Ohio Cannabis Testing Overview
COA Requirement:
Required.
All cannabis and cannabis products must undergo laboratory testing before sale or transfer. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) must be issued and documented in the inventory system. Products that fail testing must be destroyed unless eligible for reprocessing under strict conditions.
Cannabinoid Testing:
Required.
All product types must be tested for:
- Δ⁹-THC
- Δ⁹-THCA
- Δ⁸-THC
- Δ⁸-THCA
- CBD
- CBDA
- CBN
- THC (as defined in 3796:1-1-01)
- Any other cannabinoids deemed necessary by the Department
Terpene Testing:
Not required.
Terpenes are not mentioned in current Ohio rules as a required or optional analyte.
Contaminants Tested For:
All major contaminant categories are required depending on product type.
a. Pesticide and Fertilizer Residue: Required for all plant material.
- Products must meet the most stringent pesticide residue limits from 40 CFR 180 Subpart C.
- Detection of any pesticide not on the state-approved list results in automatic failure.
b. Microbial Contaminants: Based on the 2014 AHP Cannabis Monograph Table 9.
- E. coli, Salmonella, and total aerobic bacteria must be absent or within specified limits.
- Failed batches may only be processed via hydrocarbon or CO₂ extraction, then retested before use.
c. Mycotoxins:
- Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 combined: <20 µg/kg
- Ochratoxin A: <20 µg/kg
d. Heavy Metals: (ppm limits):
- Arsenic: <0.14
- Cadmium: <0.09
- Lead: <0.29
- Mercury: <0.29
f. Foreign Matter: Required for flower (visual contamination: dirt, hair, insects, etc.)
Contaminants Not Required (But of Concern):
- Terpenes
- Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella spp., and Clostridium botulinum
- Filth testing lacks detailed thresholds for matter like plastic or glass
- Chromium and Nickel not included in metals panel
Risk Level:
Medium Concern:
Strong testing panel overall but missing certain microbial species and expanded heavy metal screening.
Moisture and Water Activity:
Required for flower:
- Moisture content
- Water activity (aw)
State Cannabis Regulatory Agency:
Ohio Department of Commerce: Division of Cannabis Control
Website: https://cannabis.com.ohio.gov
Phone: (833) 464-6627
Address: 6606 Tussing Road, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Email: mmcp@com.ohio.gov
References:
Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules, Legislative Service Commission. (May 2, 2022) Ohio Admin. Code 3796:4-2-04 Ohio Testing Laboratory Analysis Requirements.