Heavy Metal Analysis


Heavy Metal
Analysis

What is a Heavy Metal?
In humans, this type of test is most often ordered when a patient shows symptoms of heavy metal poisoning or has been exposed to heavy metals. Because of the toxic nature of these substances, inhalation or ingestion of heavy metals can cause severe illness. Those illnesses can include neurotoxicity, which is highly harmful to humans.
Unfortunately, the cannabis and hemp plants will accumulate metals and other elements from the air, soil, water, pesticides, and fertilizers in their cultivation environment. Many people falsely believe that if their cannabis is grown indoors, it’s safe from these contaminants. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Furthermore, heavy metals can also be introduced during the manufacturing process and can hide in surprising places such as in the hardware or final packaging of the product.


What are the Sources of Heavy
Metals in Cannabis Products?
Cannabis acts efficiently to uptake heavy metals from the soil, and farmers often use hemp to detoxify soil for future crops. This process is known as soil remediation. While this can be productive for farmers, this can be problematic for producers and ultimately consumers.
Additionally, the equipment is used during processing can transfer contaminants to the product if consumers are not cautious. As a result, it’s prevalent for products to be contaminated during processing.

Heavy Metals We Analyze

Cadmium

Arsenic

Lead

Mercury


Can Heavy Metals in Cannabis Pose
a Health Risk?
Because some heavy metals are more dangerous than others, the U.S. FDA highly regulates these heavy metals, posing toxicological risks to patients without providing any therapeutic benefit. Specifically, Mercury, Cadmium, Lead, and arsenic are incredibly toxic even in small amounts.
