In a significant step for the cannabis industry, AOAC INTERNATIONAL has expanded its ISO/IEC 17043 accreditation to include six proficiency testing (PT) programs specifically designed for cannabis and hemp oils. This expansion marks a key milestone in ensuring the safety and quality of cannabis products as they increasingly enter the mainstream market.
New Proficiency Testing Programs for Cannabis and Hemp Oil
The new accreditation includes proficiency testing for cannabis and hemp oils with a range of analytes, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, water activity, heavy metals, pesticide residues, residual solvents, and mycotoxins. The six programs cover oils with both low (<0.3% THC) and high (>0.3% THC) concentrations, offering a diverse and comprehensive suite of tests. This is the first time a proficiency testing program for cannabis oil has been approved to ship samples with THC levels over 0.3% across state lines.
These new programs are now available to laboratories looking to assess the accuracy and reliability of their analytical results for cannabis and hemp oil products. The tests are designed to offer high-quality, stable, and homogeneous samples, ensuring that laboratories can conduct assessments with confidence.
What Does ISO/IEC 17043 Accreditation Mean for Cannabis Testing?
ISO/IEC 17043 accreditation is a globally recognized standard for proficiency testing programs. It ensures that testing methods used by laboratories are both accurate and reliable. For the cannabis and hemp industries, this accreditation plays a critical role in upholding the integrity of testing and consumer safety.
Accredited laboratories can now enroll in the AOAC Cannabis/Hemp Oil Proficiency Testing Program, with the next shipment scheduled for early December 2024. These PT programs will help laboratories demonstrate their competence in analyzing a wide range of cannabis and hemp products, contributing to the overall standardization of testing practices across the industry.
AOAC’s Role in Establishing Industry Standards
Founded in 1884, AOAC INTERNATIONAL is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting standard methods of analysis for products that impact public health, including food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Over the years, AOAC has become a trusted body that brings together experts from government, industry, and academia to establish these standards.
The inclusion of cannabis and hemp oil testing under the organization’s ISO 17043 accreditation further solidifies its role in shaping the future of cannabis product safety. Shane Flynn, Senior Director of Laboratory Proficiency Testing at AOAC, celebrated the expansion, calling it a “huge accomplishment” for the industry.
The Growing Importance of Testing in the Cannabis Market
As the cannabis market continues to expand, the demand for standardized testing is more crucial than ever. Proficiency testing programs like those accredited by AOAC ensure that laboratories are equipped to deliver accurate results, which is essential for both public health and regulatory compliance. The new cannabis and hemp oil testing programs reflect the increasing sophistication and professionalization of the cannabis industry.
For laboratories involved in cannabis testing, these proficiency testing programs are not just a regulatory requirement but also a valuable tool for continuous improvement. By participating, labs can stay ahead of industry trends and ensure they maintain the highest standards of testing accuracy.
