Maryland Cannabis Testing Overview

Required.

All cannabis and cannabis products must undergo testing by an Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) licensed by the Maryland Cannabis Administration (formerly MMCC). A Certificate of Analysis (COA) must be submitted through METRC before sale, transfer, or further processing. Only batches that meet all required analyte limits may proceed.

Required.

COAs must include a quantitative profile of cannabinoids using validated AOAC, NYSDOH, or USP methods. The panel includes:

• Δ⁹-THC
• THCA
• CBD
• CBDA
• CBN
• CBG
• Total THC and Total CBD calculated using decarboxylation formulas
• Additional cannabinoids may be tested if claimed on the label

Required.

All products must be tested for terpenes described in the American Herbal Pharmacopeia (AHP) cannabis inflorescence monograph, including major volatile compounds relevant for inhalation products. Terpenes must be quantified and reported when claimed on product packaging. 

Comprehensive panel required.

• Pesticides:
  • Includes 40+ banned compounds, e.g. Myclobutanil, Daminozide, Paclobutrazol, DDVP, Ethephon
  • Action limits: 0.1–1.0 ppm
  • Exceedances result in mandatory batch destruction

• Microbiological Impurities (Tables 3a–3c):
  • TAMC: <100,000 CFU/g
  • TYMC:  <10,000 CFU/g
  • E. coli, STEC, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella: “None Detected”

• Mycotoxins:
  • Aflatoxins B1–G2: <20 ppb
  • Ochratoxin A: <20 ppb

• Heavy Metals :
  • Inhalable Products:
    • Arsenic:  <0.4 ppm
    • Lead: <1.0 ppm
    • Mercury: <0.2 ppm
    • Cadmium: <0.4 ppm
    • Chromium (flower only): <0.6 ppm

• Foreign Material:
  • Mandatory visual inspection for contaminants such as hair, insects, mold, dirt,       plastic, etc.

While Maryland’s program is robust, the following are not explicitly required:

• Shigella spp.
• Cannabinoids beyond those listed unless labeled

Low Concern: Maryland’s testing rules remain among the strictest in the U.S., with mandatory terpene analysis, stability protocols, visual inspections, and standardized laboratory procedures. A Quality Management Working Group is evaluating further improvements aligned with GMP principles. 

Required.

• Flower: ≤0.65 aw

Moisture and aw thresholds are used to control microbial growth and ensure shelf stability.

Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA)  

Formerly: Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC)  

Website: https://cannabis.maryland.gov  

Email: mmcc.labcompliance@maryland.gov 

Phone: (410) 487-8100 

Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (October 10, 2020). The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commissions Technical Authority Medical Cannabis Testing

Maryland Cannabis Administration. (2025). COMAR 14.17 and QA working group notes.