Connecticut Cannabis Testing Overview
COA Requirement:
Required.
Connecticut requires that all marijuana products be tested and labeled with the results of a comprehensive set of laboratory analyses before sale. The certificate of analysis (COA) must include:
- Active ingredient analysis
- Microbiological contaminants analysis
- Mycotoxin analysis
- Heavy metal analysis
- Pesticide chemical residue analysis
Cannabinoid Testing Requirements:
Required.
Each batch of marijuana or marijuana products must be labeled with the results of an active ingredient analysis, which includes cannabinoid content. The rules do not list exact compounds, but this generally includes:
- Δ⁹-THC
- THCA
- CBD
- CBDA
- Possibly other minor cannabinoids depending on laboratory capabilities
Terpene Testing Requirements:
Not required by default.
There is no terpene testing mandate in the regulations, nor is there reference to terpenoid labeling or terpene claims as a basis for testing.
Contaminants Tested For:
Pesticides
Microbial contaminants
Mycotoxins
Heavy metals
Foreign materials – Not explicitly required. However, testing includes microbiological and physical purity analyses for product safety
Contaminants Not Required (But of Concern):
Connecticut’s program requires robust laboratory screening for most categories, but it does not explicitly mandate screening for specific foreign materials ((e.g., insect parts, hair, dirt). Based on comparison with your master list:
- Pesticides Not Required (based on absence from rules):
- Paclobutrazol
- Daminozide
- Mevinphos
- Mepiquat chloride
- Fosetyl-Al
- Microbials Not Explicitly Required (not named):
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Shigella spp.
- Clostridium botulinum
(The rule references “microbiological analysis” but does not list specific pathogens.)
Risk Level:
Medium Concern – While testing includes heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, and microbes, there is no explicit terpene testing or mandated visual screening for foreign matter.
Moisture and Water Activity:
Not explicitly regulated.
Connecticut does not appear to require moisture content or water activity testing in its regulations, which distinguishes it from states like California or Colorado.
State Cannabis Regulatory Agency:
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection – Drug Control Division
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP
Phone: (860) 713-6066
Email: dcp.mmp@ct.gov
Address: 450 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103
References:
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. (2021). CT Gen Stat § 21a-408