FAQ

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.