In Ohio, the integrity of cannabis products—whether designated for medical use or adult-use—is upheld through rigorous laboratory testing protocols. These procedures are not merely regulatory boxes to check; they represent a critical safeguard, ensuring that consumers have confidence in the safety, potency, and accuracy of every product they purchase.

Ohio law mandates that licensed testing laboratories sample each batch of cannabis plant material, extracts, and finished products destined for sale in dispensaries. The required sampling includes at least 0.5 percent of the net weight of dried, cured plant material, extracts used in manufacturing, and ingredients derived from such extracts. For finished packaged goods, laboratories must test one representative unit per lot prior to sale.

The scope of required analyses is expansive and meticulously defined. Laboratories must measure moisture content and water activity, which are critical for understanding product stability. They must quantify cannabinoid potency, including delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, CBN, any THC content as defined in rules, and other cannabinoids specified by the Department. In addition, they are required to test for foreign matter, microbial contamination, mycotoxins, heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, and pesticide or fertilizer residues.

Since April 2025, Ohio introduced a notable enhancement to potency reporting. Laboratories now must report cannabinoid levels “as received”—meaning flower weight is measured with its natural moisture intact rather than using dry-weight adjustments. This approach yields more accurate real-world potency values and ensures consistency across testing facilities. Updated formulas also define Total THC and Total CBD, and THCV must now be reported separately.

Beyond testing specifics, Ohio licensing standards for laboratories are stringent. Each must obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation within two years of receiving a provisional license. This internationally recognized standard ensures that the lab maintains sound quality systems, valid analytical methods, and reliable results. Furthermore, laboratories are required to employ a scientific director with the appropriate advanced degree and experience, who oversees operations and maintains scientific rigor.

Once analysis is complete, labs must issue a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for each tested batch. These CoAs—detailing test results such as potency and contaminant levels—are submitted to processors or cultivators and must accompany products through Ohio’s seed-to-sale tracking system. Only batches that meet all standards are cleared for dispensary shelves.

This robust framework ensures that cannabis products in Ohio dispensaries are free from harmful contaminants, accurately labeled for cannabinoid strength, and produced under transparent and consistent testing conditions. In doing so, the state cultivates both consumer trust and public health protection.