Illinois Cannabis Testing Overview

Required.
Before manufacturing, processing, or packaging, each batch must be sampled and tested by an approved laboratory. Results must be provided to dispensaries and made available to consumers upon request.

6. Moisture and Water Activity:
Not addressed.
There is no specific requirement for moisture content or water activity testing in this rule.

7. State Cannabis Regulatory Agency:
Agency Name: Illinois Department of Agriculture (for cultivation) and Illinois Department of Public Health (testing oversight)
Website:

• https://agr.state.il.us      (cultivation/testing)
• https://dph.illinois.gov      (medical cannabis program)
  Phone: (217) 785-2427

References:

Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules: Administrative Code. (2015). Part 1000 Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Section 1000.510 Laboratory Testing.

Illinois Department of Agriculture. (2022). Administrative Code Title 8, Part 1000 Section 510

Required. Labs must perform active ingredient analysis on each batch. Specific cannabinoids required for testing are not listed, but testing is required to verify product labels and potency. 

Not required. Illinois does not currently mandate testing or reporting of terpenes. 

Comprehensive contaminant testing is required.

• Microbial Contaminants (per American Herbal Pharmacopoeia):
  • CO₂ and solvent-based extracts:????
    • Total viable aerobic bacteria: ≤10⁴ CFU/g
    • Yeast and mold: ≤10³ CFU/g
    • Total coliforms: ≤10² CFU/g
    • Bile-tolerant Gram-negatives: ≤10² CFU/g
    • E. coli (pathogenic) & Salmonella spp.: None detected

• Mycotoxins:
  • Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2: each <20 µg/kg
  • Ochratoxin A: <20 µg/kg

• Heavy Metals:
  • For inhaled products:
    • Arsenic: <0.4 ppm
    • Mercury: <0.2 ppm
    • Cadmium: <0.2 ppm
    • Chromium: <0.6 ppm

• Pesticides: Must meet EPA food safety tolerances (40 CFR 180, Subpart C), which      are the strictest allowable pesticide residue levels for food.

Illinois has a rigorous testing program. However:

• No explicit testing for:
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Shigella spp.
  • Filth/foreign matter (e.g., hair, insects, plastic)

Low Concern: Illinois has robust requirements and uses strict microbial thersholds. 

Not addressed.
There is no specific requirement for moisture content or water activity testing.

Illinois Department of Agriculture (for cultivation) and Illinois Department of Public Health (testing oversight)

Website:

• https://agr.state.il.us (cultivation/testing)
• https://dph.illinois.gov (medical cannabis program)
  Phone: (217) 785-2427

Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules: Administrative Code. (2015). Part 1000 

Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Section 1000.510 Laboratory Testing.

Illinois Department of Agriculture. (2022). Administrative Code Title 8, Part 1000 Section 510