ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at all potential sources of elemental contaminants in cannabis and hemp, not just from the growing medium standpoint but also from the cannabinoid manufacturing processes and delivery systems used together with those contaminants derived from the analytical testing procedure. A number of studies have now been carried out on cannabis and hemp that provide convincing evidence that they are active accumulators of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, magnesium, copper, chromium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt as a result of human activities. As a result of the high probability of some heavy metals being present in hemp and cannabis products, the testing for elemental contaminants is absolutely critical. This chapter takes a closer look at some of the most important factors for a testing lab to consider when measuring elemental contaminants in cannabis and hemp, which should help them become more proficient at working in the ultratrace environment.
