Within these statutes on Medical Use of Marijuana each Nevada testing lab has a specific set of regulations to follow.
First, each laboratory is required to follow the guidelines set by Cannabis Inflorescence: Standards of Identity, Analysis, and Quality Control monograph published by the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. If they have formed an ulterior method they must inform the Division. The Division may then have the independent methodology tested by a third party for validation that the science is correct. It is possible that the Division will regularly monitor an independent laboratory to ensure they are executing procedures correctly.
Laboratories must adopt and follow good laboratory practices. These should be adopted from OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice and Compliance Monitoring published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Independent testing labs may also be accredited by the International Organization of Standardization. All inspection papers should be made available to the Division. Labs must also have an internal standard operating procedure as well as quality control and assurance programs. The Division maintains the right to conduct inspections regarding any and all of these procedures and programs.
Harvesting Samples
All harvested cannabis must be organized into homogenous batches. A random sample is then collected from each homogenized batch to be tested by an independent laboratory. The cultivation center may designate a person to select samples. Otherwise a testing lab professional must be the one to choose. If the cultivation does specify somebody to choose the sample they must notify the Division. Random samples are also chosen from homogenized batches of edibles and samples are harvested in the same fashion.
Until a sample has been tested according to Division procedures the homogenous batch must remain untouched by the cultivation. During this waiting period the batch should be kept in a cool, dry place. This will prevent contamination and protect the efficacy. Any sample must be destroyed by the independent testing laboratory or returned to the cultivation. The Division has set forth disposal protocol, this should be followed. Testing labs must also be sure to document the disposal of the sample.
Testing Method Specifications
Any marijuana, products, or extractions must go through a specified set of quality assurance testing. Tests include moisture content, potency analysis, foreign matter inspection, microbial screening, and residual solvents tests. Samples for this testing can be transported from the medical facility to the testing lab. The Division has laid out a proper sample size for each test. However, a testing lab may request more sample product if necessary. The standards are set in the statutes linked above.
Independent testing labs must test for cannabinoids, terpenes, microbial contaminants, mycotoxins, heavy metals, residual solvents, and pesticide chemical residue. Any testing lab curious about conducting and active ingredient analysis should review the policy manual for independent lab testing set forth by the Division.
If any sample fails microbial or other testing based on Division standards the facility that cultivated that batch must destroy the whole thing. Product must be disposed of using inventory control system pursuant to NRS 453A.356 and NAC 453A.414. A sample that has passed a microbial test standards put forth in Table 9 of Cannabis Inflorescence: Standards of Identity, Analysis, and Quality Control. For mycotoxin a sample must meet the following standards:
Test Specification
The total of aflatoxin B1,
aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1 and
aflatoxin G2………………………………….. <20 uG/KG of Substance
Ochratoxin A………………………………… <20 uG/KG of Substance
8. For the purposes of the heavy metal test, a sample of marijuana shall be deemed to have passed if it meets the following standards:
Metal Natural Health Products
Acceptable limits uG/KG
Arsenic………………………………………………………. <0.14
Cadmium……………………………………………………. <0.09
Lead………………………………………………………….. <0.29
Mercury……………………………………………………… <0.29
The Independent Laboratory Advisory Committee will choose which pesticides can be used in cultivation and production. A sample will be deemed a pass for pesticides and residue if it satisfies the most stringent acceptable standard set forth in Subpart C of 40 C.F.R. Part 180. If a sample passes all testing the homogenous batch will be released for sale or production at the cultivation site. Each independent testing lab will file an electronic copy of any failed test results with the Division.
Any medical marijuana establishment in Nevada that fails to comply or falsifies records will have disciplinary action taken against them by the Division. This extensive set of testing lab rules applies only to medical marijuana. We are still waiting for individual committees to report back on Nevada’s plan for recreational cannabis.
