Cannabis Testing & Lab Safety: How Products Are Tested in Washington
By Jeff Eckenrode
Image credit : Shutterstock
Quick Answer: In Washington State, all legal cannabis products must pass rigorous laboratory testing before they reach store shelves. These tests verify potency, screen for harmful contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals, and help ensure products are safe, accurately labeled, and consistent. Cannabis testing is one of the most important consumer protections in Washington’s regulated market.
Washington requires licensed cannabis producers and processors to submit products to state-certified third-party laboratories.
These labs operate independently from retailers and manufacturers and must follow strict state standards.
Before any flower, vape, edible, or concentrate can be sold, it must pass required tests and be entered into the state’s traceability system. Products that fail testing cannot be legally sold.
So how is cannabis tested in WA, anyway?
Image credit: Yassine Khalfalli
Cannabis Lab Testing, Explained
Cannabis testing may sound technical, but the goal is simple: verify what’s in the product — and what isn’t.
In Washington, labs typically test for:
Potency Testing
Measures THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids
Ensures labels accurately reflect strength
Helps consumers dose responsibly
Pesticide Screening
Detects prohibited or unsafe agricultural chemicals
Protects consumers from inhaling or ingesting toxic residues
Heavy Metals
Screens for contaminants like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury
Especially important for concentrates and vapes
Residual Solvents
Applies to extracts and vape cartridges
Ensures chemicals used in extraction (like butane) are below safe limits
Microbial Contaminants
Tests for mold, mildew, yeast, and harmful bacteria
Each product batch must pass these tests before it can be sold at a licensed retailer like Hashtag Redmond.
Image credit: CRYSTALWEED cannabis
Why Cannabis Testing Matters for Consumers
Cannabis testing isn’t just about compliance — it’s about consumer safety and trust.
Testing helps:
Prevent exposure to harmful contaminants
Ensure consistent potency and effects
Support informed purchasing decisions
Differentiate legal, regulated cannabis from illicit products
Retailers can also provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs), which allow customers to see detailed lab results for many products.
Image credit: Perry Gilchrist
Are Cannabis Products in Washington Safe?
Compared to unregulated markets, yes — Washington cannabis products are among the safest available.
The state’s testing rules, licensing system, and traceability requirements create multiple layers of protection.
While no consumable product is entirely risk-free, buying cannabis from licensed Washington retailers significantly reduces health and safety risks.
Problems historically associated with cannabis contamination almost always involve unregulated or illegal products that bypass testing entirely.
Image credit: CRYSTALWEED cannabis
The Role of Regulation in Cannabis Safety
Washington’s cannabis testing rules are enforced by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB).
These regulations evolve over time as science improves and new risks are identified.
This ongoing oversight helps ensure:
Higher quality standards
Greater transparency
Stronger consumer protections
Image credit: Shutterstock
How are cannabis products tested in WA?
Cannabis testing is a cornerstone of Washington’s legal cannabis system.
By requiring independent lab testing for potency and contaminants, the state helps ensure that legal cannabis products are accurately labeled, consistent, and safer to consume.
When you shop at a licensed Washington retailer, you’re not just buying cannabis — you’re buying products backed by science, regulation, and accountability.
Where can I find lab tested cannabis products?
Click on our online menu link below or visit Hashtag Redmond today to explore to see our wide variety of high-quality, lab-certified cannabis flower, vapes, cartridges, pre rolls, edibles, concentrates and more!
Our team of friendly budtenders will help you find exactly what you want, when you want it.
Want to learn more?
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Whether you’re shopping in Redmond or online, we’re here to help you find what you need, when you need it.