These services include testing for cannabinoid potency, residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, microbiological impurities, and THC/CBD content. The rising demand and legalization of recreational and medicinal cannabis across several US states has increased the need for comprehensive testing to validate product quality and potency.
The Global Cannabis Testing Services Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 2.16 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 18% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the US Cannabis Testing Servicesmarket Size are Twist Bioscience Corporation, GenScript Biotech Corporation, Eurofins Scientific SE, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
The market is witnessing increasing opportunities driven by growing cannabis cultivation operations and the need for reliable testing facilities. States are establishing clear testing protocols and thresholds for impurities to ensure consumer safety.
Advanced genomic profiling and precision-based analytical instruments are enabling comprehensive cannabinoid and terpene profiling along with microbial and pesticide screening. Next-gen technologies allow detection of low-level contaminants with high accuracy.
Market drivers
Strict regulatory norms necessitating cannabis testing – Most US states with legal cannabis programs mandate variety of tests on cannabis products to measure cannabinoid content, detect heavy metals, pesticides, microbes etc. before sale. Non-compliance can attract heavy penalties which is driving market growth.
Increasing cultivation and production activity – As number of active cultivators and cannabis manufacturers rise exponentially across states, demand for analytical testing facilities from these businesses is surging to meet various safety and compliance standards.
Current Challenges in the US Cannabis Testing Services Market
The US cannabis testing services market is still evolving with the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use in several states. Presently, the biggest challenge is the lack of consistency and standardization of testing methods and requirements across different states. States have established their own regulations for cannabis testing and there is little uniformity. This poses difficulty for cannabis businesses that have to comply with varying protocols. Other challenges include limited lab infrastructure and resources, shortage of trained and qualified lab technicians, and ensuring testing accuracy and credibility of results. More work needs to be done around developing universally accepted testing standards and protocols.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: Established lab infrastructure and expertise in analytical testing. Growing demand for testing due to legalization and regulations.
Weakness: Inconsistency in state regulations. Shortage of qualified lab professionals. Lack of federal legal recognition.
Opportunity: Potential for expanding lab capabilities with new product forms. More room for outsourcing of testing needs.
Threats: Changes in state laws and regulations. Competition from standardized national testing providers. Black market suppliers undercutting on costs.
Geographic Regions with Highest Market Value
In terms of market value, cannabis testing services in the US are most concentrated in the western states where cannabis is legal for medical and/or recreational use and testing is mandated by regulations. States like California, Colorado and Washington account for the bulk of the current market value given their large cannabis industries and established regulations. These states have the highest number of licensed dispensaries, producers and product manufacturers who require potency, contaminant and other analyical testing on a routine basis to comply with standards.
Fastest Growing Geographical Region
The northeastern region of the US is projected to be the fastest growing market for cannabis testing services over the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. An increasing number of states in this region, including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont have legalized adult-use cannabis in recent years. As these newly formed cannabis industries scale up and testing infrastrcuture develops, the demand for compliance testing and related services is expected to rise rapidly. The presence of key metro markets also bodes well for growth of lab companies and outsourced testing needs in the northeast.
Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Ravina Pandya, a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.