Delta-9-THC is the psychoactive molecule that binds to cannabinoid receptors to produce the psychoactive effect commonly referred to as ‘getting high.’ The 2018 Farm Bill recently removed Cannabis sativa plants that have delta-9-THC levels equal to or below 0.3% from the list of controlled substances and defined them as industrial hemp.
All industrial hemp must be tested for total delta-9-THC before harvesting to ensure that Cannabis plants that are grown do not exceed the legal threshold of 0.3%. Any plants that exceed the 0.3% total delta-9-THC limit are required to be destroyed, so choosing the proper variety of industrial hemp is extremely important for growers, as different varieties or strains can produce different levels of delta-9-THC.
A sample collection must be scheduled with LDAF by submitting a Harvest Report.
Upon receiving a Harvest Report, LDAF will contact the grower to schedule the pre-harvest sample collection. The licensee or designated responsible party must be present while LDAF is sampling from each plot where industrial hemp is growing. A fee of $250.00 per plot must be paid by the licensee at time of sample collection. If the plot is not harvested within 30 days of sampling, the plot must be resampled and tested. A $250.00 testing fee will apply to the resample.
Once samples are collected, they are sent to the LDAF Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory for testing of THC levels using liquid chromatography. Both the delta-9-THC and the delta-9-THC-A (the acidic form of the cannabinoid which can be converted into delta-9-THC) is considered. It is important to note that that the 0.3% THC calculations are for total delta-9-THC (THC + THC-A) and performed on a dry weight basis.
After the testing is completed, the results of the THC test are provided to the licensee via email. Industrial hemp that tests under the threshold will be issued a Notification of Analysis (NOA) by LDAF and can be harvested, transported, processed, and sold.
Processors are also required to have their processed industrial hemp products tested at an approved laboratory. After testing, approved samples will obtain a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that verifies the potency and safety of the product for contamination by pathogens and other toxic substances. The COA must be obtained for the products before they can be sold. All hemp products must have < 0.3% delta-9-THC, but have other requirements that differ based on their category. Consumable hemp products are required to have less than 0.5 mg of total THC per package. Adult-use consumable hemp products have more than 0.5 mg of total THC per package, but must be less than 8 mg of total THC per serving.
If the official pre-harvest sample collected by LDAF tests above the 0.3% delta-9-THC threshold (commonly referred to as testing ‘hot’), the plot must be destroyed or remediated then resampled and tested.
There are two remediation options for ‘hot’ crops. Bioremediation, by shredding the entire plant and creating a biomass-like material to lower the delta-9-THC content of the sample, and second, by removing and destroying all flowering material from the other plant material. In both cases the remediated material must be resampled, tested and the test results be compliant with the 0.3% total delta-9-THC threshold.
If a resample tests above the delta-9-THC level, no plants from that plot can be processed, sold, or otherwise entered into commerce. Prior to destruction, the licensee must submit a Destruction report to LDAF and receive written approval.
The industrial hemp that tested hot must be destroyed by a USDA approved method under the supervision an authorized representative of the LDAF.
USDA guidelines for sample remediation and disposal guidelines can be found here.
Industrial hemp lots produced for research purposes as well as crops produced by licensees approved by LDAF may not be subject to THC sampling and testing requirements when one or more of the following requirements are met:
• LDAF has a confidence level that 95 percent of the industrial hemp plants in each lot subject to alternate method will not test above the acceptable industrial hemp THC level of 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis;
• the variety or strain is recognized as AOSCA Certified seed or has consistently demonstrated compliant hemp plants by LDAF
• the hemp is produced for grain or fiber and no leaf or floral material will be harvested.
• the producer is conducting industrial hemp research
• the producer is growing immature industrial hemp plants from compliant varieties and will be harvested prior to flowering.
LDAF may inspect, sample, and test any industrial hemp plants or plant parts, at any time to ensure compliance.
LDAF may conduct random inspections, including record reviews on researchers, regardless of whether they are subject to the sampling and testing requirements.
If you are interested in or think that you may be a candidate for Performance-based Sampling, reach out to LDAF at (225) 925-4733.