By Everett Sanders, Regional Director of Business Development
In my role as Regional Director of Business Development, it’s my job to keep the finger on the pulse of Ohio’s rapidly evolving cannabis market. One thing is certain in Ohio and across the industry, smart cannabis leaders understand that lab testing isn’t just about compliance, it’s a competitive advantage.
At ACT LAB, we work with partners across six states, and we’ve seen how the most successful cannabis and hemp brands use lab testing as a strategic lever to protect profit margins, improve inventory efficiency, and build lasting customer trust. In markets like Ohio, where cannabis operators must navigate an uncertain regulatory environment, this approach is more critical than ever.
Let’s break down how precision third-party lab testing leads directly to profit growth, and how ACT LAB is helping cultivators, processors, and brands thrive in a challenging market.
Potency Drives Price, Movement, and Loyalty
For cannabis brands, potency isn’t just a number, it’s a sales driver. Products with higher THC percentages are typically priced higher, move faster off the shelves, and earn repeat purchases from potency-driven consumers. But the margin between accurate testing and inflated or inconsistent potency levels can be razor-thin.
Producers who rely on high-quality, trusted labs like ACT LAB get consistent and accurate product potency results that reflect the true consumer experience. This consistency and accuracy lead to more repeat buyers. Because when consumers trust that what’s on the label matches what’s in the jar, they’re far more likely to become repeat customers.
For example, in the Ohio market, where the medical cannabis program is heavily regulated by the Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control (DCC), brands must walk a fine line between compliance and competitiveness. Mislabeling, which often occurs due to unreliable lab partners, can put a retailer’s license and brand reputation at risk. Accurate potency reporting is not just a regulatory necessity; it’s a tool for market differentiation.
The Cost of Failure: Recalls and Risk
Every batch failure or recall cuts deep into a retailer’s bottom line, not just in lost sales, but in wasted inventory, damaged brand equity, and disrupted supply chains.
Many states enforce strict microbial and contaminant testing requirements. A failed test due to residual solvents, heavy metals, or pesticides doesn’t just delay a product, it often means a total loss. For retailers counting on timely delivery and steady inventory turns, a failed test from an unreliable lab can result in a massive financial loss.
That’s why ACT LAB invests in precision instrumentation and rigorous SOPs that reduce false positives and ensure accurate, defensible results the first time. Our clients understand that investing in high-quality lab testing upstream protects them downstream to prevent costly recalls and regulatory headaches.
In a market like Ohio, where batch sizes are small and testing costs can feel significant, the temptation may be to cut corners. But this is a short-sighted move. Precision equals predictability, and predictability protects profit.
Turnaround Time = Cash Flow
Testing isn’t just about what results you get; it’s often about how quickly you get them. For cannabis retailers, turnaround time can make or break weekly inventory planning. A delay in test results means products sit on warehouse shelves instead of generating revenue. It stalls your cash cycle and can disrupt promotions, sales cycles, and product launches.
At ACT LAB, we’ve designed our systems to deliver consistently fast and reliable turnaround time without sacrificing quality. Our local lab teams partner directly with cultivators and processors to streamline submissions, minimize delays, and maintain full regulatory compliance throughout the process.
When retailers know they can depend on a predictable turnaround time, they can plan and market more effectively, while managing inventory with confidence.
ACT LAB: A True Partner in Performance
Operating in highly regulated markets, both medical and adult-use, requires precision, discipline, and trusted partners. At ACT LAB, we go beyond just providing a COA; we’re a strategic partner for retailers who want to win in this space.
Whether it’s helping producers fine-tune potency for targeted product SKUs, working with brand managers on sales trends tied to lab data, or collaborating on recall prevention and shelf readiness, we’re here to support performance at every level.
ACT LAB’s six-state network, with dedicated compliance experts, fast-response customer service, and state-of-the-art facilities, ensure every test meets the highest standards for accuracy, speed, and transparency.
Precision Is Not Optional—It’s Profitable
In today’s cannabis landscape, the margin for error is thin but the opportunity for growth is substantial for those who operate with precision. That means moving past the mindset that lab testing is just a compliance checkbox.
It’s time to partner with a lab that protects your margins, maximizes your inventory turns, and delivers the product quality your customers expect.
At ACT LAB, we’re here to help cannabis brands lead with precision and win with confidence.
