Advertisement

Hemp Flower Proficiency Testing Program Gains ISO 17043 Accreditation

"In states where cannabis is legal, participation in a proficiency testing program is often required by regulators

by | Jun 19, 2024

ASTM International’s Hemp Flower Proficiency Testing Program (PTP) has achieved ISO 17043 accreditation through the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). This accreditation certifies the program’s technical competence in a defined testing scope, bolstering the quality assurance and regulatory compliance of laboratories participating in the program.

Key Features of the Accredited Hemp Flower PTP

The accredited scope of the Hemp Flower Proficiency Testing Program includes measurement of:

  • Cannabinoids
  • Terpenes
  • Pesticides
  • Metals
  • Mycotoxins
  • Moisture
  • Water Activity

The program is conducted thrice annually, providing laboratories with test results within six weeks. This quick turnaround helps labs enhance their statistical quality assurance, allowing them to benchmark their performance against other labs globally.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

“In states where cannabis is legal, participation in a proficiency testing program is often required by regulators, either directly or through ISO 17025 accreditation mandates. Additionally, many states necessitate ISO 17043-accredited PT providers to submit results directly to regulatory agencies,” explained Chris McCullough, General Manager of Program Development for ASTM Laboratory Services. “With this accreditation and ASTM’s sophisticated PTP2 Application for data management and submission, laboratories can rely on the ASTM Hemp Flower Proficiency Test Program to improve their quality and efficiency while meeting regulatory mandates.”

Participation Details

  • Sample Distribution: Each lab receives 25 g of ground hemp flower.
  • Instructions and Reporting: Test instructions and data report forms are distributed electronically on the sample distribution date.
  • Submission Timeline: Labs have eight weeks to submit their test data.
  • Confidentiality: All data and results are coded to maintain lab confidentiality.

For more detailed information on the program, please visit ASTM Hemp Flower Proficiency Test Program.

Join the ASTM Cannabis Committee

To learn more about participating in ASTM’s cannabis committee and membership benefits, visit ASTM Cannabis Committee.

Release #11839

Author

  • Pam Wertalik

    Passionate science/technology entrepreneur and founder of, the first web-based platform for laboratory outsourcing and scientific sourcing. ContractLaboratory.com . Proud, award-winning former FDA, US Food and Drug Administration Consumer Safety Officer, Medical Device Specialist, International Cadre.

    View all posts

Related Content

Advertisement

Editor's Choice

Advertisement

Advertisement