A new batch of testing regulations for hemp products in Colorado have been unveiled by the state’s department of health, and some of the requirements are stricter than the equivalent rules for cannabis products.
Previously, foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics containing hemp could be sold in Colorado without needing to state how much THC they contained.
But, effective from July 1, all such hemp products must display how many milligrams of total THC they contain. Testing will also be required for microbials such as Salmonella, Shiga-toxin producing E.coli, yeast and molds, and mycotoxins such as aflatoxin B1.
Effective from October 1, all edible and cosmetic hemp products must also be tested for over 100 pesticides – far more than the 13 pesticides that must be tested for in cannabis products.
And, under the new rules, all these tests must be carried by a lab that’s been certified to test hemp by the state’s department of public health. Currently, only one lab has this kind of certification, Botanacor Laboratories in Denver.
Speaking to Hemp Industry Daily, Botanacor’s senior marketing director, Lisa Stemmer, said the lab isn’t expecting to be overwhelmed with CBD products just yet, as the state health department is allowing existing products to remain on shelves while companies adjust to the new rules.
Smokable hemp products and those unintended for human consumption, such as textiles or pet products, and are not subject to the new rules.