Hemp Flower

ASTM's Hemp Flower Proficiency Testing Program provides laboratories with a statistical quality assurance (SQA) tool, enabling them to compare, improve, and maintain, a high level of performance in the use of ASTM methods with other laboratories worldwide. The Hemp Flower program will provide a sample of ground hemp flower per cycle.

Conducted three times annually, this program provides different commercial samples, electronic report forms, and test instructions for each test cycle. Your laboratory performs the test methods using the available ASTM test methods and work items cited in the program as well as any other available test methods. All data and related information generated from the program is coded to maintain lab confidentiality.

Test instructions and data report forms are distributed electronically to each participant on the date samples are distributed. Labs have approximately 8 weeks to submit test data with the final statistical summary reports being electronically distributed in approximately 20 business days.

ASTM's Proficiency Test Program provides you with:

• A useful and meaningful statistical quality assurance tool to monitor the strengths and weaknesses of your laboratory's performance in conducting testing.
• The resource you need to satisfy proficiency testing elements of laboratory accreditation.
• A periodic comparison of test results with other participating laboratories.

Each participating lab will receive a 25g of ground hemp flower. The water activity levels will vary between cycles and are controlled and maintained through Boveda precision humidity control.

NOTE: List of tests subject to change.

Test samples are prepared and distributed for ASTM International by Curaleaf in Oxford, MA. Program registration fees include the cost of shipping the test samples to U.S. participants.

IMPORTANT for International participants: You have the following options for receipt of samples:

• Ship through a third-party shipping agent - Provide ASTM International with the complete contact information of a designated Shipping Agent located in the U.S. who will be responsible for shipping samples from the U.S. to your facility. Participants are responsible for making financial and shipping arrangements directly with the shipping agent.
  • Please be advised that when samples are shipped, an e-mail is sent only to the contact of record on your ASTM PTP account. It is the customer’s responsibility to advise their designated shipper that the sample has been shipped.
  • We cannot permit shipping agents to pick up samples at our distributors’ warehouses.
• Ship directly from the sample distributor via UPS, DHL, or FEDEX - Provide ASTM International with your shipping account number to cover shipping charges. Check that your carrier will deliver the test materials to your location. Materials classified as Hazardous may have restrictions.
  • You are responsible for additional fees charged-back to our distributor for any reason relative to your sample shipment including, but not limited to, fees for fuel surcharges, missing/invalid account numbers, dangerous goods, remote area delivery, and multiple delivery attempts.

Participation is on an annual fee basis and open to all laboratories. Registration fees must be paid in advance to participate. Testing must be performed within the participant's laboratory facilities. (All data and related information generated from the program is coded to maintain lab confidentiality.)

Committee D37 on Cannabis was formed in 2017 to develop standards for cannabis, its products and processes. The activities are focused on meeting the needs of the cannabis industry addressing quality and safety through the development of voluntary consensus standards and supplementary programs on proficiency testing, training and certification. Subcommittees will focus on the development of test methods, practices and guides for cultivation, quality assurance, laboratory considerations, industrial hemp, devices, packaging and security. The Committee meets two times a year in person and throughout the year virtually to engage in standards development. D37 has 9 technical subcommittees to develop and maintain standards. The Committee, with a membership of 900 members from 30 countries, has its standards published in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 15.10.

For Additional Information Please Contact:

Amber Hickman ahickman@astm.org - +1-610-832-9648