Heavy Metals in Cannabis

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Cannabis Heavy Metals

Cannabis Heavy Metals Testing Information

Heavy Metals are a health concern for any cannabis consumer or producer. Testing for metals in cannabis is especially important for a few reasons. First of all, cannabis is an "accumulator plant" which readily takes up heavy metals from the soil. Secondly, heavy metals found in cannabis can sometimes be concentrated by certain extraction and purification processes. Thirdly, since cannabis is often inhaled, the presence of heavy metals can increase the potential for toxic absorption. Lastly, cannabis users are often medical patients who may be even more susceptible to toxic exposure. For these reasons, cannabis heavy metals testing is commonly required. The most common metals tested for in cannabis products are Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead, although others are sometimes tested for as well.

The lab-testing tool for Heavy Metals is an Inductively Coupled - Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), which is able to quickly test cannabis and hemp samples for multiple metals at once down to sub-PPB levels. Testing for heavy Metals is not as straightforward as testing for cannabinoids, terpenes, or solvents. Nonetheless, it is an essential analysis to protect cannabis consumers.

Contact Us for Expert Guidance in Heavy Metals Cannabis Testing

Contact us for expert assistance in choosing the right solution for your needs. No two businesses are the same and neither are any two testing solutions. We work with you to find the best fit for your needs, budget, and experience level.

All AIM Heavy Metals testing solutions come with installation, support, and warranty. Custom method and training solutions are available.


  1. Cannabinoids/Potency
  2. Terpenes
  3. Residual Solvents
  4. Heavy Metals
  5. Pesticides

Explore AIM's Equipment Inventory

Equipment/Testing Method Matrix

Quick Reference Table

  HPLC Headspace GC or GC-MS Liquid GC or GC-MS ICP-MS LC-MS/MS GC-MS/MS
Potency/Cannabinoids

Terpenes

Residual Solvents

**

Heavy Metals

Pesticides

****

** For simple solvent analysis only. Headspace is preferred for most applications

**** Supplementary to LC/MS MS for certain pesticide analytes



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