Massachusetts Cannabis Testing Overview
COA Requirement:
Required.
All marijuana products must undergo testing by a licensed Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL). A Certificate of Analysis (COA) must be generated before any product is dispensed or sold. COAs must confirm compliance with all testing requirements and be linked to the production batch via METRC tracking.
Cannabinoid Testing Requirements:
Required.
Cannabinoid profiles must include at minimum:
- Δ⁹-THC
- THCA
- CBD
- CBDA
Products must be tested post-production (not pre-ingredient), and labels must indicate both potency and total usable marijuana equivalent for medical patients.
Terpene Testing Requirements:
Not required.
Terpenes may be tested voluntarily but are not required under state regulations or testing protocols.
Contaminants Tested For:
Comprehensive testing is required.
a. Pesticides & Growth Regulators: tested compounds include:
- Myclobutanil
- Daminozide
- Paclobutrazol
- DDVP (Dichlorvos)
- Hexythiazox
Failure to meet the action limits results in mandatory product destruction.
b. Heavy Metals: Metals tested include:
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
- Mercury
c. Microbiological Contaminants: Required for all product types intended for human consumption. Flower????
- Total Aerobic Microbial Count
- Total Yeast and Mold
- E. coli
- Salmonella spp.
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
Mycotoxins (aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, ochratoxin A) are tested for if microbial
screening fails.
e. Foreign Materials: Visual inspection required for:
- Hair
- Dirt
- Insects
- Mold
- Packaging residue
Contaminants Not Required (But of Concern):
Massachusetts is highly comprehensive, but:
- No mandated terpene testing
- Does not require Chromium or Nickel as part of metal screening
- Does not require testing for some microbial hazards (e.g., Shigella) that other states include
Risk Level:
Low Concern: Massachusetts is one of the most advanced states in requiring cannabinoid, microbial, pesticide, heavy metal, and residual solvent screening.
Moisture and Water Activity:
Required.
Water activity must be: aw < 0.65
State Cannabis Regulatory Agency:
Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC)
Website: https://masscannabiscontrol.com
Email: Commission@CCCMass.com
Phone: (774) 415-0200
Address: 2 Washington Square, Union Station, 2nd Floor, Worcester, MA 01604
References:
Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. (April 16, 2021). 935 CMR 501.000: Medical Use of Marijuana.
Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. (2021–2024). 935 CMR 501.000 and Sampling Protocols