Navigating Texas Hemp Regulations
Accurate testing of delta-9 THC content in hemp-derived products by an accredited third-party laboratory like Armstrong Forensic Laboratory, Inc. provides crucial information for growers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure compliance with Texas legal standards. From the perspective of an accredited Texas laboratory, here are 10 things growers, distributors, and manufacturers need to know:
Armstrong Forensic Laboratory, Inc., a USDA Registered, TDA Registered, DEA Registered, and ISO 17025 Accredited, stands ready to help you.
https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/armstrong-forensic-laboratory-inc
https://www.texasagriculture.gov/Regulatory-Programs/Hemp
- State Regulations: Texas follows the federal standard set by the 2018 Farm Bill, which states that hemp-derived products must contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis.
- Hemp Legalization: Texas legalized the cultivation, possession, and sale of hemp in 2019 with House Bill 1325. https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/86R/billtext/html/HB01325F.htm
- 0.3% THC: To be considered legal in Texas, hemp-derived products must contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. All hemp-derived products meant for consumption must be tested in a Texas-approved lab to ensure THC content below the 0.3% threshold. Only laboratories licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) can test hemp products for THC concentration.
- Accreditation: Ensure that the laboratory you choose is accredited under the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for testing and calibration labs. This accreditation ensures competence, impartiality, and consistent operation.
- Test Methods: The most common methods for cannabinoid analysis include High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography (GC). Discuss your product type and testing objective with Armstrong Forensic Laboratory, Inc. to determine the most appropriate test method for your product.
- Chain of Custody: Maintain rigorous documentation processes for your samples. This ensures that the integrity of your sample is preserved from collection to testing.
- Test Regularly: Consistent testing ensures that your products remain compliant and helps to build trust with your consumers.
- Understanding Total THC: Testing labs, when measuring THC, should include both delta-9 THC and the potential THC that could be derived from THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid).
- Turnaround Times: The time it takes to process and test samples can vary. Talk with your laboratory to determine what works best for your production and distribution schedules.
- Legality: When determining the legality of a substance, it’s essential to ensure that the lab chosen adheres to the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. Incorrect results can have significant legal implications. Before selecting a lab or a testing method, do thorough research.
Engaging with a reliable, accredited lab such as Armstrong Forensic Laboratory, Inc., not only aids in legal compliance but also ensures that you’re providing a safe, high-quality product to your customers.