West Virginia Cannabis Testing Overview
COA Requirement:
Required.
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) must be issued by an approved laboratory for each harvest batch, process lot, or test sample. COAs must confirm that the product meets the state's contaminant and potency standards before use, sale, or transfer. Laboratories are required to report test results to the Bureau for Public Health and enter them into the state's inventory tracking system.
Cannabinoid Testing:
Required. Each
Each batch must be tested for the following cannabinoids:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
- Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
- Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
Test results must confirm that the strain meets its expected cannabinoid profile.
Terpene Testing:
Required.
Cannabis must be tested for its terpene profile. While specific compounds are not listed, the analysis should capture the aroma and flavor characteristics. Additionally, odor, appearance, and texture are noted as part of the product's quality assessment.
Contaminants Testing:
a. Pesticides:
- Samples must be tested for a panel of pesticides. The specific compounds and their action limits are established by the Bureau for Public Health. Laboratories must ensure that pesticide residue levels are within these specified limits.
b. Heavy Metals: Cannabis and extracts must be tested for the following heavy metals:
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Mercury
- Cadmium
Results must be below acceptable levels established by the Bureau.
c. Microbiological Contaminants: Cannabis must be tested for:
- Total yeast and mold
- Total aerobic microbial impurity
- Aspergillus spp.
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Salmonella
Products must meet quality standards approved by the Bureau.
Contaminants Not Required (But of Concern):
- Chromium, Nickel, and Selenium are not mentioned in the heavy metals panel.
- The regulation relies on compliance with Bureau-approved standards but does not specify numeric action levels for pesticides, microbes, or solvents within the rule text.
- There is no detailed enforcement framework for retesting, remediation, or public disclosure outlined in the rule.
Risk Level:
Moderate Concern:
West Virginia mandates a comprehensive test panel; however, the absence of explicitly defined numeric action limits and detailed enforcement mechanisms within the regulation presents potential gaps in ensuring consistent product safety standards.
Moisture and Water Activity:
Required.
Samples must be tested for moisture content and water activity. While the regulation mandates testing, specific thresholds are established by the Bureau and are not detailed within the rule text.
State Cannabis Regulatory Agency:
West Virginia Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC): Bureau for Public Health
Website: https://omc.wv.gov
Phone: (304) 356-5090
Address: 350 Capitol Street, Room 523, Charleston, WV 25301
Email: medcanwv@wv.gov
References:
West Virginia Secretary of State. (2024). Title 64, Series 111: Medical Cannabis Program –Laboratories.
https://apps.sos.wv.gov/adlaw/csr/readfile.aspx?DocId=57577&Format=PDF
West Virginia Legislature. (2025). Senate Bill 325. https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=sb325+sub1.htm&i=325&sesstype=RS&yr=2025
West Virginia Office of Medical Cannabis. (2025). Rules and Regulations. https://omc.wv.gov/rules/Pages/default.aspx