SCC promotes quality cannabis testing through lab accreditation program

The legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada has increased demand for laboratory testing of cannabis. This includes tests for levels of cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), as well as tests for microbial contaminants, impurities and mass.

The Standards Council of Canada offers accreditation for cannabis testing labs. Becoming accredited entails meeting the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Accredited laboratories typically operate more efficiently and produce more accurate test results. Accreditation also sends an important signal to customers that testing is based on the latest, most accurate, validated methods.

At SCC, we are constantly updating our accreditation programs to respond to changes and opportunities in the marketplace,” said Elias Rafoul, SCC’s Vice-President of Accreditation Services. “We’re excited to work with labs in Canada and beyond, to help them ensure the quality and safety of cannabis products.”

Accreditation by SCC — Canada’s national accreditation body — gives both Canadians and international stakeholders confidence in a laboratory. It verifies the quality of a lab’s practices by means of internationally-recognized, routine third-party assessments.

SCC is a full member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum(IAF).