Government Mandates Product Testing for Cannabis Industry
Qure’s Brenda Marx believes the recent announcement by the DTICC that product testing will become mandatory when applying for funding is a significant development. She describes this mandate as an essential step toward industry standardization and fostering collaboration between laboratories.
Qure Analytical Labs was chosen as one of four official DTIC testing sites required for funding applications. On January 23, 2025, the DTIC introduced new guidelines for the medical and industrial cannabis sectors, stipulating specific THC/CBD requirements. Funding applications must now include lab tests from one of the following approved laboratories:
- Afriplex (Paarl)
- NAFS (Centurion)
- Vinlab (Stellenbosch)
- Qure (Cape Town)
Brett Hilton-Barber interviewed Brenda Marx to discuss the implications of this recognition and the importance of product testing in government funding applications.
The Significance of Product Testing in Government Funding
BHB: How significant is product testing in securing government funding?
BM: Its implications are enormous, impacting multiple industries, including alcohol, tobacco, and food. For instance, knowing the alcohol content of a beverage helps consumers make informed choices. Similarly, food safety testing prevents contamination and ensures accurate labeling for those with dietary restrictions.
Cannabis product testing is equally critical. Many consumers purchase CBD products without realizing they contain high levels of THC due to mislabeling or errors in formulation. Qure has tested products marketed as CBD oil that contained no actual CBD but had THC levels exceeding 10%. Mandatory testing will ensure accuracy, transparency, and consumer safety.
Government support for testing will create an environment where consumers demand proper labeling and accountability, fostering a more trustworthy industry.
Addressing Variability in Lab Test Results
BHB: Will emphasizing product testing help address discrepancies between lab results?
BM: Understanding test result variations is key. In medical testing, different pathology labs might report slightly different blood sugar levels due to measurement uncertainties. The same applies to cannabis testing. Minor discrepancies, such as 15% THC vs. 16% THC, are acceptable. However, if one lab reports 15% and another finds 25%, that’s a concerning inconsistency that requires further investigation.
To maintain accuracy, labs must conduct regular inter-laboratory comparisons to ensure their results align within acceptable limits. If discrepancies arise, customers should report them so quality checks can be reviewed and improved.
Testing methodology also plays a role in result variations. Standardized methodologies, such as those developed by pharmaceutical compendia, help ensure consistency. As part of South Africa’s Technical Committee on standards, I am actively involved in shaping methodologies suited to our unique market conditions.
Qure’s Role in Supporting Cannabis Product Development
BHB: What services does Qure offer to those developing cannabis products?
BM: We assist customers at every stage of product development, from cultivar selection to final formulation. Our services include:
- Cannabinoid Testing: Determines plant potency and available compounds.
- Terpene Testing: Provides insight into aroma and potential therapeutic benefits.
- Solvent Testing: Helps refine extraction methods.
- Density Assessments: Determines how much cannabis is needed per product.
- Safety Testing: Screens for heavy metals, mycotoxins, and microbial contaminants.
Our goal is to help businesses create safe, effective, and accurately labeled products that comply with industry regulations.
The Future of Cannabis Testing in South Africa
BHB: How do you see the South African cannabis industry evolving?
BM: The landscape remains uncertain, but testing is gaining recognition as a vital component of market development. As regulations evolve, the role of testing in ensuring product safety and potency will only grow. With government support, standardized testing will drive the industry forward, fostering consumer confidence and business credibility.
Mandatory product testing is a significant step toward a more regulated and professional cannabis industry in South Africa. By enforcing stringent quality control measures, the industry can ensure that consumers receive safe and reliable products, paving the way for sustainable growth.