This presentation will discuss frequent findings from A2LA assessments to the requirements of specifically for cannabis testing laboratories. Discussion will include the challenges that arise due to the illegality of crossing state lines with ‘cannabis’ and how this may impact the testing of compliance samples. We will briefly discuss the discrepancy of sampling practices between states, including across different matrices. Discussion will include various requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard and how these can be used to identify and actualize improvements instead of just ‘checking the box’. We will look at examples of certificates of analysis for basic reporting requirements and discuss the common application of simple acceptance decision rules and wrap up with the overall potential impact on results over time. This will include quotes from several qualified technical assessors of cannabis testing laboratories contracted by A2LA.

Learning Objectives:

• Through review of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 nonconformances identified over past several years during assessments of cannabis testing laboratories-participants will learn what IS and IS NOT required through discussion of common findings and their potential implications
  
  
• Explore best practice & opportunities for improvements as opposed to just checking the box with examples specific to cannabis will be covered- Audience will learn that in some cases, while a laboratory could be fully compliant in one area, there could still be a significant opportunity for improvement
  
  
• For consumers, there should be a better understanding of product labels and certificate of analysis, for processors and manufacturers, there should be a better understanding of 3rd party laboratory vetting tactics, for laboratories, there should be a better understanding of focus areas for internal audits.