Aw
131 labs
Moisture & Water Activity
Water activity above roughly 0.65 Aw lets mould grow in the package. Cheap to run and the single best predictor of shelf-life failure.
61% OF INDEX
04 · Homogeneity
0 labs
Homogeneity
Proves that cannabinoids are evenly distributed through an edible or infused batch, so each unit dose matches the label.
0% OF INDEX
Safety & contaminants
7 assays05 · Pesticides
191 labs
Pesticide Residue
Screens for regulated pesticide residues at parts-per-billion levels. A failure here is the most common cause of a batch being destroyed.
89% OF INDEX
06 · Mycotoxins
167 labs
Mycotoxins
Detects aflatoxins and ochratoxin A produced by mould. Mandatory in most regulated markets because the toxins survive processing.
78% OF INDEX
07 · Heavy metals
181 labs
Heavy Metals
Measures lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. Cannabis is a hyperaccumulator, so contaminated soil shows up in the finished product.
84% OF INDEX
08 · Microbials
193 labs
Microbial Contaminants
Screens for total yeast and mould, coliforms, E. coli, salmonella and Aspergillus species. Required before any product reaches a patient.
90% OF INDEX
09 · Residual solvents
183 labs
Residual Solvents
Confirms that butane, ethanol, propane and other extraction solvents have been purged below action limits. Applies to concentrates and vapes.
85% OF INDEX
10 · Foreign matter
0 labs
Filth & Foreign Matter
Visual and microscopic inspection for insects, hair, mould and debris. Part of the compliance panel in several US states.
0% OF INDEX
11 · Vit-E acetate
0 labs
Vitamin E Acetate
Screens vape cartridges for the cutting agent linked to EVALI. Required in several markets since 2020.
0% OF INDEX
Stability
1 assay12 · Stability
37 labs
Stability & Shelf Life
Repeat testing across a storage window to establish an expiry date and prove potency claims hold over time.
17% OF INDEX
Need a panel run?
Name the assays and sample type once. It routes to the labs holding scope for it — no account, no fee.