ASTM D8334_D8334M-20 - Standard Practice for Sampling of Cannabis/Hemp Post-Harvest Batches for Laboratory Analyses

1.1 Cannabis harvested materials require sampling strategies throughout their life cycle, from cultivation to the end consumer. For purposes of this standard, the term cannabis is inclusive of all cannabis inflorescence, including hemp varieties. The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of cannabis/hemp for human or animal consumption has safety implications throughout the life cycle from cultivation to end consumer. This standard provides best practice procedures and protocols for sampling batches of harvested cannabis inflorescence. Cannabis/hemp materials often exhibit variability across different parts within the same plant or across different plants within the same cultivar, or both, (1, 2).2 Thus, sampling strategies are required which yield a representative a sample across a harvest batch. Representative sampling is required to ensure that the qualitative and quantitative test results accurately reflect cannabinoid identification, potency, identification and concentration of terpenes, concentration of trace metals, microbiological activity, mycotoxins, and concentration of pesticides across the batch.

1.2 Where procedural aspects of this practice differ from local regulatory or jurisdictional requirements, the local regulatory or jurisdictional authority’s directives shall take precedence.

1.3 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.