ACS offers the most sensitive and comprehensive pesticide screening and confirmation available utilizing Gas Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LCMS).
The Cannabinoid Guide
The definitive resource on leading major and minor cannabinoids, how they work in the body, and what to test for.
Why It Matters?
The recent glyphosate (Monsanto) ruling is backed by several scientific studies, which indicate that this herbicide may increase the risk of cancer, with particular links to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Other research suggests that glyphosate may also be an endocrine disruptor with links to liver disease, birth defects, reproductive issues, and gut health concerns.
Regarding paraquat, this supplementary herbicide has been shown to be highly toxic by inhalation and moderately toxic when ingested, with research linked to Parkinson’s disease, cancer and lung diseases. Diquat, on the other hand, is lower in toxicity, but may be a moderate to severe eye irritant when applied topically. The bottom line is that the presence of any of these herbicides in cannabis flower, oils or edibles may compromise your brand and put your customer’s health at risk.
Regarding paraquat, this supplementary herbicide has been shown to be highly toxic by inhalation and moderately toxic when ingested, with research linked to Parkinson’s disease, cancer and lung diseases. Diquat, on the other hand, is lower in toxicity, but may be a moderate to severe eye irritant when applied topically. The bottom line is that the presence of any of these herbicides in cannabis flower, oils or edibles may compromise your brand and put your customer’s health at risk.
Regarding marijuana, currently there are no federal standards related to pesticide use or testing because it is still federally banned. Hemp, however, is now legal. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently reviewing 10 pesticide applications for use in hemp, with active ingredients the EPA previously determined safe under “any reasonably foreseeable circumstances.” None of the applications contain glyphosate, paraquat or diquat–however, that may change in the coming year.
At a state level in Florida, pesticides can only be used on medical cannabis if the chemicals are registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture or the federal EPA. Florida law also requires that medical marijuana does not contain pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, molds, and other toxins above the allowable limits as determined by the Department of Agriculture. The Florida Department of Agriculture’s safety limits for pesticides and other contaminants apply to both medical marijuana and hemp extracts.
Currently the pesticides glyphosate, paraquat or diquat are not regulated by the federal or state government; however, these are proven dangerous. Hemp and cannabis companies must consider testing to ensure their products are free from such contaminants.
Currently the pesticides glyphosate, paraquat or diquat are not regulated by the federal or state government; however, these are proven dangerous. Hemp and cannabis companies must consider testing to ensure their products are free from such contaminants.
We Test Cannabis
& Hemp
Soil
Edibles
Plants
Topicals
Smokable Flower
Chlorantraniliprole
Extracts & Concentrates
Chlordane*
How we test?
We test hemp and cannabis plants, flowers, extracts and edibles for paraquat, diquat and glyphosate, along with 67 other pesticides using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry LC/MS/MS method. First, we extract pesticides from the samples into a solvent. Then we utilize state-of-the-art machinery to initiate the ionization process where we identify and quantify these pesticides with high specificity.

How to submit a sample for testing
The process to submit a sample of your flower or product is easy. Plus, if you’re in Florida, you can request our courier service from anywhere in the state. Simply request your test and we’ll review the submission process or arrange to collect a sample right away.

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