Montana Cannabis Testing Overview
COA Requirement:
Required.
Every batch of marijuana or marijuana products must undergo quality assurance testing by a licensed laboratory. Results must be reported in the seed-to-sale tracking system and documented in a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Cannabinoid Testing:
Required.
All final-form products must undergo potency testing, including:
- Δ⁹-THC
- THCA
- Total THC (calculated)
- CBD
- CBDA
- All other cannabinoids reported to the grower must be entered in the state system.
Terpene Testing:
Not required.
There is no terpene testing mandate in the current testing requirements.
Contaminants Tested For:
a. Microbiological Contaminants: Required for all products intended for human consumption. Includes: (flower????)
- Yeast and mold
- Total aerobic bacteria
- Pathogens (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella)
b. Mycotoxins: Required:
- Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2
- Ochratoxin A
c. Heavy Metals (random testing):
- Arsenic
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Mercury
e. Pesticides: Specific compounds with strict action limits for:
- Abamectin
- Bifenthrin
- Chlormequat chloride
- Daminozide
- Myclobutanil
- Paclobutrazol
- Pyrethrins
f. Filth & Foreign Matter: Fail thresholds:
- 5% stems ≥3 mm
- 2% seeds or other foreign matter
Contaminants Not Required (But of Concern):
Montana has one of the most comprehensive screening programs. However:
- Terpenes are not required
- Listeria monocytogenes and Shigella spp. are not explicitly listed
- Chromium and Nickel are not included among heavy metals tested
Risk Level:
Low Concern: Montana mandates robust testing for all high-risk categories. Residual solvents, pesticides, metals, microbiological, and mycotoxins are well-covered.
Moisture and Water Activity:
Moisture content is required; no explicit water activity (aw) threshold is provided in the document.
- Moisture Content: Fail if moisture exceeds 12% for final product (updated from 15%)
State Cannabis Regulatory Agency:
Montana Department of Revenue: Cannabis Control Division
Website: https://mtrevenue.gov/cannabis
Email: DORcannabis@mt.gov
Phone: (406) 444-6900
Address: 125 N. Roberts St., Helena, MT 59601
References:
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Marijuana Registry, Quality Assurance Compliance. (January 15, 2022). Testing Laboratory Quality Assurance Testing Requirements, Rule: 37.107.316.
Montana Department of Revenue. (2024). ARM 42.39 Cannabis Testing Requirements