Results of laboratories\u2019 testing for delta-9 THC in a hemp oil sample (via NIST)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Wilson did draw a few broad conclusions about the quality assurance results. For one, laboratories overall generally clustered around the intended measurement of the test samples when testing for THC. But some returned results that were significantly above or below the target value. By comparison, labs that returned test results for CBD also clustered around the accurate result, but those that missed the mark tended to fall below the intended value. Compared to THC, Wilson added, CBD results also showed \u201ca fairly wide range of variability.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Results of laboratories\u2019 testing for CBD in a hemp oil sample (via NIST)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Wilson attributed the difference between the two patterns as likely resulting from differences in calibration when conducting testing, though he said other differences\u2014such as testing method or storage conditions prior to testing\u2014may also explain the results. \u201cThe variability is there across all analytes being measured,\u201d he said\u2014which is to be expected.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody wants a true value for something, but the truth is that the true value is unknown,\u201d Wilson emphasized. \u201cSomebody tells you the concentration is 0.3 percent\u2014that\u2019s the estimated value. They don\u2019t know what the true value is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Every testing method\u2014and every test itself\u2014has minor differences that affect the end result such that it\u2019s impossible to eliminate any margin of error. Test a sample four times, and even the best tests will return minutely different numbers each time, he said. \u201cThere\u2019s always some type of uncertainty associated with that.\u201d<\/p>\n
One obstacle NIST faces in interpreting some of the results, Wilson said, is that in some cases a vast majority of labs, up to 93 percent, said they used similar testing methods for some compounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey used very similar types of methods,\u201d he observed, making it harder to identify how differences in testing method might influence results. \u201cIt makes it more difficult to understand if it\u2019s the method.\u201d<\/p>\n
NIST plans to conduct a similar test again in about a year to see how results compare to the first round of quality assurance testing. \u201cLet\u2019s test you and see how you do on the exact same matrix,\u201d Wilson explained. \u201cHave you improved your measurement capabilities from a year ago? \u2026 Part of the goal is just getting labs thinking about this and seeing what they can improve moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
The second of CannaQAP\u2019s exercises, which is still being prepared for publication, will focus on cannabis plant material and examine not only cannabinoids but also testing for moisture and toxic contaminants such as heavy metals. Exercise three has yet to be announced, but Wilson said he expected more information to be announced later this month. \u201cWe do have some things that we\u2019re planning to include, but I can\u2019t really divulge that right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
As part of its overall cannabis testing program, NIST is also working to develop a hemp reference material with known concentrations of various compounds, which the agency says labs could use to validate their testing methods. Currently no such cannabis reference material exists.<\/p>\n
A key motivation for the program as a whole was the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp across the country. Crucially, it defined hemp as cannabis that contains less than 0.3 percent THC\u2014an arbitrary distinction that sent law enforcement agencies and product manufacturers alike scrambling to test samples for compliance. \u201cLabs can have a hard time distinguishing between the two because accurately measuring THC can be difficult, especially at such low levels,\u201d NIST said in a January release.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re going to confiscate a farmer\u2019s crop, or subject a person to prosecution,\u201d Wilson said in a statement at the time, \u201cyou want to be sure that measurement is accurate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Exercise two of the quality-assurance program focuses on plant matter rather than homogenized oil, and it includes marijuana samples that exceed the 0.3 percent limit on THC in hemp. Participating laboratories\u2014220 signed up\u2014received six total samples, three of which were at or below the federal 0.3 percent cutoff, and three samples Wilson said were \u201caround 0.3 to 2 percent\u201d THC.<\/p>\n
Testing a Schedule I controlled substance\u2014any cannabis samples over 0.3 percent THC\u2014\u201dpresents additional challenges on our part,\u201d the researcher noted. For example, rather than simply shipping hemp samples, NIST has to ensure participating labs have the proper U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration paperwork so NIST can perform a legal transfer of marijuana.<\/p>\n
As the program evolves, Wilson said NIST expects to use samples that have higher concentrations of THC \u201cso we can target both hemp and marijuana companies that are out there to try to improve their capabilities.\u201d He also said future studies will focus on the wide array of products that cannabinoids are added to, including edibles, topicals and a range of nutritional supplements.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe entire cannabis space is still new in terms of testing,\u201d Wilson said. One thing he\u2019s heartened by is the broad consensus he says he\u2019s seen among researchers, law enforcement and commercial testing labs on the need for improved accuracy and standardization in testing. \u201cAcross all aspects of the community, all of them want to improve,\u201d he said. \u201cThe only path forward is together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nNew Marijuana And CBD Research Amendment Could Be Added To Senate\u2019s Infrastructure Bill This Week<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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