Over 10 years we help companies reach their financial and branding goals. Engitech is a values-driven technology agency dedicated.

Gallery

Contacts

411 University St, Seattle, USA

engitech@oceanthemes.net

+1 -800-456-478-23

Why test concentrates for pesticides when the cannabis flower used to formulate the concentrate has already been tested and has passed its pesticide test?

When extracting and concentrating cannabinoids, pesticides can be concentrated up to 13X more than cannabinoids. Additionally, pesticides may reside in higher concentrations on the leaves than the flower, so the use of trim in an extraction batch may lead to much higher concentrations of pesticides than that seen in the mother flower. For this reason, pesticide testing of extracts is required by the DPHHS, even if your cannabis inputs have already been tested. Read more about our potency testing service for medical marijuana and adult-use cannabis in Montana.

What solvents can I use for extraction safely and without risking a failed test in Montana?

The only “safe” solvents a provider can use is 95% (190 proof) ethanol for human consumption (e.g. EverClear®, or Ethyl Alcohol), supercritical carbon dioxide, and water (bubble hash).

All licensees using solvent-based or solvent-free extraction must obtain a Chemical Manufacturing Endorsement in addition to a Provider License from the MT DPHHS. If you have a Chemical Manufacturing Endorsement, you may use most FDA-approved Class 3 solvents outlined in the FDA Q3C toxicology report. Read MCA 37.107.204 to view the exact wording of what solvents can be used in compliance with the Montana Medical Marijuana Program. You can learn more about our residual solvent testing service for medical marijuana and adult-use cannabis  in Montana.

Why test for terpenes?

Terpenes are a class of chemicals that are present in all angiosperms or flowering plants. Over 100 different terpenes are present in cannabis, and the strain, or cultivar, of the specific cannabis subspecies can greatly affect the number of different terpenes and the smell, flavor, and therapeutic effects of any given strain. Terpenes vary from the “flowery” monoterpenoids such as Linalool (lavender) and Myrcene (hops) to the more herbal sesquiterpenoids such as Humulene (earthy) and Caryophyllene (black pepper). Both the ratios and concentrations of these terpenes in cannabis varies widely; typically, cannabis contains an average range between 1% and 2.5% total terpenes, and nearly always contains significant amounts of Myrcene and Caryophyllene. 

Terpenes are a volatile compound, similar to alcohol or other solvents. For this reason, terpenes can evaporate easily. Terpenes may not be present in old cannabis flower or many concentrates that utilize vacuum pressure, hydrocarbon solvents, or excessive heat. All of these processes force terpenes present in the flower to evaporate or be stripped from the cannabis material, reducing smell, flavor, and therapeutic effects.

Why test for Heavy Metals?

Heavy Metals testing is required by the state on a “random basis.” However, we recommend testing for these analytes on a regular basis since cannabis is an accumulator plant that draws toxic materials from soil and water.  Also, some vessels used in the extraction process of cannabis can leach metals into the product, and some vape cartridges contain detectable levels of lead and cadmium, known carcinogens.

Does Stillwater Labs certify materials as “Pesticide-Free”?

No, we can’t. ARM 37.107.401 specifies that marijuana products that have passed compliance testing in the state of Montana must include on the product label, “This Product Has Been Tested and Meets the Quality Assurance Requirements of the State of Montana” and not “Pesticide-Free”. Certification for “Pesticide-Free” would in fact prove difficult — the large number of commercially available pesticides (over 500) makes this a technically challenging and time-consuming effort, particularly with interferences from the naturally-occurring compounds in cannabis. That being said, Stillwater Labs currently tests for over 59 pesticides, well in excess of the 18 in the current regulations. Learn more about our pesticide testing service for medical marijuana and adult-use cannabis  in Montana.

Does Stillwater Labs certify materials as “Organic”?

No, analytical labs can’t certify materials as organic. This requires a different regulatory body. Due to federal regulations, the organic certification is outlined by the USDA.

Can Stillwater Labs recommend a provider in my area?

Sorry, but as an independent lab, Stillwater Labs cannot recommend specific providers. However, the DPHHS maintains a list of licensed providers in the Montana Medical Marijuana Program, and our experience with providers is that they are very capable and proud of their craft. We recommend contacting potential providers to discuss your physician’s recommendations — they will be happy to discuss their products and your options.

Where is Stillwater Laboratories located?

Stillwater Laboratories is located just outside Whitefish, Montana, and we have couriers that can respond to testing requests in all four corners of the state. No matter where your cannabis, hemp, or medical (or adult-use) marijuana facility or farm is located in Montana, our experienced team can help you with all of your testing and analytical needs.

What are your hours of operation?

Our cannabis testing laboratory is open Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm, but we are always available for contact when you need us.

Can Stillwater Labs sample anywhere in Montana?

Yes, we can! Our team of samplers lives up and down the great state of Montana. Place an order now to schedule a pick-up or contact us for more information. 

How much product do I have to submit for compliance testing in Montana?

During compliance testing, a Stillwater courier will conduct “batch sampling” on-site at your facility based on the type of product. For example, during a harvest batch sampling, a courier must acquire a sample weighing 0.5% of the total batch weight, with the maximum size for a single batch being 5.0 pounds. All other sample sizes are determined by unit-of-sale count, where the batch size maximum is 5000 units-of-sale.

How do I get my samples to Stillwater?

We can arrange for a courier to come and collect your sample(s) on-site at your cultivation or production facility. 

To arrange for a sample pick-up, please place an order, email info@stwlabs.com or call our Logistics Manager at (406) 475-2965.  

For clients needing to set up a recurring pick-up, please contact the STW team and we will set that up for you.

Can I mail my samples to Stillwater Labs?

No. We do not get regular mail delivery. For hemp/CBD products please use courier services such as UPS and FedEx. Our address is 

Stillwater Laboratories Inc., 6073 US 93 N, Suite 5, Olney MT 59927 Ph(406) 881-2019.

DO NOT SEND CANNABIS PRODUCTS OVER 0.3% THC!  

How long will it take to get my results from Stillwater Labs?

We currently offer a standard 3–5 day turnaround time with options for expedited/rush orders. Depending on the test and when you place your order, we can even offer same-day results. Please reach out to us for details, as certain tests require more time. Timelines will be discussed prior to beginning testing. 

// Pay for Tests with Convenience

Payment Methods
Our Lab Accepts

Credit Card

Stillwater Laboratories can accept credit and debit cards for any of your testing and analytical needs.

Cash or Check

We gladly accept payment in cash or check, dropped off in our secure mailbox at any Stillwater location.

Bill.com

Receive invoices and pay through our online payment processor with your bank card using Bill.com.

ACH or Wire Transfer

Our lab accepts ACH bank transfers from any FDIC or NCUA accredited banking institution.

// Cannabis Testing Steps

How to Order a Test from Stillwater Labs

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

All of your tested samples will be on the Samples page where you can easily view previous tests on your products.