September 1, 2025
The landscape of cannabis and hemp compliance is evolving rapidly as federal organizations establish new scientific baselines for testing. In 2025, two major developments—the expanded release of the NIST Hemp Reference Material and advances within AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s Cannabis Analytical Science Program (CASP)—are transforming how laboratories, businesses, and regulators define accuracy and compliance across the U.S. This article details what these federal changes mean for hemp and cannabis testing, compliance documentation, and industry stakeholders preparing for stricter enforcement.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) developed and released a certified reference material (CRM) derived from actual hemp plant matter. This CRM allows laboratories to calibrate their equipment and validate their results when measuring THC, CBD, and toxic elements. Until recently, widespread access to validated hemp plant reference material was lacking, contributing to wide discrepancies in total-THC results and consumer product safety.
Federal regulators, state compliance officers, and private labs have long struggled with measurable differences in cannabis analyte testing, especially with complex matrices like edibles or infused beverages. Reference materials from NIST are recognized worldwide for their rigor and traceability—offering a gold standard for compliance, especially when adopted as a requirement by federal or state regulators.
For hemp-derived products, accuracy in total-THC calculation is legally key: exceeding 0.3% total-THC can mean the difference between a legal product and a Schedule I controlled substance. Inconsistent lab results have led to lost crops, failed audits, and consumer mistrust. The NIST CRM is designed to standardize these critical determinations.
Regulators are expanding contaminant testing in finished goods, including beverages and gummies. The NIST hemp reference brings industry participants a shared scientific anchor for:
Parallel with NIST’s work, AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s Cannabis Analytical Science Program (CASP) continues to set global benchmarks for analytical methods in cannabis laboratories. AOAC CASP publishes peer-reviewed Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs), validated analytical methods, and guidance for proficiency testing.
As testing moves beyond flower to edibles and beverages, the adoption of AOAC-validated methods based on the NIST hemp reference will become a key compliance requirement.
Historically, some states allowed small “buffers” when tested total-THC hovered just above legal limits, to account for analytical uncertainty. With federally recognized materials and authoritative methods, these tolerance zones are shrinking or disappearing. Regulators across federal and state levels in 2025 are flagging discrepancies or non-traceable COAs as violations, with actions ranging from:
1. Prepare for Tighter Enforcement
Adopt the NIST hemp reference material in all quantification workflows. Trace your COA and label claims to national standards.
2. Align with AOAC CASP Methods
Review AOAC CASP’s latest guidance for edibles, beverages, and other complex products—these are increasingly becoming the enforcement standard.
3. Educate Your Teams
Train compliance, quality, and lab staff on the use and significance of the new reference material and validated methods.
4. Update Documentation Now
Get ahead of late 2025’s stricter oversight by updating SOPs, COAs, and quality assurance protocols as soon as possible.
For a detailed breakdown of evolving compliance standards—and tools to help your business navigate the changing federal landscape—visit CannabisRegulations.ai and ensure your operation remains ahead of the curve.
