Edibles are an increasingly popular way to consume cannabis. For recreational users looking to avoid smoking, edibles are an obvious choice. And for medical users, edibles offer a more powerful and longer lasting therapeutic effect.
Like all cannabis products sold legally in the state of California, edibles are subject to a comprehensive list of quality control tests. But with the newest iteration of cannabis testing regulations released by the California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), there’s one test that’s now optional for cannabis edibles: homogeneity testing.
Although it’s no longer required, homogeneity testing can help you improve the quality of your cannabis edibles. Here’s why you should opt-in.
Quality Testing for Edibles
Quality testing is an important aspect of the burgeoning legal cannabis industry in California. Not only is it required under state law, testing also helps protect consumer safety and build consumer confidence in legal cannabis products.
Cannabis edibles represent a significant slice of the pie in terms of legal cannabis sales. Under BCC regulations cannabis edibles must be tested[1] for the following:
● Cannabinoid potency
● Pesticides
● Microbial impurities
● Heavy metals
● Mycotoxins
● Foreign material
● Residual solvents
● Water activity
Homogeneity Testing: Why You Should Opt-In
One item that’s no longer on that list is homogeneity testing. Even though this test is now optional, homogeneity testing is still useful to ensure consistent THC distribution throughout your edible product.
Evenly distributed THC is incredibly important when it comes to edibles, especially when considering novice cannabis users. New users are often looking for smaller doses of THC. As a result, they’re more likely to split an edible in half or even four ways to get a lower dose. Homogeneity testing is crucial to make sure these consumers have a consistent and positive experience with your edible brand.
You may be confident in the cannabinoid distribution of your old recipes. But what about new product development? Homogeneity testing also lets you know whether you’ve hit (or missed) the mark with new edible formulations.
Conclusion
With the broadening appeal of recreational cannabis, edibles are increasingly sought after by consumers as an alternative to smoking cannabis. Under BCC regulations in California, edibles are subject to similar quality control testing as cannabis flower and extracts.
While homogeneity testing is no longer required by the BCC, consistent THC levels in your edibles are key to cultivating customer trust and loyalty. Encore Labs offers edible homogeneity testing as well as consultations if you’re looking to develop new edible products or improve the cannabinoid distribution in your current formulations.