Hemp products have only increased in popularity over the past four years, and experts believe this trend will continue. However, as this industry evolves, so does the need for unbiased 3rd party testing. As more customers try hemp and cannabis products each year, they discover more possible health benefits. Still, responsible retailers are also concerned about potential contaminants and potency, affecting the user’s experience and overall health.
Is Hemp Testing Required?
Yes, hemp testing is required under federal law, specifically for Tetrahydrocannabinol (more commonly known as THC). The federal government set the legal limit of THC as less than 0.3% to qualify a product as hemp; when THC levels increase beyond that, they are considered federally illegal marijuana.
The Importance of Hemp Testing for Purity
Hemp plants are incredibly absorbent and can absorb even trace amounts of chemicals from the environment where they grow. The hemp plant’s ability to remove toxins from the environment can be a great asset to biologists who need to remove things like heavy metals from the soil. Unfortunately, for hemp consumers, these plants can very easily absorb dangerous contaminants. Testing for purity becomes even more important as hemp byproducts are used for inhaled products like vape cartridges, as many environmental pathogens can be extremely dangerous for humans if inhaled.
However, even when farmers adhere to strict organic farming practices, hemp products can still be contaminated through the extraction process. Many manufacturers use cleaner extraction processes but not always, as it’s a much more costly process. In addition, many processors still use solvents like ethanol or butane to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from hemp; this process is considered safe for some uses as long as the solvents are purged from the final product. Still, the only way to confirm the safety of the final product is by working with an unbiased third-party lab. Making regular testing part of the quality control for all hemp products is the best way to protect your consumers from potential contaminants and protect the reputation of your business.
The Importance of Testing for Potency
Of course, ensuring Hemp products are free of dangerous contaminants is critical; it’s just as important to make sure that these products fall under the proper federal guidelines for hemp products. The difficulty comes in making sure your products have enough of the critical cannabidiol products for customers to benefit from the plant’s many benefits. For example, suppose the hemp product you are selling is edible, topical, or inhaled, and your oil does not have enough cannabidiol. In that case, your customers will not experience any therapeutic benefits, which will be bad for future sales.
The most reputable hemp retailers test their products for purity and potency. These tests provide valuable insights into your products’ safety and quality, which leads to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Hemp Testing Ensures Legal Compliance and Product quality.
The responsibility of processing hemp with less than 0.3% of THC content is a delicate balance shared by growers and retailers. Retailers depend on the farmers to deliver a quality product, but the responsibility of what ends up in the hands of consumers largely falls on retailers. This is why lab testing is critical to ensure that hemp producers are in full legal compliance. Therefore, accurate lab test results can demonstrate product quality and potency to your target market, setting your brand apart from competitors.
LUX Leaf offers comprehensive cannabis testing services for hemp and hemp-derived products. Both growers and retailers can benefit from fast and accurate test results. Quality lab tests can guarantee low THC potency and identify potentially dangerous contaminants. Hemp producers, retailers, and growers depend on trustworthy labs that utilize state-of-the-art technology and provide fast results.
How do I Select a Reputable Testing Lab?
When choosing a lab for your hemp testing, you should look for a lab that provides accurate and fast results. At LUX Leaf, we understand that your business depends on getting accurate information about your product, and we understand the evolving needs of this industry. We have heavily invested in quality equipment, software, a nationwide courier network, and streamlined our processes to enable our talented lab technicians to deliver quick results for our clients.