After the USDA issued its hemp potency testing rules, various states enacted their own hemp programs to ensure consumer safety. Florida, New York, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Utah issued testing requirements that are more comprehensive than the USDA’s mandates. Hemp brands must ensure their products meet every state rule to remain compliant nationwide.
ACS Laboratory’s National Compliance Panel was built to meet every requirement, ensuring multi-state hemp operators can legally and safely sell high-quality products across the country.
How We Created
The Panel
Step
1
Research
We conducted intense research led by ACS Principal Scientist and Laboratory Director Dr. Aixia Sun, combing through the fine print of every state’s hemp rules and regulations. Our due diligence lasted several months, covering sampling, THC potency, cannabinoids, terpenes, residual solvents, pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Step
2
Create Compliance Matrix
Using our detailed research, we compared the mandates from each state to create elaborate matrices of every testing category. We extracted the strictest requirements for every class to devise the National Hemp Testing Panel.
Step
3
Update Method Where Needed
After reviewing the maximum allowable limits for various contaminants, we updated our methods and invested in new, highly sensitive instrumentation that could detect the lowest possible levels–up to 10 parts per billion for specific analytes.
National Panel Tests
01
Cannabinoid Potency
Potency testing measures the cannabinoids present in each hemp sample and the strength of those compounds. We test for 18 cannabinoids to account for every state mandate and beyond.
02
Pesticides
Before launching the National Hemp Testing Panel, we followed Florida's strict national rules, testing for 67 pesticides using the most sensitive Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) equipment. However, recent new requirements from Colorado and California increased our pesticide total to 105.
03
Residual Solvents
Covering every state rule nationwide ensures the cleanest possible hemp-extracted products. Our National Hemp Testing Panel scans for 55 potential residual solvents.
04
Heavy Metals
At the request of many clients, we already follow the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines for pharmaceutical-grade products, which ban 24 heavy metals above a specific action limit and ensure products are safe to consume.
05
Microbiology and Mycotoxins
Before launching the National Panel, we tested for every mycotoxin contaminant required nationwide. However, we revised the action limits to the lowest levels, detecting parts per billion. Our National Panel tests 18 different microorganisms, including salmonella, E. coli, Aspergillus contaminants, and listeria.
06
Moisture and Water Activity
Although most states don’t require moisture and water activity testing, these analyses are critical. Plants with high moisture levels are more likely to develop fungi, mold, and bacteria that can impact product quality and safety.
07
Terpene Concentration
Our National Hemp Testing Panel includes optional terpenes testing. We test for 38 different terpenes.
08
Flavonoid Potency
Flavonoid testing can help brands enhance cannabis marketing and educate consumers on product benefits. Our National Hemp Testing Panel includes optional flavonoid potency testing for 16 different flavonoids.
Why National Compliance Matters
National Compliance Testing ensures products pass the most stringent requirements nationwide, which reduces liability risks and expands market opportunities. USDA and state guidelines require cannabis operators to test all products for potency at a minimum. However, several states go beyond federal compliance standards.
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How Accurate Are the Results
ACS is rated in the top 5% in the U.S. for hemp and cannabis testing. In the last two years, ACS received 42 badges for excellence from the Emerald Test, a nationwide Inter-Laboratory Comparison test. Our methods are proven, and we guarantee precision
Hemp & CBD Compliance Simplified
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 ACCREDITED
DEA REGISTERED (#RA0571996)
CLIA LICENSED
Florida Compliance
ACS Laboratory, Florida’s largest hemp and cannabis testing laboratory, is designated by the Florida Department of Agriculture.
We provide a Hemp Clippings Service. We offer a full panel of safety and potency tests to ensure your product is ready for sale.
Federal Compliance
ACS Laboratory is a DEA-registered (#RA0571996) and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility.
We comply with the USDA’s recent rules for testing methods, lab designations and electronic reporting systems.
R+D Testing
A la carte R+ D services like Triple Virus Testing for plant health, Micronutrients, Plant Regulators, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Glyphosate, Paraquat, Diquat.
WE ARE USDA- AND STATE-COMPLIANT.
FEDERAL COMPLIANCE
What You Need To Know
After the 2018 Farm Bill was enacted, the federal government drafted regulations related to hemp sales and growth. More than a year later, the USDA issued interim final hemp rules for cultivation and testing.
While these rules are not final yet, they represent a solid foundation for the creation of individual state programs around the country.
Submit Samples to start testing today!While these rules are not final yet, they represent a solid foundation for the creation of individual state programs around the country.
Federal Hemp
Compliance Resources
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Laboratory Requirements
According to Florida’s State Hemp Program, all designated labs must be ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited, and utilize testing protocols that are proven reliable.
Based on Florida’s State Hemp Program rules, designated laboratories must report compliance results directly to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Based on Florida’s State Hemp Program rules, designated laboratories must report compliance results directly to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
THC Testing
According to the USDA’s rules, hemp plants and extracts must contain less than 0.3% total THC on a dry weight basis, which is defined by the following equation:
TOTAL THC = (%THCA*.877) + %DELTA9
The rules also require that samples are tested via gas or liquid chromatography methods. ACS laboratory meets all requirements.
R+D Testing
Contaminant Testing
The USDA’s regulations do not require pesticide and contaminant testing for industrial hemp; however, most states require safety testing for ingestible extracts and smokable products.
Regarding extracts, the FDA is currently investigating questions about the science, safety and quality of ingestible products made from hemp-derived CBD. While the federal government investigates, Florida (along with other states) has approved hemp-derived extracts, food and supplements.
Regarding extracts, the FDA is currently investigating questions about the science, safety and quality of ingestible products made from hemp-derived CBD. While the federal government investigates, Florida (along with other states) has approved hemp-derived extracts, food and supplements.
Our Full Panel Contaminant Test Include
Pesticides
Pathogenic Microbiology
Heavy Metals
Mycotoxins
Residual Solvents (Extracts)
Glyphosate
WE ARE USDA- AND STATE-COMPLIANT.
FLORIDA COMPLIANCE
What You Need To Know
In July 2019, Florida established a State Hemp Program through Senate Bill 1020. In October 2019, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) submitted proposed rules to the USDA for review. In April 2020, these rules were approved.
ACS Laboratory is up to date and compliant with Florida’s rules for industrial hemp and hemp extracts.
Submit Samples to start testing today!ACS Laboratory is up to date and compliant with Florida’s rules for industrial hemp and hemp extracts.
Florida Hemp
Compliance Resources
Laboratory Requirements
According to Florida’s State Hemp Program, all designated labs must be ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited, DEA-registered (#RA0571996) and utilize testing protocols that are proven reliable.
Based on Florida’s State Hemp Program rules, designated laboratories must report compliance results directly to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Based on Florida’s State Hemp Program rules, designated laboratories must report compliance results directly to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
THC Testing
Hemp must contain less than 0.3% total THC on a dry weight basis in order to be eligible for sale. Growers and processors must work with a Florida-designated laboratory that can report the results to the state.
Contaminant
Testing
Florida’s State Hemp Program specifies rules related to usage and allowable limits of pesticides, mycotoxins, pathogenic microbiology, heavy metals and residual solvents.
At ACS Laboratory, we conduct comprehensive panels to ensure that all hemp and CBD are below the proposed limits to ensure their safety for end consumers.
At ACS Laboratory, we conduct comprehensive panels to ensure that all hemp and CBD are below the proposed limits to ensure their safety for end consumers.
Our Full Panel Contaminant Test Include
Pesticides
Pathogenic Microbiology
Heavy Metals
Mycotoxins
Residual Solvents (Extracts/Edibles)
Glyphosate
At ACS Laboratory, we also conduct R+D testing, intended for manufacturers and cultivators who want to utilize the results to improve the process of creating CBD products. R&D tests are conducted using the same protocols as compliance tests. On the other hand, you would choose compliance testing once R&D testing has been completed and products are known to be within the rules and regulations set forth.
Compliance testing is the final piece of the regulatory puzzle to ensure all products are what they are supposed to be and consumers are provided quality products.
Compliance testing is the final piece of the regulatory puzzle to ensure all products are what they are supposed to be and consumers are provided quality products.
Disclaimer: This content is current as of 02/01/2023. It is meant to be a guiding resource and should not be used to replace legal counsel. Please speak to a lawyer to confirm all questions related to compliance testing.
Florida Hemp Testing Compliance
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 ACCREDITED
DEA REGISTERED (#RA0571996)
CLIA LICENSED
WE ARE USDA- AND STATE-COMPLIANT.
FLORIDA COMPLIANCE
What You Need To Know
In 2020, Florida created a state hemp program that regulates plant cultivation and ingestible products. Florida’s hemp program does not cover smokable hemp yet. However, this has been added to a recent House bill that will be signed into law in the near future.
Submit Samples to start testing today!For Hemp Cultivators
Licensing Process
Growers who want to cultivate hemp in Florida must submit a FREE application to the FDACS and adhere to all requirements.
THC Potency Testing
According to Florida law, cultivators must ensure their crops contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.
Sample Collection & Testing
Hemp cultivators must coordinate sample collection with their laboratory and share the results with the FDACS in accordance with the Pre-Harvest Sampling Manual.
Remediation & Retesting
Cultivators have two chances to retest plots that exceed the 0.3% THC limit before the plots must be destroyed.
Rule 5B-57.014 State Hemp Program
The complete 9-page document from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is available for download here.
Licensing Process
Hemp farming hopefuls in Florida must submit a free application to the FDACS to be officially designated in the state. Licensee applicants must:
Pass a background check & submit fingerprints
Submit an environmental containment & transportation plan
Ensure they are using certified seeds & identify the land for cultivation
Follow all guidelines at FDACS.gov
THC Potency Testing
In order to prove their plot is below the legal limit of 0.3% THC, hemp growers must follow a precise sampling protocol and test with a state-designated, DEA-registered (#RA0571996), ISO/IEC 17025:2017 -accredited third-party laboratory.
Plants must be tested 30 days prior to harvest by a designated laboratory
The testing laboratory must submit results to the department within two days of receipt
If a crop exceeds the legal THC limit, cultivators can dispose, destroy or retest
Licensees must wait for department approval before they can harvest the lot
Learn more from Florida’s Hemp Plan
Safety Tests
Hemp cultivators are not responsible for contamination testing. Such safety tests are required by processors and manufacturers who produce ingestible hemp products.
Sample Collection & Testing
At 30 days prior to harvest, hemp licensees must complete a pre-harvest sample submission form and work with an FDACS agent to collect a representative sample from each lot. Growers must:
Assemble sanitized sampling equipment and protective gear
Identify the lot of hemp & divide into 4 equal parts
Assemble 8-inch-long clippings from the primary stem, including floral material
Submit the sample to an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited, independent laboratory.
Learn more on page 30 of the hemp program rules
Pre-Harvest Sample Size Chart
Remediation & Retesting
Cultivators whose samples contain more than 0.3% THC can retest up to two times before they must dispose of the entire plot in accordance with the following guidelines.
Licensee must request a retest within one day of receiving the results
If the retest fails, the cultivator can request the FDACS perform a confirmatory test within one day
If the confirmatory test fails, the crop must be destroyed and the cultivator must notify the department via a Notice of Disposal
Learn more on pages 21-23 of the state hemp program
For Hemp Processors
& Manufacturers
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Food Safety (FDACS/DFS) oversees rules related to ingestible hemp products, which includes CBD. Hemp extract can only be sold if the product has a Certificate of Analysis (COA) prepared by an independent testing laboratory and is sold in approved packaging.
Licensing Process
Companies that want to process hemp extract in the state must submit an application to the department’s Division of Food Safety.
THC & Safety Testing
According to Florida law, hemp processors must ensure their products contain no more than 0.3% THC and are free from harmful contaminants.
Remediation & Retesting
Processors may remediate and retest products, but they can only sell extracts that are proven safe and compliant.
Labeling & Packaging
Hemp food products must adhere to generic food labeling requirements and specific hemp packaging rules.
Laboratory Requirements
Florid hemp cultivators, processors and food establishments must work with designated independent testing laboratories. Designated laboratories, like ACS must meet the following requirements:
Accredited to the International Organization for Standardization.
Registered with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA #RA0571996) in accordance with 21 CFR 1301.13.
Utilize a Cannabinoid Analysis method included within the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 scope of accreditation.
The ability to deliver results within two days of sample collection.
ACS Laboratory is the largest ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited, DEA registered (#RA0571996), CLIA licensed Hemp/CBD and Cannabis testing facility in the Eastern United States. USDA compliant and officially a “designated laboratory” by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry (FDACS/DPI); ACS is the ONLY DEA licensed laboratory that performs all hemp testing in Florida.
R+D Testing
At ACS Laboratory, we also conduct R+D testing, intended for manufacturers and cultivators who want to utilize the results to improve the process of creating CBD products. R&D tests are conducted using the same protocols as compliance tests. On the other hand, you would choose compliance testing once R&D testing has been completed and products are known to be within the rules and regulations set forth.
Compliance testing is the final piece of the regulatory puzzle to ensure all products are what they are supposed to be and consumers are provided quality products.
Compliance testing is the final piece of the regulatory puzzle to ensure all products are what they are supposed to be and consumers are provided quality products.
Disclaimer: This content is current as of 02/01/2023. It is meant to be a guiding resource and should not be used to replace legal advice. Please speak to an attorney to confirm all questions related to compliance testing.
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