Skip to content
menu-toggle-drs
menu-close-drs

What Is Heavy Metals Testing and Why Does It Matter?

Cannabis products can absorb harmful metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury from contaminated soil, water, or processing equipment. Heavy metals testing is essential to ensure the safety of your products and to meet compliance standards set by New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).

The Science Behind Our Heavy Metals Testing

Our state-of-the-art Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) provides precise measurements of trace heavy metals, ensuring compliance with New York's regulatory standards. We test for key contaminants like lead, cadmium, mercury, and more, giving you peace of mind that your products are safe for consumption.

Instruments Used for Heavy Metals Testing

We utilize ICP-MS for accurate testing, ensuring that even trace levels of heavy metals are detected in your cannabis products. This method is trusted in the industry for its sensitivity and precision in identifying harmful contaminants.

Sample Requirements for Heavy Metals Testing

To ensure reliable results, please submit the following sample sizes for analysis:

  • Flower: 2-3 grams

  • Concentrates & Extracts: 2-3 grams

  • Vapes: 2-3 grams

  • Infused Products (e.g., edibles, tinctures): 2-3 grams

These sample sizes allow for comprehensive testing and accurate results.

What Heavy Metals Are Tested in Cannabis Products?

We test for a wide array of heavy metals commonly found in cannabis products. This includes:

Heavy Metal Risk
Antimony Toxic, affects organs.
Arsenic Carcinogenic, accumulates in body.
Cadmium Damages kidneys and lungs.
Chromium Carcinogenic, impacts health.
Lead Damages the brain and organs.
Mercury Toxic, especially for the nervous system.
Nickel Can cause skin allergies, respiratory issues.

These metals can accumulate in the cannabis plant, especially if grown in contaminated environments.

Why DRS Testing for Potency

Accurate Results

Our advanced technology ensures precise, reliable results for all cannabis testing services.

Expert Guidance

Our knowledgeable team offers clear explanations and recommendations for all test results.

OCM Compliance

We help your products meet New York's strict regulatory standards, ensuring full compliance.

Comprehensive Services

From potency to pesticide testing, we offer a wide range of cannabis testing solutions.

Fast Turnaround

Get quick results without sacrificing accuracy, keeping your business on track.

Customer Support

We provide responsive and helpful customer service to assist with every step of your testing process.

Ready to submit samples?

Submit your cannabis samples today or speak with our lab team for guidance on profiling, consistency tracking, or product differentiation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heavy Metals Testing

 

What does heavy metals testing for cannabis involve?

Heavy metals testing involves analyzing cannabis samples for harmful elements like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. We use ICP-MS technology to provide precise and reliable results.

Why is heavy metals testing important for my cannabis products?

Testing for heavy metals ensures your products are safe for consumption and compliant with New York’s strict OCM regulations. It prevents health risks and product recalls.

How do I ensure my cannabis products pass heavy metals testing?

Maintain clean growing environments, use high-quality inputs, and submit regular samples for testing to ensure compliance with OCM standards.

What happens if my product fails the heavy metals test?

If a product fails, it may need to be reprocessed or disposed of, depending on the contamination level. We provide guidance on how to correct these issues.

How long does it take to get results from heavy metals testing?

We provide fast turnaround on testing results, ensuring your products are compliant and ready for the market quickly.