Iowa Cannabis Testing Overview
COA Requirement:
Required.
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) must be issued for each lot of medical cannabidiol by a certified independent laboratory before it can be distributed to dispensaries. COAs must report cannabinoid content and verify compliance with contaminant action levels.
Cannabinoid Testing Requirements:
Required.
Each lot must be tested for:
- Δ⁹-THC
- THCA
- CBD
- CBDA
Additional cannabinoids may be reported if requested. Concentrations must be reported in mg/g for flower.
Terpene Testing Requirements:
Not required.
Terpenes are not listed as required analytes in Iowa's regulations.
Contaminants Tested For:
Required.
Iowa mandates testing for:
- Pesticides: Required, with action levels determined and published by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
- Heavy Metals: Testing required for lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and potentially others. Specific limits are published in an external acceptance criteria document.
- Microbiological Impurities: Testing required for pathogens, including but not limited to:
- Total aerobic microbial count
- Yeast and mold
- E. coli, Salmonella spp. (Action levels published separately)
- Foreign Materials: Not explicitly mandated as a test category, but visual and microbial contamination monitoring is expected via sampling and inspection protocols.
Contaminants Not Required (But of Concern):
While Iowa’s program is extensive, a few compounds are not mentioned explicitly:
- Pesticides Not Named:
- Mepiquat chloride
- Daminozide
- Chlormequat chloride
- Paclobutrazol
(These may be covered under Iowa's catch-all “residual pesticide” requirement but are
not named.)
- Microbials Not Required by Name:
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Shigella spp.
- Clostridium botulinum
Risk Level:
Medium Concern: Iowa has thorough analytical oversight but leaves some gaps by not naming all pathogens and pesticides, and by omitting terpene and foreign matter screening.
Moisture and Water Activity:
Required.
Moisture and stability studies are required for expiration dating. Water activity and shelf life must be documented, and storage conditions must prevent microbial growth.
State Cannabis Regulatory Agency:
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services – Bureau of Cannabis Regulation
Website: https://hhs.iowa.gov
Email: cannabis.regulation@idph.iowa.gov
Phone: (515) 281-7689
Address: 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
References:
641 Iowa Administrative Code chapter 154.