THC potency testing is a critical step for any cannabis product manufacturer or processor operating in New York State. Under NY’s strict cannabis regulations, every batch of product must undergo a cannabis potency test by a certified lab to verify its THC content and ensure the label is accurate. Rigorous potency testing isn’t just a bureaucratic box to check; it’s essential for compliance, consumer safety, and maintaining trust in your brand.
In this blog, we’ll explain why THC potency testing is so important in New York, how labs measure cannabinoid content (especially using HPLC), what the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) rules say about label accuracy and THC variance, and the specific testing requirements for different product types (flower, extracts, edibles, etc.). We’ll also share how DRS Testing conducts potency testing, helps clients stay compliant, and supports you with transparent reports and guidance. Let’s dive in.
New York’s cannabis regulations make laboratory testing mandatory for all cannabis products, with THC potency testing being one of the most important requirements. Every licensed cannabis item must include a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an OCM-permitted lab to prove compliance. Without accurate potency testing, products risk failing inspections, facing recalls, or even losing their licenses.
Accurate testing ensures label honesty and builds consumer trust. A 2023 study revealed that nearly 70% of retail cannabis products had lower THC than claimed, showing how misleading labels can hurt credibility and violate state rules. Verified potency results protect your business from compliance issues and strengthen transparency with regulators and customers alike.
Beyond compliance, potency testing is key for consistency and quality control. It helps manufacturers fine-tune formulations, maintain uniform THC levels, and catch issues before products hit the market. In short, New York’s testing requirements protect public health, ensure accuracy, and help cannabis businesses deliver safe, reliable, and compliant products to consumers.
Most New York cannabis labs use HPLC, the industry’s gold standard for THC potency testing. In this method, a small portion of the cannabis sample (flower, extract, or edible) is dissolved and run through a high-pressure liquid chromatograph, which separates and measures cannabinoids like THCA, Δ9-THC, and CBD. Because HPLC uses no heat, it preserves THCA, allowing labs to accurately calculate Total THC instead of unintentionally converting it during analysis. For instance, a flower testing at 0.5% THC and 18% THCA would show about 16% Total THC after conversion.
Older methods like GC heat the sample, turning THCA into THC during testing. This makes it impossible to tell how much THC was originally present versus converted. While GC is faster, it’s not preferred for compliance testing in New York since regulators require precise THC and THCA values.
HPLC delivers the accuracy and compliance needed under New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) rules (cannabis.ny.gov). It measures both THC and THCA and calculates Total THC using the formula:
Total THC = THC + (THCA × 0.877)
This ratio accounts for the molecular weight difference when THCA converts to THC. HPLC’s sensitivity also enables labs to detect trace cannabinoids, which are vital for CBD and low-THC products.
The OCM requires all labs to use validated methods and pass proficiency testing for consistency (journals.plos.org). At DRS Testing, we use advanced HPLC systems from Agilent and Waters, operated by trained chemists under strict quality protocols. Our validated cannabis potency test ensures accurate, reliable COA results that meet state regulations — giving manufacturers confidence that their labels and compliance records reflect the true potency of their products.
All cannabis products in New York must have labels that match the tested THC content within strict OCM-set variance limits.
Allowed THC Variance:
Total THC Reporting:
Labels must show Total THC (and Total CBD), both mg per serving and % by weight.
Product Potency Limits:
Low-Dose Margin:
For products under 5 mg THC per serving, labs can apply an extra ±2% tolerance to account for testing variability.
Compliance Tip:
Always formulate within safe ranges, verify labels against your COA, and document everything. DRS Testing helps clients review THC variance and label accuracy before batches are released to market.
Different cannabis product types have slightly different testing and labeling considerations. Let’s break down potency testing specifics for the main categories of products in New York:
Labs test dried flower and pre-rolls on a dry-weight basis to ensure consistency. Results are reported as % THC by weight and mg per gram. Per-serving labeling isn’t required, but accuracy between your label and COA is essential. Submit representative, well-mixed samples for reliable results. Normal flower potency in New York ranges from 10%–30% Total THC.
Products like shatter, wax, and distillate often test between 50%–90%+ THC. High accuracy is crucial since New York taxes concentrates by THC content. Labels should list % THC and total mg per unit. Concentrates are generally treated as homogeneous, but infused or mixed products must show even THC distribution. Ensure your sample reflects the entire batch to prevent labeling errors.
Edibles have strict potency and homogeneity requirements. Each serving must contain no more than 10 mg THC, and total package potency cannot exceed 100 mg THC. Labs test five random samples per batch to verify consistency—each must fall within ±25% of the batch average. Labels must clearly state THC per serving and total per package, e.g., “5 mg per gummy, 100 mg per package.” Accurate mixing and testing protect both compliance and consumer safety.
Tinctures are tested in mg/mL and can contain up to 1000 mg THC per container, but each serving must stay at 10 mg THC. Topicals and creams must list total THC and CBD, though no serving limits apply as they are non-intoxicating. Hemp-derived topicals must remain below 0.3% THC. Any product containing THC(oral or topical) requires verified potency testing and compliant labeling.
At DRS Testing, we use advanced High-Performance Liquid Chromatography systems operated by trained chemists to deliver precise and verified THC potency results. Our methods are fully validated to meet New York’s Office of Cannabis Management standards, ensuring that every Certificate of Analysis accurately reflects your product’s true cannabinoid content. We process every sample in-house for faster turnaround times so you can keep your operations moving without delays.
Beyond testing, we work closely with cannabis manufacturers to help them stay compliant and confident. Our reports are clear and easy to understand, and our team guides clients through label accuracy reviews, variance checks, and any corrective actions if results fall outside OCM limits. From sample submission to final COA delivery, DRS Testing provides transparency, reliability, and the assurance that your products meet New York’s strict potency and labeling requirements.
Yes, every cannabis product sold in New York must be tested by an OCM-permitted lab for THC and other cannabinoids. Whether it’s flower, edibles, tinctures, or vapes, each product needs a valid Certificate of Analysis confirming potency and safety before it can be sold.
Edibles are limited to 10 mg THC per serving and 100 mg per package. Tinctures can contain up to 1000 mg per bottle, with a 10 mg dose limit. Products must test within 85–115% of the labeled THC value for adult use and 90–110% for medical use to stay compliant.
Labs measure Δ9-THC and THCA separately using HPLC, then calculate Total THC = THCA × 0.877 + THC. This formula accounts for the conversion of THCA into THC during use, making Total THC the key figure for labeling and compliance.
If your product tests outside the allowed variance, it must be relabeled with the accurate potency before sale. If it exceeds legal limits, such as 10 mg per serving for edibles, it cannot be sold without remediation. Staying near the target range helps avoid compliance issues.
Use a licensed lab like DRS Testing, homogenize batches properly, and formulate within safe margins. Review COAs immediately, correct issues early, and stay updated on OCM regulations. Regular testing and quality control keep your products consistent, compliant, and ready for market.
If you’re a cannabis manufacturer or processor in NY, don’t leave compliance to chance. Partner with a certified lab like DRS Testing to ensure your THC potency testing is done right. We offer comprehensive potency testing services and will guide you through every step, from sample submission to understanding your results. With DRS’s fast turnaround and expert support, you can be confident that your labels will be accurate and your products will meet all OCM requirements.