Heavy Metals

Specimens:

Fresh, dried, or infused cannabis flowers and oils

Detection Method:

Agilent Inductively Coupled Plasma with Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Detection Limit:

Parts per billion

Cannabis plants have a unique ability to absorb and retain substances from their environment. This bioaccumulation process, while beneficial for absorbing nutrients, can also lead to the uptake of harmful contaminants, such as heavy metals.

These heavy metals can enter the cannabis plant through various pathways:

• Direct Application: Contaminants may be introduced directly to the plant, for example, through the use of pesticides or fertilizers containing heavy metal impurities.
• Soil and Water Uptake: Plants absorb nutrients and water from the soil, which may contain heavy metals.
• Manufacturing Equipment: During processing and manufacturing, contact with contaminated equipment can transfer heavy metals to the final product.

Regardless of whether cannabis is grown indoors or outdoors, it remains susceptible to heavy metal contamination. Once absorbed, these toxic elements can accumulate within the plant's tissues and ultimately be transferred to consumers.

Exceeding regulatory limits for heavy metals in cannabis products can pose significant health risks, leading to both short-term and long-term adverse effects.

IAS tests for and quantifies the following heavy metals:

Learn more about Microbes Mycotoxins Contaminants & Foreign Materials Moisture Content Water Activity