A retention sample is a portion of a cannabis product kept for future testing or validation.
Also called / Category:
Synonyms: Reserve sample / Category: Lab Testing & QA/QC
Key takeaways:
- Important for quality assurance and compliance.
- Stored for a specific period, usually until the product's expiration date.
- Helps validate original test results if there are future concerns.
What it is / How it shows up:
A retention sample is typically a portion of a cannabis product that manufacturers retain for quality assurance and testing purposes. Consumers won't usually see these samples directly, but they are crucial behind the scenes in maintaining product safety and quality. They are often mentioned in Certificates of Analysis (COAs) or during quality audits, where they serve as a reference to ensure that the product meets the required standards throughout its shelf life.
How it’s measured or identified:
- Stored in a controlled environment.
- Labelled with batch or lot information.
- Subject to regular checks for degradation.
Use in context:
- "The retention sample was tested again to confirm the original THC levels."
- "Retention samples are crucial for batch consistency in cannabis production."
- "In case of a recall, retention samples help identify the issue."
Safety & compliance in Canada:
- Retention samples are part of regulatory compliance for cannabis producers.
- They help ensure that products are safe and meet offset-4 transition-colors hover:underline" title="Learn more about Health Canada">Health Canada standards.
Related terms / See also:
FAQs:
What is the purpose of a retention sample in cannabis? Retention samples are used to ensure that the cannabis product remains safe and effective throughout its shelf life by allowing for retesting if needed.
How long are retention samples kept? They are typically stored until the product's expiration date, but the exact duration can vary depending on regulations and company policies.