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Heavy Metal Index

Maryland cannabis heavy-metal action limits

Scope The limits apply to Maryland cannabis compliance testing for usable cannabis, cannabis products except edible products, and edible cannabis products.

Scope

The limits apply to Maryland cannabis compliance testing for usable cannabis, cannabis products except edible products, and edible cannabis products.

Exact limit and units

MetalMatrixLimitUnitBasis
LeadUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, inhalation<1.0ppmProduct as tested
ArsenicUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, inhalation<0.4ppmProduct as tested
MercuryUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, inhalation<0.2ppmProduct as tested
CadmiumUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, inhalation<0.4ppmProduct as tested
ChromiumUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, inhalation<0.6ppmProduct as tested
LeadUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, oral<0.5ppmProduct as tested
ArsenicUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, oral<1.5ppmProduct as tested
MercuryUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, oral<3.0ppmProduct as tested
CadmiumUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, oral<0.5ppmProduct as tested
ChromiumUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, oral<1100ppmProduct as tested
LeadUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, cutaneous<5ppmProduct as tested
ArsenicUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, cutaneous<3ppmProduct as tested
MercuryUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, cutaneous<3ppmProduct as tested
CadmiumUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, cutaneous<2ppmProduct as tested
ChromiumUsable cannabis and cannabis products except edibles, cutaneous<1100ppmProduct as tested
LeadEdible cannabis products<0.5ppmProduct as tested
ArsenicEdible cannabis products<1.5ppmProduct as tested
MercuryEdible cannabis products<3.0ppmProduct as tested
CadmiumEdible cannabis products<0.5ppmProduct as tested

How tested

The technical authority requires independent testing laboratories to test for the listed heavy metals and includes LOQ concentrations. It cites ICH Q3D and USP Chapter <232> as bases for permitted daily exposure.

Enforcement posture

The document states it has force and effect of law under COMAR 14.17.06.02. Products failing for heavy metals may be remediated under the technical authority.

History of changes

Revision 6.0 is effective February 2025.

How it compares

Maryland uses route-specific action limits and includes chromium, unlike several cannabis regimes that list only arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.

Sources

Update history

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