Rhode Island Cannabis Testing Labs
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Does Rhode Island License Independent Cannabis Testing Labs?
Yes. The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) licenses independent testing laboratories for medical cannabis testing in the state.
Requirements for Marijuana Testing Labs in Rhode Island
Per Section 6.21 of 216-60-05 R.I. Code, cannabis testing labs must demonstrate the ability to perform RIDOH-approved quantitative analytical methods approved, and to provide defensible documentation and quality assurance. An ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation is an acceptable standard for cannabis testing labs to perform RIDOH-approved qualitative analytical methods. While the RIDOH does not specifically mandate an ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for cannabis testing labs, its adoption is widely encouraged and recognized as a best practice.
Obtaining ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation involves a thorough process conducted by accreditation bodies. An independent testing lab obtains this ISO accreditation through relevant accreditation bodies, such as those recognized by international bodies like ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) or regional accreditation organizations. Examples include the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation).
Rhode Island Required Tests for Cannabis Products
Per 216 R.I. Code R. § 216-RICR-60-05-6.7, cannabis finished plant material, including finished resins, kief, and hashish, must be tested for:
- Cannabinoid potency, including quantitative analysis for Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC, CBD, THCa, CBDa
- Microbiological contaminants, such as total viable aerobic bacteria, total coliforms, bile tolerant gram-negative bacteria, pathogenic E. coli, Salmonella, yeast, and mold
- Water activity
- Pesticides, including residues of pesticides and growth regulators
- Metals such as Cadmium, Arsenic, Lead, and Mercury
Cannabis extracts, concentrates, resins as is or as components of cannabis-infused products must be tested for:
- Cannabinoid potency, including quantitative analysis for Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC, CBD, THCa, CBDa
- Solvents
- Pesticides
- Solvents
How Do Rhode Island Marijuana Testing Labs Submit and Report Test Results?
Cannabis testing facilities must report all test results, including the information necessary to determine product compliance, to the Department of Business Regulation Cannabis Tracking System (Metrc) and the cannabis producer, including licensed cultivators and registered compassion centers. Specific information that must be included in the information submitted to the DBR Cannabis Tracking System is outlined under Section 6.23 of the 216-RICR-60-05-6.
How Much Does It Cost to Test Cannabis in Rhode Island?
Cannabis testing pricing varies from one Rhode Island analytical testing facility to another. Factors that may influence the cost of cannabis testing include sample quantity, test type, and a laboratory's particular pricing scheme. You may contact any Rhode Island licensed cannabis testing facility for cannabis testing costs.
What Happens to Cannabis Products That Fail Lab Tests in Rhode Island?
If a cannabis sample fails microbiological screening or water activity test, the cannabis establishment that submitted the sample may request to remediate the failed batch in writing from the Rhode Island Office of Cannabis Regulation. If a cannabis sample fails heavy metals testing or pesticide screening, remediation of the products in that batch is not permitted. However, the sample may be retested. If a sample fails testing or cannot be remediated, the entire production batch from which the sample was taken must be destroyed.
List of Cannabis Testing Labs in Rhode Island
There are at least 3 approved cannabis testing laboratories in Rhode Island. These are Purevita Labs, Cannalytics RI, and East Coast Labs. Purevita Labs and Cannalytics are both in West Warwick while East Coast Labs is located in Providence.