Arizona Cannabis Testing Overview
COA Requirement:
Required.
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is required under R9-17-317.01 and R9-17-314, which mandate that all medical marijuana or marijuana products be tested and labeled with results before being dispensed to patients.
Cannabinoid Testing Requirements:
Required. Arizona requires testing for the following cannabinoids (see Table 3.1 on p. 36):
- Δ⁹-THC
- THCA
- CBD
- CBDA
- CBC
- CBG
- CBN
- THC-V
- Δ⁸-THC
- Total THC and Total CBD (calculated values)
Terpene Testing Requirements:
Required under R9-17-317.01 for products labeled with terpene content. Commonly required terpenes include:
- Myrcene
- Limonene
- Caryophyllene
- Pinene
- Linalool
- Ocimene
- Terpinolene
(Though not all products are required to include terpene content, if claimed, they must be tested and listed.)
Contaminants Tested For:
Pesticides
Microbial contaminants
Mycotoxins
Heavy metals
Foreign materials – Testing includes visual inspection and physical integrity (R9-17-317.01 and R9-17-404.04).
Contaminants Not Required (But of Concern):
- Pesticides Not Required:
- Chlorfenapyr
- Daminozide
- Mepiquat chloride
- Paclobutrazol
- Ethephon
- Microbials Not Required:
- Shigella spp.
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Clostridium botulinum
- Mycotoxins Not Required:
- Fusarium toxins (e.g., Zearalenone, Fumonisins B1/B2)
- T-2 toxin
- Heavy Metals Not Required:
- Chromium
- Barium
- Nickel
- Selenium
(Arizona requires screening for Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Mercury.)
Risk Level:
Medium Concern – Arizona has a broad test panel, but gaps remain in mycotoxin and microbial pathogen testing, and not all high-risk pesticides are covered
Moisture and Water Activity:
Required.
Moisture content and water activity testing is required to limit microbial growth and ensure product stability per R9-17-317.01 (and laboratory procedures in R9-17-404).
State Cannabis Regulatory Agency:
Arizona Department of Health Services – Medical Marijuana Program
Website: https://www.azdhs.gov
Contact Name: Megan Whitby, Bureau Chief
Phone: (602) 364-3052
Email: Megan.Whitby@azdhs.gov
Address: 150 N. 18th Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Reference
Arizona Department of Health Services. (2021). Arizona Administrative Code Title 9, Chapter 17