Maine Cannabis Testing Overview
COA Requirement:
Required.
All cannabis and cannabis products must undergo mandatory testing by a certified laboratory, which must issue a Certificate of Analysis (COA)to the requester and the Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP).
Cannabinoid Testing Requirements:
Required. Labs must test for:
- Δ⁹-THC
- THCA
- CBD
- CBDA
- Total THC = Δ⁹-THC + (THCA × 0.877)
- Total CBD = CBD + (CBDA × 0.877)
Cannabinoids must be reported in mg/g for flower.
Terpene Testing Requirements:
Optional.
Testing for terpenes is permitted but not required unless requested. Results are not certified by the Maine CDC.
Contaminants Not Required:
All major categories are covered.
- Pesticides (Table §6(8)-A, pp.59–60): Over 50 compounds including:
- Myclobutanil
- Chlorpyrifos
- Paclobutrazol
- Daminozide
- Propoxur
- Permethrins (cis/trans)
- Microbiological Contaminants:
- Total yeast & mold
- Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2)
- Ochratoxin A
- Total coliforms
- E. coli (Shiga-toxin-producing)
- Salmonella spp.
- Enterobacteriaceae
- Mycotoxins: Tested if initial total yeast and mold test fails.
- Heavy Metals (Table §6(9)-A, p.61):
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
- Lead
- Mercury
Limits vary by application type (inhaled, ingested, topical). Concentrations must be
reported in µg/kg.
- Foreign Material: Mandatory visual inspection for contaminants such as:
- Hair, insects, feces, mold, soil, packaging debris.
Contaminants Not Required (But of Concern):
Minimal gaps. However:
- Listeria monocytogenes is not mentioned.
- Some rarely tested pesticides (e.g., Ethephon) are not explicitly listed.
- Terpene testing is not required.
Risk Level:
Low Concern:
Maine has a detailed, well-regulated program with stringent action levels, ISO 17025 accreditation, and explicit testing for nearly all critical safety categories.
Moisture and Water Activity
Required.
- Water activity testing is mandatory for dried flower sold to consumers.
- Action limit: ≤ 0.65 aw for microbial control.
State Cannabis Regulatory Agency:
Maine Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) – Department of Administrative & Financial Services Certification Agency: Maine CDC – Department of Health and Human Services
Website: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/ocp
Phone (OCP): (207) 287-3282
Email: cannabis@maine.gov
References:
Maine Office of Marijuana Policy (September 18, 2020). Rules for the Certification of Marijuana Testing Facilities.
Maine Office of Cannabis Policy. (2024). Rules for the Certification of Cannabis Testing Facilities