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Explained briefly · Active substances and lab testing

What does a lab test for in cannabis from cultivation associations?

Last updated: 2026-09-29

In short

Cultivation associations must regularly test samples. Testing usually covers the active compound content and contaminants; cannabis above the maximum levels is destroyed.

Under the Consumer Cannabis Act (KCanG), cultivation associations must regularly take samples of their cannabis and test them (§ 18 KCanG). This is meant to ensure that only cannabis that meets the requirements is passed on, for example the limit of 10 per cent THC for 18- to 20-year-olds.

Among other things, cannabis must not be passed on if it contains substances above the set maximum levels or if it is not in pure form as marijuana or hashish. Such cannabis must be destroyed without delay.

Two things are typically tested:

  • the active compound content, i.e. THC and CBD with their acid forms
  • contaminants such as heavy metals, germs and mould toxins

With a pooled sample, material from several harvests is tested together for contaminants. The result then applies to all the harvests included. In our club, a lab determines the active compound content of each batch individually.

With cannabis from the illicit market, nobody knows how much THC or what else it contains.

Remember: Lab values tell you what is in it. How strong the effect is and what risks it carries still depend on the THC content, the amount and on you.

More on this: Lab resultsDE · What does “total THC” mean?

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