It’s no secret the infused beverage market is booming. If you live in an adult-use state, you’ve likely seen cannabis drinks for sale at your local dispensary. Even in many states without legal cannabis markets, you can often find hemp-derived intoxicating beverages everywhere from liquor stores to gas stations to trendy coffee lounges.
In 2018, the Farm Bill paved the way for the explosion of hemp-derived THC products (provided they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight) on the market. Now, as more companies take advantage of the opportunities created by the Farm Bill, these beverages are appearing on shelves where traditional cannabis products are restricted.
As both the cannabis and hemp beverage spaces continue to grow, so does the need for rigorous testing. That’s where the hemp beverage experts at ACT LAB come in.
Why Cannabis & Hemp Beverage Testing Matters
Cannabis and hemp beverage testing is essential for compliance, consumer safety, and product consistency, ensuring that each drink meets regulatory standards and delivers a predictable experience.
As infused beverages grow in popularity, rigorous testing helps verify potency, purity, and the absence of harmful contaminants, giving consumers confidence in what they’re drinking. These beverages provide a familiar and socially accepted way to consume cannabis, similar to beer or seltzer, making them an appealing option for newcomers. Given that most people already understand how alcohol affects them, they can more easily relate to the experience of drinking a cannabis-infused beverage, reducing uncertainty and broadening cannabis accessibility to a wider audience.
Addressing Common Challenges of the Cannabis & Hemp Beverage Industry
With the ability to sell hemp-derived Delta-9 THC drinks outside of regulated cannabis dispensaries, and in many cases, online and across state lines, many cannabis brands are diversifying and investing in developing these products. This shift presents exciting opportunities, but also new challenges in ensuring compliance, safety, and consumer confidence.
The days of getting homemade weed brownies and having no idea how high you’ll get are long gone. Modern consumers have been taught to expect labels to reflect accurate cannabinoid levels and consistent dosing in every can, bottle, or packet. This can be difficult with any edible cannabis product, but beverages and their emulsion formulas bring their own distinct set of challenges.
From navigating stringent regulations and meeting complex formulation requirements to delivering the consistency and safety consumers expect, manufacturers face a demanding path to success in this space. For example, hemp beverages have a lower cannabinoid concentration and a milder effect — so working with a lab that doesn’t have experience testing low concentrations of cannabinoids could result in beverages that are too potent, resulting in consumers getting higher than they anticipated. Additionally, developing products with a vendor that doesn’t understand how packaging can impact cannabinoid distribution in beverage products could leave consumers dissatisfied with the experience.
Understanding Emulsions in Hemp Beverages
Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC are naturally hydrophobic, meaning they do not dissolve in water. So, to successfully incorporate them into hemp beverages, manufacturers must use emulsions, which are specialized formulations that break cannabinoids into tiny, evenly dispersed droplets, allowing them to mix with water-based liquids. These emulsions ensure proper dosing, stability, and bioavailability, preventing the cannabinoids from separating or floating to the top of the beverage.
Emulsions play a critical role not only in product formulation but also in testing. Unlike traditional edibles or tinctures, hemp-infused beverages require a different approach to cannabinoid testing due to the unique way emulsions interact with liquid matrices. Emulsion technologies vary, and the inconsistency of methods used to emulsify cannabinoids makes them challenging to test. If a testing lab does not follow the correct method for a specific emulsion, results may be inaccurate—showing either higher or lower potency than what is actually present in the beverage.
Emulsion Partners
When considering a lab partner, make sure they have experience with emulsions. ACT LAB is proud to be an approved vendor for Vertosa, a leader in advanced infusion technology. Vertosa’s solutions empower manufacturers to create incredibly homogeneous and stable beverages while maximizing bioavailability, clarity, and taste. If you’re not sure which emulsion partner to use, the consultants at ACT LAB can also help you make that decision.
More Common Challenges in Cannabis & Hemp Beverage Testing
Low Potency Formulations
While many cannabis flower and concentrate products are designed for high potency, hemp and cannabis-infused beverages typically offer a lower dose in a larger format. For example, a standard cannabis gummy contains 5 mg of THC in just 4 grams of product, whereas an infused beverage delivers the same 5 mg of THC in nearly 335 grams of product. Because the THC concentration is much lower by weight in beverages, achieving accurate and precise dosing measurements becomes more challenging, making rigorous testing essential.
Overdosing Products
It can be surprisingly easy for brands to have too much THC in their beverages due to challenges in formulation and production. Misformulation, often caused by incorrect calculations or unfamiliarity with cannabinoid potency, can lead to excessive THC or CBD levels. Additionally, a lack of homogeneity within a batch—where cannabinoids are not evenly dispersed—can result in some servings containing far more than the intended dose while others have too little. This inconsistency not only affects consumer experience but also raises compliance risks, as products may inadvertently exceed legal potency limits, leading to recalls or regulatory action.
Contaminants in Hemp Beverages
For beverages containing hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, rigorous contaminant testing is especially crucial. Unlike naturally occurring Delta-9 THC in cannabis, these products are made using chemical reactions to transform hemp-derived cannabinoids, such as CBD, into THC. Without strict oversight, this process can introduce harmful byproducts, residual solvents, or unwanted compounds that may pose health risks to consumers. Given the lack of long-term studies on these conversions, ensuring purity and safety through third-party lab testing is essential. While methods don’t really currently exist to identify all of the byproducts of conversion, our team in Michigan is currently working to progress that knowledge in the industry.
Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC and Converted Oils
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation and manufacturing of hemp products, as long as they contain less than .3% THC — which left the loophole open for the development of hemp-derived Delta-9. This means that an 8 or 12-oz beverage could have 10 mg of hemp-derived Delta-9 and still be at less than .3% THC by volume. However, compliance with this threshold and verifying the quality of converted oils (e.g., Delta-8 or Delta-10) is critical. Improperly synthesized or tested converted oils can lead to unsafe products or compliance violations.
What Infused Beverage Manufacturers Need to Know About Testing
To produce cannabis beverages that make both regulators and consumers happy, it’s helpful to have a clear understanding of essential testing processes.
Cannabinoid Potency Testing
Potency testing validates that your beverage contains the THC, CBD, and other cannabinoid levels listed on the label and that it meets both regulatory and consumer expectations. Potency testing also helps verify compliance with legal thresholds, especially for products containing hemp-derived Delta-9 THC.
Homogeneity Testing
Homogeneity testing verifies that cannabinoids are evenly distributed throughout the beverage, ensuring consistent dosing in every sip.
Shelf-Life Stability Testing
Shelf-life stability testing can help determine if your product will maintain its quality, potency, and safety over its intended shelf life. This testing is particularly important for cannabis beverages, as cannabinoids and other ingredients can degrade over time, potentially affecting both the product’s effectiveness and the consumer’s experience.
Contaminant Testing
Contaminant testing screens for harmful substances like pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants, which could compromise product safety. This is especially critical for products containing converted oils or hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, as the manufacturing processes can introduce impurities, if not carefully controlled. Contaminant testing confirms your products are safe for consumption and comply with stringent state and federal guidelines.
FAQs About Cannabis & Hemp Beverage Testing at ACT LAB
Q: What states do you conduct beverage testing in?
A: We conduct cannabis beverage testing in Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida and hemp beverage testing nationwide.
Q: What is the turnaround time for beverage testing?
A: This will vary, so speak to an ACT LAB representative in your state for specifics.
Q: What sample size is required for beverage testing?
A: This varies for cannabis beverages depending on each state’s regulations, so speak to an ACT LAB representative in your state for specifics. For hemp beverages, we need 100 mL but we recommend submitting at least one filled can.
Q: What tests are legally required for cannabis beverages?
A: Most states require testing for potency, contaminants (pesticides, heavy metals, and microbes), and homogeneity. Shelf-life testing is often recommended for product quality.
Q: What tests are legally required for hemp beverages?
A: Most states require testing for potency, contaminants (pesticides, heavy metals, and microbes), and homogeneity. Shelf-life testing is often recommended for product quality.
Q: How often should I test my beverages?
A: Testing frequency depends on state regulations, but routine testing is essential for maintaining compliance and quality. Regular testing also ensures that any adjustments in formulation or production don’t affect product safety or potency.
Q: What accreditations and partnerships does ACT LAB have regarding beverage testing?
A: We are proud to be an approved Vertosa partner for emulsion testing and are NIHC Certified.
Q: How does accredited cannabis testing improve the quality and safety of my products?
A: Testing confirms that your product meets label claims, is free from harmful contaminants, and delivers consistent cannabinoid levels to consumers. This process is especially important for products using hemp-derived Delta-9 THC or converted oils, where compliance and safety are key concerns.
Q: What should I expect during the beverage testing process?
A: Your dedicated Lab Manager will guide you through every step, from sample submission to results analysis, providing transparency and reliability. The ACT LAB team of experts is also available for consultations to help interpret results and improve formulations.
Click HERE for additional FAQs and general information about accredited cannabis testing.
Partner With ACT LAB for Cannabis Beverage Testing
Your beverage brand deserves a trusted partner to help you navigate the complexities of testing and compliance. At ACT LAB, we’re committed to verifying your products are safe, high-quality, and compliant at every stage of production through:
- Licensed and Accredited Cannabis Testing Services: With full licensing and accreditation, ACT LAB ensures your products comply with even the strictest state and federal regulations.
- Multi-State Expertise: Operating across multiple markets, ACT LAB has extensive experience navigating varying compliance requirements.
- Customized Testing Solutions: ACT LAB offers tailored testing options to support research and development, including for batch inputs, unique formulations, and evidence of cannabinoid degradation or liner adhesion.
- Consistent and Reliable Results: By delivering predictable testing outcomes, ACT LAB helps optimize your supply chain and maintain high standards across all batches.
Don’t just take our word from it — hear it from ACT LAB customer, national infused beverage brand Keef Cola in this video testimonial:
Ready to ensure your own brand’s success from seed to sip? Take the first step by requesting testing in your state today!