TENNESSEE HEMP PLAN

Submitted under

7 C.F.R. § 990

Domestic Hemp Production Program

Tennessee’s plan for monitoring and regulating the production of hemp complies with the requirements 

of 7 C.F.R. § 990. The hemp regulatory program, in place since 2015, is a combination of statutes, rules, 

protocols, and SOP’s. The Tennessee General Assembly passed Public Chapter 916 in 2014 with 

amendments in 2019 by Public Chapter 87(Attachment A) that authorized the department of agriculture 

to promulgate rules to implement the program. The rules were first issued in January 2015 and 

rewritten in September 2021(Attachment B). The statute and rules in their current form provide the 

framework of the state hemp program plan submitted under 7 C.F.R. § 990.3, 990.6, and 990.7.

1. A Plan to maintain relevant producer and land information under 990.3(a)(1)]

1.1 The information required under rule 0080-06-28-.03 [Attachment B] shall be maintained in 

the records of the department of agriculture. 

1.2 The following information shall be reported to USDA in the required format by the first day 

of each month:

1.2.1 The information collected under 0080-06-28-.03(2).

1.2.2 Any other information required by 990.70(a)(1).

1.2.3 Any change in the status of a licensee.

2. A Plan for accurate and effective sampling and testing using post-decarboxylation or similarly

reliable methods under 990.3(a)(2).

2.1 The department’s laboratory will use liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry 

(LC-MS/MS). This is a “gentler,” lower temperature technique than methods involving 

gas chromatography, meaning that we can look for cannabinoids that have not yet 

undergone complete decarboxylation. However, we can produce equivalent results to 

methods that quantitate cannabinoids post-decarboxylation. This is accomplished by 

mathematically combining the THC mass contributions of Δ9-THC and THCA (on a dry 

weight basis). The generally accepted formula for doing so is: Conc Total THC=(Conc

THCA∗0.877)+Conc Δ9-THC. This equation is derived from the molecular weights of 

Δ9-THC and THCA to compensate for the mass lost during the decarboxylation of THCA 

to Δ9-THC.

2.2 See also Attachment A, § 43-27-105, Attachment B, 0080-06-28-.06, Attachment C for 

testing protocols, and Attachment E for sampling procedures.

2.3 Test results will be sent to USDA to determine compliance.
3. Procedures to do performance-based sampling under 990.3(a)(2)(iii)

3.1 See Attachment D for performance-based sampling.

4. Plan for disposal and remediation procedures under 990.3(a)(6).

4.1 Remediation and Disposal Guidelines for Hemp Growing Facilities, U. S. Domestic 

Hemp Production Program, Issued January 15,2021, is adopted by reference as if fully 

stated herein as a part of this plan.

4.2 See also Attachment A, § 43-27-106 and Attachment B, 0080-06-28-.06.

5. Plan for conducting annual inspections of a random sample of licensed producers

under 990.3(a)(7).

See Attachment A, § 43-27-103 and Attachment B, 0080-06-28-.06.

6. Plan for collection and submission of information under 990.70.

6.1 The following information shall be reported to USDA and FSA in the required format by the 

first day of each month:

1.2.1 The information collected under 0080-06-28-.03(2).

1.2.2 Any other information required by 990.70(a)(1).

1.2.3 Any change in the status of a licensee.

6.2 See also Attachment B, 0080-06-28-.04.

6.3 Total acreage of hemp planted, harvested, and disposed of or remediated will be 

included in the monthly reports. 

7. Plan to comply with enforcement procedures under 990.6.

7.1 See Attachment A, § 43-27-103, through 107 and Attachment B, 0080-06-28-.06.

7.2 Producers will not receive more than one negligent violation per growing season.

7.3 Producers shall report the results of their remediation plan to the department for 

two years from the date of the violation.

8. Certification thatthe state hasresources and personnel to carry out required Farm Bill

practices and procedures 990.3(a)(9).

See Attachment F.

ATTACHMENT A

Statutory Authority

HEMP

43-27-101. Chapter definitions. 

As used in this chapter:

(1) Commissioner means the commissioner of agriculture;

(2) Department means the department of agriculture;

(3) Hemp means the plant cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds 

thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of 

isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration 

of not more than three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) on a dry weight basis; and

(4) THC means delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. 

43-27-102. Hemp license Requirements Records. 

(a) Any person who produces hemp in this state shall obtain an annual license from the 

department.

(b) In order to obtain and maintain a hemp license, a person must:

(1) Submit to the department a description of all land on which the person produces 

hemp in this state, to include global positioning system coordinates and other 

information sufficient to identify the property;

(2) Submit to the department any other information prescribed by rules as necessary 

for the efficient enforcement of this chapter;

(3) Consent to reasonable inspection and sampling by the department of the person's 

hemp crop and inventory; and

(4) Not be convicted of a state or federal felony drug offense within the previous ten 

(10) years.

(c) The department shall maintain all records that the department creates, or that are submitted 

to the department, for regulation of hemp in this state for a period of at least five (5) years. 

43-27-103. Prohibited acts. 
The following acts within this state are prohibited:

(1) Possession of rooted hemp by any person, other than a common carrier, without a valid 

license issued by the department;

(2) Possession of cannabis with THC concentrations greater than three-tenths of one percent 

(0.3%) on a dry weight basis;

(3) Failure to pay upon reasonable notice any license, sampling, or inspection fee assessed by 

the department;

(4) Violation of this chapter or any rule promulgated under this chapter; or

(5) Willful hindrance of the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent in 

performance of their official duties. 

43-27-104. Authority of commissioner. 

(a) The commissioner is authorized to:

(1) Administer this chapter;

(2) Take all action necessary to obtain primary regulatory authority over the production 

of hemp in this state, as authorized by Section 297 of the Agriculture Improvement 

Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334);

(3) Promulgate rules in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, 

compiled in title 4, chapter 5, as necessary for regulation of hemp in accordance 

with the federal Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 and as determined by the 

commissioner to be necessary for the efficient enforcement of this chapter;

(4) Determine requirements for and issue licenses for the production of hemp in this 

state;

(5) Deny or revoke licenses and issue civil penalties up to one thousand dollars 

($1,000) for each violation of this chapter or its rules;

(6) Establish reasonable fees for hemp licenses necessary to implement and administer 

a hemp program in this state on an ongoing basis. All revenue collected from fees 

established under this subdivision (a)(6) must be used exclusively for 

administration of a hemp regulatory program by the department;

(7) Require the maintenance or filing of records; and

(8) Enter during normal business hours any premises or conveyance of a person 

licensed under this chapter for purposes of inspection, sampling, and observation 

and copying of records required under this chapter.

(b) All rules promulgated by the department prior to July 1, 2019, for regulation of industrial 

hemp are null and void immediately upon rules promulgated to effectuate chapter 87 of the 

Public Acts of 2019 taking effect. Within one hundred twenty (120) days of chapter 87 of 

the Public Acts of 2019 becoming law, the department shall promulgate rules necessary to 
effectuate the purposes of this chapter. The commissioner is authorized to file emergency 

rules under 4-5-208 as necessary for compliance with this subsection (b). 

43-27-105. Enforcement of chapter Sample and analysis of hemp produced in state. 

(a) The department shall enforce this chapter in a manner that may reasonably be expected to 

prevent production or distribution of cannabis with THC concentrations exceeding threetenths of one percent (0.3%) on a dry weight basis, including random inspections and 

sampling of hemp licensees to ensure compliance with this chapter and rules promulgated 

under this chapter.

(b) The department shall sample and analyze hemp produced in this state and hemp products 

distributed in this state for THC concentrations, tested according to protocols prescribed 

by rule under this chapter. Departmental testing methods shall employ liquid 

chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, in a manner similarly reliable to postdecarboxylation, to determine a cannabinoid profile of samples tested, including their THC 

concentrations. 

43-27-106. Stop movement or destruction order for plant or product exceeding authorized 

concentrations Penalties Evidence. 

(a) When the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent finds any cannabis or 

cannabis product to contain THC concentrations greater than three-tenths of one percent 

(0.3%) on a dry weight basis, the commissioner may issue either a written stop movement 

order or written destruction order for the plant or product, as appropriate to best serve the 

public interest and purpose of this chapter.

(b) Any person who negligently violates this chapter or rules promulgated under this chapter 

is subject to administrative action by the department including denial or revocation of any 

license issued under this chapter; issuance of stop movement orders, destruction orders, 

and civil penalties; and actions for injunction. Negligent violations of this chapter or rules 

promulgated under this chapter shall not be the basis for criminal prosecution of any 

person.

(c) Any person who violates this chapter or rules promulgated under this chapter with a 

culpable mental state greater than negligence shall be subject to prosecution under any 

applicable state or federal law. If the department determines that a person has violated this 

chapter or rules promulgated under this chapter with a culpable mental state greater than 

negligence, the department shall report the matter to the Tennessee bureau of investigation 

and the United States attorney general.

(d) In all proceedings brought to enforce this chapter, proof of testing consistent with rules 

promulgated under this chapter showing THC concentrations greater than three-tenths of 

one percent (0.3%), but not greater than one percent (1.0%), on a dry weight basis is prima 

facie evidence of a negligent violation of this chapter.

(e) In all proceedings brought to enforce this chapter, the following are prima facie evidence 

of violation with a culpable mental state greater than negligence:
(1) Proof of testing consistent with rules promulgated under this chapter showing THC 

concentrations greater than one percent (1.0%) on a dry weight basis;

(2) Three (3) violations within a five-year period for possession of rooted hemp without 

a valid license issued by the department; or

(3) Violation of any stop movement or destruction order issued under this chapter.

(f) Any person whose license is revoked for violation of this chapter or rules promulgated 

under this chapter is ineligible for reissuance of the license for a period of at least five (5) 

years. 

43-27-107. Jurisdiction for violations. 

When the commissioner has reason to believe that a person is causing or has caused a violation of 

this chapter or the rules promulgated under this chapter, the commissioner may initiate proceedings 

in either the chancery court of Davidson County or the chancery court of the county where the 

violation occurred, for injunctive relief to prevent the continuance of the violation or to correct the 

conditions resulting in the violation. 

43-27-108. Exemption from other applicable statutes and rules not provided by this chapter. 

This chapter does not exempt any person from enforcement of statutes and rules applicable to 

particular uses of hemp, including, but not limited to, food safety statutes and rules for distribution 

of food products; feed statutes and rules for distribution of commercial feed; and seed statutes and 

rules for distribution of seed. 
ATTACHMENT B

Chapter 0080-06-28

Hemp

0080-06-28-.01 Scope.

This chapter applies to any person who:

(a) grows rooted hemp;

(b) possesses rooted hemp; or

(c) possesses harvested hemp for transportation to anyone who treats or transforms it for 

distribution in commerce.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-203 and 43-7-104.

0080-06-28-.02 Definitions.

(1) Terms in this chapter share those meanings of terms in T.C.A. § 43-27-101 et seq.

(2) When used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:

(a) Act means T.C.A. § 43-27-101 et seq.;

(b) Cannabis plant means any plant or any part of a plant of the genera Cannabis and 

includes hemp;

(c) Culpable mental state greater than negligence means to act intentionally, knowingly, 

willfully, or recklessly;

(d) Disposal means an activity that transitions non-compliant hemp into a non-retrievable or 

non-ingestible form. Such activities include, but are not limited to plowing, tilling, or 

disking plant material into the soil; mulching, composting, chopping or bush mowing plant 

material into green manure; or burying plant material into the earth and covering with soil;

(e) Grow means to cultivate plants with attached roots; 

(f) Growing area means any contiguous land area licensed for the growth of hemp. 

Bifurcation of a growing area by roads, fencing, or the like shall not render the area noncontiguous under this definition;

(e) Hemp producer means a person that produces hemp for harvest;

(f) Hemp broker means a person that purchases and sells hemp plants grown by others;

(g) Hemp propagator means a person that produces clones or seedlings for retail sale;

(h) Key participant means a sole proprietor, a partner in a partnership, or a person with 
executive managerial control in a corporation such as, a chief executive officer, chief 

operating officer, or chief financial officer;

(i) Lot means a contiguous area in a field, greenhouse, or indoor growing structure 

containing the same variety or strain of cannabis plant throughout the area;

(j) Move, distribute, transport, or similar words mean to relocate in any manner an item from 

one real property to another;

(k) Negligence means failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person 

would exercise in complying with the act or this chapter;

(l) Person means an individual, partnership, corporation, or any other form of legal entity;

(m) Remediation means the process of rendering non-compliant cannabis, compliant by 

removing and destroying flower material, while retaining stalk, stems, leaf material, and 

seeds. Remediation can occur by shredding the entire plant into a biomass like material, 

then re-testing the shredded biomass material for compliance;

(n) Sample means to take material, or the material taken from a location licensed by the 

department;

(o) Stop movement order means a written directive issued by the department to prohibit or 

limit the movement of plants or plant parts; 

(p) THC means total delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol; and,

(q) USDA means United States Department of Agriculture.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-203 and 43-27-104.

0080-06-28-.03 License Application and Fees.

(1) A hemp license is required to possess rooted hemp and is issued to each person for each 

physical address where the person grows or possesses rooted hemp.

(2) Application for a license shall be made on forms provided by the department, which shall be 

completed in full and shall include:

(a) Name of applicant;

(b) Date of birth of any key participant;

(c) Proof of one of the following for any applicant that is not an individual or a general 

partnership:

1. Applicant’s registration in its state of incorporation; or,

2. Applicant’s business license issued by a local governmental authority;

(d) Contact information for applicant, to include name of key participants, telephone number, 

email address, and address of the principal place of business;

(e) Address of the location to be licensed for growth of hemp and description of all growing 

areas at the location, including total number of growing acres and Global Positioning 

System (GPS) coordinates from the areas’ central most points; and
(f) Criminal history report for key participants in the form of the Federal Bureau of 

Investigation’s Identity History Summary.

(g) Other information as required by the department.

(3) Licensees shall notify the department of any changes to contact information of an application 

within 30 days after the change takes place.

(4) The department will not refund fees for early termination of any license issued under this chapter.

(5) Licenses issued under this chapter are not transferable from person to person or location to 

location.

(6) The annual fee for a hemp producer license is assessed under T.C.A. §43-1-703(f) and is 

determined according to the total size of growing area(s) at the licensed address:

(a) Less than 5 acres: Tier 6 fee;

(b) 5 acres to 20 acres: Tier 7 fee;

(c) More than 20 acres: Tier 8 fee.

(7) The annual fee for a hemp broker license is assessed under T.C.A. §43-1-703(f) and is a Tier 7 

fee.

(8) The annual fee for a hemp propagator license is assessed under T.C.A. §43-1-703(f) and is a 

Tier 7 fee.

(9) The annual fee for any combination of a hemp producer, broker, or propagator license is a single 

fee equal to the highest amount of the license for which the applicant requests.

(10) License applicants shall submit an application and license fee to the department on or before July 

1 of each year. The annual license fee shall be waived for any institute of higher education that 

offers programs of study in agricultural sciences seeking licensure for a growing area on 

university property. Licenses expire on June 30 following their issuance. 

(9) The department may deny any application for licensure that is not completed in accordance with 

this rule.

(10) Any person who materially falsifies any information in their application shall be ineligible to 

participate in the program.

(11) A person convicted of any drug-related felony offense in any state or federal jurisdiction within the 

previous ten (10) years shall not participate in the program or grow hemp for ten (10) years from 

the date of the conviction. An exception applies to a person who was lawfully growing hemp 

under section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5940) before December 20, 2018, 

and whose conviction also occurred before that date.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-203 and 43-27-104.

0080-06-28-.04 USDA Reports.

All producers shall report hemp crop acreage to the USDA Farm Service Agency within 30 days of 

obtaining a license and shall provide the following information:
(a) Street address and the GPS location of the lot, greenhouse, building, or site hemp will be 

grown.

(b) Acreage dedicated to the production of hemp, or greenhouse or indoor square footage 

dedicated to the production of hemp.

(c) The hemp license number.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-203 and 43-27-104.

0080-06-28-.05 Movement Permits.

(1) Licensees shall not move rooted hemp plants without a valid movement permit issued by the 

department. Licensees shall not move any hemp to anyone who treats or transforms harvested 

hemp for distribution in commerce without a valid movement permit issued by the department.

(2) Hemp movement permits are required per vehicle per day. To receive a movement permit, the 

licensee shall submit a movement permit request on forms provided by the department, which 

may require:

(a) The hemp license number of the person requesting the permit;

(b) Origin and destination of movement;

(c) Date of intended movement;

(d) Weight, volume, or number of units of material to be moved.

(3) The department may deny any application for a movement permit that is not completed in 

accordance with this rule.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-203 and 43-27-104.

0080-06-28-.06 Sampling and Inspections.

(1) The department or a designated representative may enter during normal business hours any 

location, licensed by the department, for purposes of inspecting any cannabis plant, record, or 

other material as necessary for the efficient enforcement of the Act and this chapter.

(2) Sampling. 

(a) The department or a designated representative, trained and approved by the department, 

may conduct sampling of any cannabis plant or other material at a location licensed by 

the department. 

(b) A sample collected according to uniform protocols approved by the commissioner shall 

be deemed representative of the location, growing area, or lot from which the sample was 

obtained. 

(c) Within 30 days prior to the anticipated harvest the department or a designated 

representative shall collect samples from the flower material for THC level testing.

(d) During a scheduled sample collection, the producer or an authorized representative shall 

be present at the growing site.

(e) A producer shall not harvest the hemp crop prior to samples being taken.
(f) Samples from different lots shall not be comingled.

(3) The protocols employed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture define the preparation and 

analysis of hemp samples for the quantitative determination of cannabinoids, including delta-9-

THC, on a dry weight basis and is conducted in a manner similarly reliable to postdecarboxylation.

(4) The department and growers may utilize private laboratories for testing official samples, if the 

laboratory meets the standards set by USDA for such work and the sample is sent directly to the 

laboratory by the sampler. The department’s laboratory shall serve as the reference laboratory for 

all samples.

(5) Any sample test result higher than 0.3% THC concentration on a dry mass basis shall be 

conclusive evidence that one or more cannabis plants from the area sampled contains a THC 

concentration in excess of that allowed under the Act and shall be grounds for destruction or 

remediation.

(6) Licensees shall pay a Tier 4 laboratory analysis fee under T.C.A. §43-1-703(f) for each sample 

tested by the department.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-203 and 43-27-104.

0080-06-28-.07 Violations.

(1) Violations shall include, but not limited to:

(a) Failure to provide a legal description of land on which the producer produces hemp;

(b) Failure to obtain a license; 

(c) Production of cannabis at a THC concentration exceeding the acceptable limits;

(d) Possess or grow rooted hemp outside a licensed growing area unless it is under 

immediate transport to a licensed growing area; 

(e) Failure to provide full and accurate information regarding the person’s acquisition, 

cultivation, and distribution of hemp when requested by the department;

(f) Cultivate, move, or distribute cannabis plants other than hemp;

(g) Interfere with an authorized representative of the department in the performance of his 

duties;

(h) Market or represent hemp or hemp products to be marijuana or any illicit substance in 

any form; 

(i) Failure to destroy or remediate non-compliant hemp;

(j) Failure to comply with a stop movement order;

(k) Violate any state or federal quarantine or order issued by the department.

(2) All violations are committed with negligence or with a culpable mental state greater than 

negligence.
(3) All negligent violations shall be corrected using a corrective action plan and shall, at a minimum, 

include the following items:

(a) A reasonable date by which the producer shall correct the negligent act;

(b) That the producer will periodically report to the department progress in correcting the 

violation; and

(c) The department shall conduct an inspection to determine if the action plan has been 

implemented.

(4) Hemp producers do not commit a negligent violation under this paragraph if they make 

reasonable efforts to grow compliant hemp and it does not have a THC concentration of more 

than 1% on a dry weight basis. 

(5) A producer that negligently violates the act or this chapter three (3) times within a five (5) year 

period shall be ineligible to produce hemp for five (5) years beginning on the date of the third 

violation.

(6) Culpable violations shall be reported to the U. S. Attorney General and the chief law enforcement 

of the state.

(6) A person is responsible for violations of the Act or this chapter when committed by either the 

person or his agent.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-203 and 43-27-104.
ATTACHMENT C

TECHNICAL PROCEDURE

1.0 Determination of Cannabinoids in Hemp Using Liquid Chromatography Tandem 

Mass Spectrometry

2.0 Scope

2.1 This procedure describes the preparation of hemp samples followed by the 

extraction and quantitation of cannabinoids. Cannabinoid quantitation is 

accomplished using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS). Cannabinoids that can be analyzed by this procedure include delta-9-

tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA), cannabidiol 

(CBD), and cannabinol (CBN). 

3.0 Referenced Documents

3.1 Public Chapter No. 87, Senate Bill No. 357, State of Tennessee, Approved 4 April 

2019.

3.2 “Decarboxylation Study of Acidic Cannabinoids: A Novel Approach Using UltraHigh-Performance Supercritical Fluid Chromatography/Photodiode Array-Mass 

Spectrometry,” Wang, M.; Wang, Y.-H.; Avula, B.; Radwan, M.; Wanas, A.; van 

Antwerp, J.; Parcher, J.; ElSohly, M.; Khan, I. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research,

2016, 1.1, 262-271.

3.3 “Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity,” Johnson, R., Congressional Research 

Service, 22 June 2018.

3.4 Safety Data Sheets.

3.5 Technical Services Safety Manual, current revision.

3.6 TecSer 122, Sample Management, current revision.

3.7 TecSer 124, Customer Communications, current revision.

3.8 “GOOD Test Portions: Guidance On Obtaining Defensible Test Portions,” 

Laboratory Sampling Working Group, Association of American Feed Control 

Officials; FASS: Champaign, Illinois, June 2018.

3.9 TecSer 108, Control Charts, Uncertainty of Measurement, current revision.

3.10 “The Cannabinoid Content of Legal Cannabis in Washington State Varies 

Systematically Across Testing Facilities and Popular Consumer Products,” Zoorob, 

M.; Jikomes, N. Scientific Reports, 2018, 8:4519, 1-15. 
3.11 "Hemp Sample Preparation," Biochemistry Laboratory SOP No.: PT-LBOP-014, 

Colorado Department of Agriculture, Sept. 5, 2014.

4.0 Terminology

4.1 Cannabinoid, n – a member of a large family of molecules that act on receptors 

belonging to the endocannabinoid system

4.1.1 Discussion: Δ9THC, THCA, CBD, and CBN all belong to this family. Their 

chemical structures can be found in Attachment 4.

4.2 Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC), n – the principal psychoactive cannabinoid 

found within plants of the Cannabis genus

4.3 Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA), n – a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that 

undergoes decarboxylation to form Δ9THC

4.4 Cannabidiol (CBD), n – a non-psychoactive structural isomer of Δ9THC

4.5 Cannabinol (CBN), n – a non-psychoactive oxidation product of Δ9THC

4.6 Hemp, n – the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of the plant

4.6.1 Discussion: State law limits the concentration of certain cannabinoids in 

hemp on a percent dry weight basis. See Reference 3.1.

4.6.2 Discussion: Weight is a force that is the product of mass and acceleration. 

Sample weights are determined using scales while sample masses are 

determined using balances, such as those employed in this procedure. 

Results determined on a percent dry weight basis are equivalent to those 

obtained on a percent dry mass basis:

% by Dry Weight =

Weight of Analyte

Weight of Dry Sample ∗ 100%

=

(Mass of Analyte)(Gravitational Acceleration)

(Mass of Dry Sample)(Gravitational Acceleration)

∗ 100%

=

Mass Analyte

Mass Dry Sample ∗ 100%

= % by Dry Mass

4.7 Total THC, n – the weighted sum of Δ9THC and THCA in a sample

4.7.1 Discussion: The calculation for total THC is described in Section 16.7 and 

takes into account the mass loss of THCA during decarboxylation.

4.8 Decarboxylation, n – a temperature-dependent decomposition reaction resulting in 

the loss of a molecule of CO2
4.8.1 Discussion: For additional information regarding the decarboxylation of 

THCA to Δ9THC, see Reference 3.2.

4.9 Comminute, v – to reduce to small particles by crushing, chopping, grinding, etc. 

4.10 Test portion, n – the mass of prepared hemp sample subsampled for extraction

4.11 Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), n – an analytical 

technique that combines chromatographic separation with mass selection

4.11.1 Discussion: During the liquid chromatography portion of the technique, 

analytes are separated by retention time according to analyte interactions 

with stationary and mobile phases. This is coupled to a mass spectrometer 

with three sequential stages (mass selection of the precursor ion, 

fragmentation, and mass selection of product ions) prior to detection. The 

most intense product ion is typically used for quantitation, while a second 

product ion is used for analyte confirmation. However, if the most intense 

ion is affected by the presence of an interfering ion, then a second product 

ion may be used for quantitation.

4.12 Relative standard deviation (RSD), n – the quotient of the standard deviation of an 

analyte’s response over replicate injections (the dividend, σ) and the average 

analyte response of the same replicate injections (the divisor, μ), mathematically 

represented as RSD = σ / μ; see Section 12.2

4.12.1 Discussion: RSD provides information on the stability of the instrument, from 

the injector to the detector for the analyte in question.

4.13 Universal Formula, n – a formula used to determine the concentration of an 

individual analyte in the original sample

4.13.1 Discussion: This formula is based on the dry sample mass taken for 

extraction, extraction volume, aliquots diluted or concentrated, injection 

volumes of standard and sample solutions, instrument response, and 

standard curve. See Section 16.3.

4.14 Instrument Limit of Quantitation (iLOQ), n – the lowest concentration of an analyte 

that can be reliably quantitated in a standard injected into the instrument; see 

Section 16.8

4.15 Instrument Limit of Detection (iLOD), n – the lowest concentration of an analyte that 

can be injected into the instrument and distinguished from an absence of the same 

analyte; see Section 16.8

4.16 Method Limit of Quantitation (mLOQ), n – the lowest concentration of an analyte 

that can be reliably quantitated in an unknown sample; see Section 16.8

4.17 Method Limit of Detection (mLOD), n – the lowest concentration of an analyte that 

can be distinguished from an absence of the same analyte in an unknown sample; 

see Section 16.8
4.18 Running standard deviation (RnSD), n – the standard deviation of percent recovery 

based on the most recent twenty-eight points on an accuracy control chart

4.18.1 Discussion: This provides information on the uncertainty associated with an 

analytical method across independent analyses. See Section 17.1.

4.19 Units: 1 μg/g = 1 ppm

10,000 ppm = 1%

4.20 Abbreviations:

Table 1. Abbreviations

AcOH Acetic acid

CAN 1 Cannabinoid Mix 1

CAN 2 Cannabinoid Mix 2

CASRN Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number

CBD Cannabidiol

CBN Cannabinol

CoA Certificate of Analysis

HPLC High-performance liquid chromatography

iLOD Instrument Limit of Detection

iLOQ Instrument Limit of Quantitation

LC-MS/MS Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

MeOH Methanol

mLOD Method Limit of Detection

mLOQ Method Limit of Quantitation

QC Quality control

RnSD Running standard deviation

RSD Relative standard deviation

SDS Safety Data Sheet

THCA Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A

Δ9THC Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol

4.21 Acceptable hemp THC level means that when a laboratory tests a sample, it must 

report the total delta-9 THC content concentration level on a dry weight basis and the 

measurement of uncertainty. The acceptable level is when the application of the 

measurement of uncertainty to the reported total delta-9 THC content concentration level 

on a dry weight basis produces a distribution range that includes 0.3 or less. 

5.0 Summary of Method

5.1 Customers request specific cannabinoids for quantitation. Cannabinoids that may 

be requested include Δ9THC, THCA, CBD, and CBN. A report of total THC may also 

be requested which requires both Δ9THC and THCA to be analyzed.

5.2 Customer request dictates the method of sample preparation. Options that may be 

requested include using samples as received, oven-drying samples, or air-drying

samples. For air-dried samples, a correction factor for moisture is determined which 

is used to calculate the final results.
5.3 Cannabinoids are extracted from test portions of prepared hemp samples by adding 

methanol and shaking the samples on a horizontal orbital shaker. Extracts are 

subsequently centrifuged, and an aliquot of the supernatant is taken for dilution. A 

portion of this diluted extract is transferred into an autosampler vial for analysis by 

LC-MS/MS.

5.4 QC samples are analyzed alongside unknown samples to demonstrate statistical 

control of the procedure.

6.0 Significance and Use

6.1 Hemp is an agricultural commodity that has been historically cultivated for inclusion 

in a variety of consumer products, including food, nutritional supplements, paper, 

personal care products, and textiles (see Reference 3.3). In the United States, 

restrictions on its growth have been recently relaxed, but it is still subject to 

significant oversight. State law currently limits the amount of Δ9THC in hemp to no 

more than 0.3% by dry weight (see Reference 3.1).

6.2 This technical procedure can be used to determine the cannabinoid profile of plant 

samples. The results obtained using this method are provided to regulatory officials 

within the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

7.0 Interferences

7.1 LC-MS/MS is extremely selective, and no interference has been found in this 

procedure to date. If interference does occur (i.e. same precursor ion, same 

product ion, and same retention time) quantitation can be accomplished using the 

second product ion.

8.0 Apparatus

8.1 Refrigerator (1°C to 5°C)

8.2 Freezer (-10°C to -20°C)

8.3 Balance, analytical

8.4 Balance, top-loading

8.5 Positive displacement pipette with tips of various sizes (0.1 mL to 25 mL)

8.4.1 Discussion: All volume-critical pipetting in this procedure is performed using 

positive displacement pipettes.

8.6 Vortex mixer with adjustable speed setting

8.7 Spatulas

8.8 Centrifuge, refrigerated 
8.9 Centrifuge tubes, plastic, 50 mL, can withstand 3500 ×g

8.10 Graduated cylinders, class A (50 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL)

8.11 LC-MS/MS system with gradient pump and autosampler

8.12 HPLC column, C18, 2.1 x 150 mm, 3.5 μm

8.13 Guard column cartridge holder

8.14 Guard column, C18 guard cartridge, 4 x 2.0 mm

8.15 Volumetric flasks, class A, 10 mL

8.16 Autosampler vials, amber, glass, with caps 

8.17 Pasteur pipette, disposable, 53⁄4"

8.18 Horizontal orbital shaker

8.19 Oven

8.20 Aluminum foil

8.21 Desiccator cabinet, amber

8.22 Sieve, No. 8 or smaller mesh screen

8.23 Bottles, amber

8.24 Vials, amber, 12 mL

8.25 Bottle top dispenser, 100 mL

8.26 Bottles, 1 L, for mobile phase

8.27 Discussion: Example vendor information for some apparatus can be found in 

Attachment 5.

9.0 Reagents and Materials

9.1 Methanol (MeOH), HPLC grade 

9.2 Acetic Acid (AcOH), glacial, HPLC grade

9.3 Water, LC-MS grade

9.4 Δ9THC (CASRN: 1972-08-3) standard, approximately 1000 μg/mL in MeOH or 

acetonitrile
9.5 THCA (CASRN: 23978-85-0) standard, approximately 1000 μg/mL in MeOH or 

acetonitrile

9.6 CBD (CASRN: 13956-29-1) standard, approximately 1000 μg/mL in MeOH or 

acetonitrile

9.7 CBN (CASRN: 521-35-7) standard, approximately 1000 μg/mL in MeOH or 

acetonitrile

9.8 Dilution Solvent – MeOH:H2O (1:1, v/v)

9.8.1 Example preparation: Add 250 mL MeOH into a 500 mL graduated cylinder. 

Dilute to the 500 mL mark with water. Use or discard within six months of 

preparation.

9.9 HPLC Mobile Phase A – 0.1% Acetic Acid: 10% MeOH: 90% water

9.9.1 Example preparation: Add 50 mL MeOH into a 500 mL graduated cylinder. 

Pipet 0.5 mL glacial acetic acid into the same graduated cylinder. Dilute to 

the 500 mL mark with water. Transfer to a 1 L bottle and mix. Use or discard 

within six months of preparation.

9.10 Oregano, dried

9.11 Discussion: Example vendor information for some reagents and materials can be 

found in Attachment 5.

10.0 Hazards and Precautions

10.1 Consult Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (see Reference 3.4) for hazards associated 

with the use of solvents and other materials.

10.2 Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, lab coat, and any other personal protective 

equipment specified in the Safety Data Sheets (Reference 3.4) and Technical 

Services Safety Manual (Reference 3.5).

10.3 The cannabinoid profile of a hemp sample can be altered by exposure to air, heat, 

and/or light. THCA can decarboxylate to form Δ9THC, and Δ9THC can oxidize to 

form CBN (see Reference 3.2). Ensure that samples are stored in a dark cabinet 

away from sources of heat and that samples are only oven-dried if specified by 

customer request.

11.0 Sampling and Sample Preparation

11.1 Sampling and sample receipt relating to the Technical Services Laboratory are 

described in Reference 3.6.

11.1.1 Samples are collected by regulatory inspectors. These personnel are 

external to the Technical Services Laboratory.
11.1.2 Samples are inspected by laboratory personnel upon receipt. Any 

questions regarding the suitability of a sample for analysis are relayed to 

the Food Residue supervisor, who may in turn contact the customer and 

the management as needed. Customer communications are documented 

according to Reference 3.7.

11.1.3 After receipt by the laboratory, hemp samples are to be stored in a dark, 

secure cabinet or similar holding area away from sources of heat.

11.2 Prior to analyzing a sample, note the method of sample preparation requested by 

the customer. Any questions that arise are to be relayed to the Food Residue 

supervisor, who may in turn contact the customer and the management as needed. 

Customer communications are documented according to Reference 3.7.

11.3 Prepare each sample following the customer request. The customer may request 

the sample be prepared in accordance with any of the following procedures.

11.3.1 Pre-dried, use samples as received (see Attachment 1)

11.3.2 Oven-dry samples (see Attachment 2)

11.3.3 Air-dry samples (Attachment 3)

11.3.4 Discussion: Customers may request other methods of sample preparation. 

Document requests following the requirements in Reference 3.7. Failure 

to adhere to the customer request for sample preparation could significantly 

impact the analysis in terms of both identity and concentration of 

cannabinoids found.

12.0 Preparation of Apparatus

12.1 The preparation of the LC-MS/MS system is dependent upon the number and 

identity of analytes requested for analysis by the customer.

12.1.1 For analyses in which only Δ9THC is requested, use the instrument 

parameters found in Attachment 6.

12.1.2 For analyses in which any additional analytes are requested, use the 

instrument parameters found in Attachment 7.

12.2 Prior to injecting working standards and samples, determine the RSD. This is 

accomplished by replicate injections of a single solution containing all analytes of 

interest at a concentration in the midrange of the standard curve. The use of five 

replicates is acceptable, but additional injections may be incorporated at the 

analyst’s discretion.
13.0 Calibration and Standardization

13.1 A CoA (Certificate of Analysis) for a reference standard is required to be supplied 

by the vendor before the material is used. Cannabinoid concentrations stated on 

CoAs are to be employed in the calculation of cannabinoid concentrations in 

dilutions made from stock reference standards. Store reference standards in 

accordance with their CoAs. If storage conditions are unspecified on the CoA, store 

the reference standard in a freezer.

13.2 Cannabinoid intermediate standards are prepared to include the analytes specified 

by customer request. Additional analytes besides those specified by customer 

request may be included in an intermediate standard used for an analysis. For 

example, CBD may be included in an intermediate standard where only Δ9THC has 

been requested by the customer.

13.2.1 Cannabinoid Mix 1 (CAN 1): Pipet 0.05 mL of the stock reference 

cannabinoid standard(s) into a 10 mL volumetric flask as needed to fulfill 

customer requests. Dilute to volume with MeOH and mix by inversion. 

Transfer the solution to an amber vial for storage, and clearly label the vial 

with all pertinent information, including the identity of each cannabinoid 

included in the mix. Each cannabinoid used is approximately 5 μg/mL in 

solution.

13.2.2 Cannabinoid Mix 2 (CAN 2): Pipet 1 mL of Cannabinoid Mix 1 (see above) 

into a 10 mL volumetric flask. Dilute to volume with MeOH and mix by 

inversion. Transfer the solution to an amber vial for storage, and clearly label 

the vial with all pertinent information, including the identity of each 

cannabinoid included in the mix. Each cannabinoid used is approximately 

0.5 μg/mL in solution.

13.2.3 Store intermediate standards in a refrigerator or freezer; use or discard 

intermediate standards within one month of preparation.

13.3 Prepare working standards in autosampler vials using Dilution Solvent (see Section 

9.8) and Cannabinoid Mixes 1 and 2.

13.3.1 Pipet 1 mL of Dilution Solvent into each autosampler vial designated to 

contain a working standard.

13.3.2 Pipet the volume of the appropriate Cannabinoid Mix into each autosampler 

vial designated to contain a working standard as specified in Table 2.

13.3.3 Cap each working standard and mix by vortexing.

13.3.4 Concentrations listed in Table 2 are approximate. Exact concentrations are 

to be calculated using the information supplied on the CoA(s) of the stock 

reference cannabinoids used to prepare CAN 1 and CAN 2.

Table 2. Preparation of working standards
Working 

Standard

Volume of 

Intermediate 

Standard (mL)

Intermediate 

Standard

Final Volume 

(mL)

Concentration 

(μg/mL)

W1 0.025 CAN 2 1.025 0.0122

W2 0.050 CAN 2 1.050 0.0238

W3 0.100 CAN 2 1.100 0.0455

W4 0.175 CAN 2 1.175 0.0745

W5 0.250 CAN 2 1.250 0.1000

W6 0.350 CAN 2 1.350 0.1296

W7 0.035 CAN 1 1.035 0.1691

W8 0.050 CAN 1 1.050 0.2381

14.0 Procedure

14.1 Using an analytical balance, weigh 0.20 ± 0.01 g of prepared hemp sample into a 

50 mL centrifuge tube, and record the mass used to 4 decimal places.

14.1.1 Discussion: Hemp is a heterogeneous material. Practice good subsampling 

techniques to ensure a representative portion is selected for extraction. 

Additional information regarding good subsampling techniques can be found 

in Reference 3.8.

14.1.2 Discussion: Moisture determination is necessary for samples that are dried 

at a low temperature or air-dried at ambient temperature. Follow step 3 of 

Attachment 3. The mass of the test portion taken for extraction will be 

corrected for moisture in the final calculations (see Section 16.6.2).

14.2 Using an analytical balance, prepare a method blank by weighing 0.20 ± 0.01 g of 

oregano into a 50 mL centrifuge tube. Record the actual mass used to 4 decimal 

places and treat this as an unknown sample.

14.3 For each set of ten unknown samples or fewer, prepare duplicate QC spikes.

14.3.1 Using an analytical balance, weigh 0.20 ± 0.01 g of oregano into two 50 mL

centrifuge tubes. Record the actual masses used to 4 decimal places.

14.3.2 Pipet duplicate aliquots of stock reference standards onto the spike 

samples, using one of the volumes listed in Column 1 of Table 3. These QC 

samples should be spiked using stock reference standards that represent 

each analyte requested by the customer. The concentrations listed on the 

CoAs of the stock reference standards should be used to calculate spiking 

concentrations.

14.3.3 Vortex the mixture for approximately 30 s and allow the spiking solution(s) 

to remain in contact with the matrix for 20 to 30 minutes before adding any 

extraction solvent.

Table 3. Preparation of spike samples

Volume of Each Stock 

Reference Standard 

Cannabinoid 

Concentration in Stock 

Mass of 

Sample 

Concentration of Each 

Cannabinoid in Spiked 
Spiked (mL) Reference Standard 

(μg/mL)

Spiked (g) Sample (%)

0.150 1000 0.2000 0.075

0.200 1000 0.2000 0.100

0.250 1000 0.2000 0.125

0.300 1000 0.2000 0.150

14.4 Dispense 40 mL of MeOH into each of the centrifuge tubes using either a 50 mL 

graduated cylinder or positive displacement pipette.

14.5 Vortex tubes for approximately 30 seconds, making sure the contents of each tube 

are well mixed. Shake each tube by hand for approximately 2 minutes.

14.6 Place the unknown sample(s), blank, and spikes on a horizontal orbital shaker. 

Cover tubes with a towel and shake them for 20 minutes at 500 rpm.

14.7 Centrifuge the tubes at 3500 ×g at 4oC for 10 minutes.

14.8 A final dilution is made for each unknown sample, blank, and spike. Label a 12 mL 

amber vial for each dilution, and pipet 10.0 mL of Dilution Solvent into vial. Pipet 50 

μL of each supernatant from Section 14.7 into its respective vial. Mix by shaking 

vials by hand and/or vortexing.

14.9 Using a Pasteur pipette, transfer approximately 1 to 1.5 mL of the final dilution into 

labelled autosampler vials. Samples are now ready to be analyzed by LC-MS/MS.

15.0 Demonstration of Statistical Control

15.1 For individual analytes such as Δ9THC, accuracy and precision control charts are 

constructed as required in TecSer 108 (see Reference 3.9) and are maintained in a 

shared network folder.

15.2 Total THC is a mathematical combination of Δ9THC and THCA, so a separate 

control chart is not constructed for total THC. 

16.0 Calculations

16.1 The values used in the calculations presented in this and the following section are 

purely for example. These values do not necessarily represent anticipated or typical 

results. Actual values obtained from an analysis may vary.

16.2 Concentration of Individual Analytes in Final Dilution (or Concentration from Curve)

16.2.1 A linear regression curve is generated based on the concentration, x, and 

instrument response, y, of the working standards

y = mx + b

where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. The concentration of an 

analyte in the final dilution can be found by solving for x in its respective 
regression curve and using the instrument response, y, for that analyte in 

the final dilution:

x =

(y − b)

m

16.2.2 Example scenario: The instrument response, or peak area, for Δ9THC in a 

sample was found to be 7480531. The slope and y-intercept for the 

regression equation in the analysis were 8.8958x107 and 1.207x106, 

respectively. The concentration of Δ9THC in the final dilution can be found 

by the following:

x =

(7480531 − 1.207 ∗ 106)

8.8958 ∗ 107

μg/mL

= 0.07052 μg/mL

16.3 Concentration of Individual Analytes Found in Spike Samples

16.3.1 The Universal Formula is used to calculate the concentration of an analyte 

in a sample:

Concentration of an analyte in sample =

Conc from Curve (

μg

mL) ∗ Vol Standard Injected (μL) ∗ Final Vol (mL)

Sample Mass Extracted (g) ∗ Vol Sample Injected (μL) ∗ Aliquot Fraction

Where,

Aliquot Fraction =

Aliquot Used to Concentrate or Dilute

Total Extraction Volume

If no aliquot is used, 1/1, i.e. 1, is entered.

16.3.2 Example scenario: 0.1975 g of a spiked sample was extracted with 40.00

mL of MeOH. 50.0 μL of the extract was diluted with 10.00 mL of Dilution 

Solvent. 15.0 μL of each working standard was injected to prepare the 

curve, and 15.0 μL of the final dilution of the sample was injected for 

analysis. The concentration of Δ9THC from the curve was found to be 

0.07052 μg/mL for the spiked sample. The concentration of Δ9THC in the 

spike sample is then found using the Universal Formula:

(0.07052 μg

mL) (15.0 μL)(10.05 mL)

(0.1975 g)(15.0 μL) (

0.0500 mL

40.00 mL )

= 2871 ppm ∗

(1%)

(10,000 ppm)

= 0.287% Δ

9THC
16.4 Spiking Level (or Spiking Concentration)

16.4.1 Spiking levels of individual analytes are calculated using the following 

formula. Exact concentrations listed on CoAs are used.

(Volume of Reference Standard Spiked)(Conc in Reference Standard)

Sample Mass

16.4.2 Example scenario: 0.200 mL of Δ9THC reference standard was spiked 

onto a 0.1975 g control sample of dried oregano. The CoA for this reference 

material listed a Δ9THC concentration of 1003 μg/mL.

Spike Level =

(0.200 mL)(1003 μg/mL)

0.1975 g

Spike Level = 1015.7 ppm ∗

1%

10,000 ppm

= 0.102% Δ

9THC

16.5 Spike Recovery

16.5.1 Spike recoveries are calculated by subtracting any analyte found in the 

method blank from the concentration found in the spike sample and 

comparing that difference to the spike level:

(Concentration in Spike − Concentration in Method Blank)

(Spike Level)

∗ 100%

16.5.2 Example scenario: 0.09665% Δ9THC was found in a spike sample. No 

Δ9THC was detected in the method blank. The spike level was 0.102%. The 

spike recovery is calculated to be

(0.09665% − 0%)

(0.102%)

∗ 100% = 94.8%

16.6 Concentration of Individual Analytes in Unknown Samples

16.6.1 Pre-dried and oven-dried samples

16.6.1.1 Individual cannabinoid concentrations can be calculated by 

following the calculations under Sections 16.2 and 16.3.

16.6.2 Air-dried samples

16.6.2.1 Individual cannabinoid concentrations can be calculated by 

following the calculations under Section 16.2 and 16.3; however, 

an additional correction factor is required to compensate for the 

moisture content of the test portion:
Sample Mass Extracted = Test Portion Mass ∗ (1 − Moisture Fraction)

Where the test portion mass comes from Section 14.1 and the 

moisture fraction is determined using the data obtained in step 3 

of Attachment 3:

Moisture Fraction =

(Initial Sample Mass − Final Sample Mass)

Initial Sample Mass

16.6.2.2 Example scenario:

A sample received by the lab was designated for air-drying. After 

the sample was deemed dry enough to be worked through a 

sieve, the sample was comminuted. A 0.2041 g test portion of 

the comminuted sample was taken for extraction. This was 

extracted with 40.0 mL MeOH, and 0.0500 mL of the extract was 

diluted with 10.00 mL Dilution Solvent to prepare the final dilution 

for injection.

The moisture fraction of the test portion was determined using a 

separate portion of the comminuted sample. The mass of an 

aluminum pan was recorded as 1.0015 g. Comminuted sample 

was added to this pan until their combined mass was 2.0035 g. 

After heating until a consistent dry mass was achieved, the final 

combined mass of the pan and sample was recorded as 1.8921 

g.

15.0 μL injections were used for sample injections as well as for 

standards, and the concentration of Δ9THC from the curve was 

found to be 0.05739 μg/mL.

Calculation of the Moisture Fraction for this sample:

(2.0035 g − 1.0015g) − (1.8921g − 1.0015g)

(2.0035g − 1.0015g)

= 0.1112

Calculation of Δ9THC in this sample:

(0.05739 μg

mL) (15.0 μL)(10.05 mL)

[(0.2041g)(1 − 0.1112)](15.0 μL) (

0.0500 mL

40.0 mL )

= 2544 ppm ∗

(1%)

(10,000 ppm)

= 0.254% Δ

9THC

16.7 Concentration of Total THC in Samples
16.7.1 Total THC in a sample is calculated for all sample types (pre-dried, ovendried, and air-dried) using the following equation (see Reference 3.10):

Conc Total THC = (Conc THCA ∗ 0.877) + Conc Δ

9THC

This equation is derived from the molecular weights of Δ9THC and THCA to 

compensate for the mass lost during the decarboxylation of THCA to Δ9THC:

MW of Δ

9THC

MW of THCA =

314.5

358.5

= 0.877

16.7.2 Example scenario: An unknown sample was found to be 0.167% Δ9THC 

and 0.138% THCA. The total THC content is found to be:

(0.138% ∗ 0.877) + 0.167% = 0.288% Total THC

16.8 Limits of Quantitation and Detection

16.8.1 Individual Analytes

16.8.1.1 The iLOQ for an analyte is the lowest concentration of that 

analyte used to prepare the standard/calibration curve, and the 

iLOD of an analyte is a fraction of the iLOQ, determined at the 

analyst’s discretion.

The mLOQ and mLOD for individual analytes are found by 

applying the Universal Formula to the iLOQ and iLOD, 

respectively, in place of a concentration from the curve.

16.8.1.2 Example scenario: Approximately 0.20 g test portions were 

taken for extraction with 40.0 mL of MeOH, and final dilutions 

were prepared for each sample by diluting 50 μL of extract with 

10.00 mL of Dilution Solvent. 15.0 μL injections were specified 

for samples as well as working standards, and the lowest 

concentration working standard used to prepare the Δ9THC 

calibration curve was 0.0122 μg/mL Δ9THC. The analyst 

determined that a concentration of approximately half the lowest 

standard could still be differentiated from the background noise 

for Δ9THC.

iLOQ

Lowest Concentration on the Curve = 0.0122

μg

mL Δ

9THC

iLOD
iLOQ ∗ 0.50 = 0.0122

μg

mL ∗ 0.50 = 0.0061

μg

mL Δ

9THC

mLOQ

(0.0122 μg

mL) (15.0 μL)(10.05 mL)

(0.20 g)(15.0 μL) (

0.050 mL

40.0 mL )

= 490 ppm ∗

(1%)

(10,000 ppm)

= 0.049% Δ

9THC

mLOD

(0.0061 μg

mL) (15.0 μL)(10.05 mL)

(0.20 g)(15.0 μL) (

0.050 mL

40.0 mL )

= 245 ppm ∗

(1%)

(10,000 ppm)

= 0.025% Δ

9THC

16.8.2 Total THC

16.8.2.1 As total THC is the mathematical combination of two individual 

analytes, no iLOQ or iLOD can be determined. Thus, no mLOQ 

or mLOD can be reported for total THC.

17.0 Measurement of Uncertainty is reported with the test results to determine the 

acceptable hemp THC level by using the following appropriate methods and procedures.

17.1 Method Uncertainty

17.1.1 Individual Analytes

17.1.1.1 The method uncertainty for an individual cannabinoid is defined 

by ± 2 RnSD, where RnSD is calculated using the most recent 

twenty eight points on the cannabinoid’s respective accuracy 

control chart(s) (see Section 15.1). 

17.1.2 Total THC

17.1.2.1 The method uncertainty for total THC is calculated by first 

propagating the uncertainties of Δ9THC and THCA, defined by 

their RnSDs, σ, through their linear combination:
σTotal THC = √(0.877 ∗ σTHCA)

2 + (σΔ9THC)2

17.1.2.2 The method uncertainty for total THC is defined by ± 2 σTotal THC.

17.1.2.3 Example scenario: A report of total THC was requested for a set 

of samples. The RnSDs for Δ9THC and THCA for this analysis 

were 5.4% and 6.7%, respectively. The method uncertainty for 

total THC would be:

= 2 ∗ √(0.877 ∗ σTHCA)

2 + (σΔ9THC)2

= 2 ∗ √(0.877 ∗ 6.7%)

2 + (5.4%)2

= 16%

17.2 Result Uncertainty

17.2.1 The uncertainty of any given result is the method uncertainty of that result 

multiplied by the result itself. This applies to individual analytes as well as 

total THC.

17.2.2 Example scenario: A result of 0.284% Δ9THC was found. The running 

standard deviation for Δ9THC for this analysis was 5.4%, or 0.054. The 

uncertainty of the result would be:

= (Method Uncertainty)(Result)

= (2 ∗ RnSD)(Result)

= (2 ∗ 0.054)(0.284% Δ

9THC)

= 0.031% Δ

9THC

17.2.3 Example scenario: A result of 0.256% total THC was found. The running 

standard deviations for Δ9THC and THCA for this analysis were 5.4% and 

6.7%, respectively. The uncertainty of the result would be:

= (Method Uncertainty)(Result)

= (2 ∗ σTotal THC)(Result)

= (2 ∗ √(0.877 ∗ σTHCA)

2 + (σΔ9THC)2) (Result)

= (2 ∗ √(0.877 ∗ 0.067)

2 + (0.054)2) (0.256% Total THC)

= (0.16)(0.256% Total THC)
= 0.041% Total THC

Preparation of Pre-Dried Samples

When a customer specifies that a sample submitted to the lab is dry and is to be used as received, 

the sample preparation procedure in this attachment is followed.

1 Drying

1.1 If the sample has been specified as dry by the customer, no additional drying is 

needed, and no moisture determination is necessary.

2 Sample Comminution

2.1 Place a sieve atop a fresh piece of aluminum foil.

2.2 Add a portion of the hemp sample into the sieve, removing stems and seeds as 

able. Mostly leaf and flower material should remain.

2.3 Work the sample through the sieve.

2.4 Continue adding portions of the dried sample until the entire sample has been 

worked through the sieve or sorted out as extraneous material, e.g. stems and 

seeds.

2.5 Fold extraneous material inside of the aluminum foil pan, and store it with the 

evidence bag in a secure cabinet.

2.6 Place the sieve aside, and continue to work the sieved sample by hand until it 

achieves a relatively uniform, fine consistency.

2.7 Carefully transfer the comminuted sample to an appropriately labelled amber jar, 

and store the amber jar in a dark, secure cabinet away from sources of heat until 

ready to proceed with analysis.

Sample Preparation by Oven-Drying

When the customer requests that a sample be prepared by oven-drying at high temperature, the 

sample preparation procedure in this attachment is followed. This is adapted from Reference 3.11.

1 Sample Drying

1.1 Fold the edges of a sheet of aluminum foil to form a pan.

1.2 Determine the mass of the aluminum pan using a top-loading balance, and record 

the mass in the analyst’s notebook.
1.3 Spread the entire sample onto the pan. 

1.3.1 Discussion: If the sample cannot be spread onto a single pan, the sample 

may be split into two or more pans. The mass of each pan should be 

recorded prior to the addition of sample.

1.4 Determine the combined mass of the sample and aluminum pan using a toploading balance, and record the mass in the analyst’s notebook.

1.5 Load the sample and pan into an oven set to 90 ± 5°C, and allow the sample to 

heat for two hours.

1.6 Remove the sample and pan from the oven, and allow it to cool for at least 30 

minutes in an amber desiccator cabinet.

1.7 Determine the combined mass of the sample and pan using a top-loading balance, 

and record the mass in the analyst’s notebook.

1.8 Return the sample and pan to the oven for an additional 15 minutes of heating at 

90 ± 5°C.

1.9 Remove the sample and pan from the oven, and allow it to cool for at least 30 

minutes in an amber desiccator cabinet.

1.10 Determine the combined mass of the sample and pan using a top-loading balance, 

and record the mass in the analyst’s notebook.

1.11 If the sample mass changes by less than 1% between steps 1.7 and 1.10, the 

drying is complete. If the change is greater than or equal to 1%, repeat step 1.8 

onwards.

2 Sample Comminution

2.1 Once the sample is deemed dry, place a sieve atop a fresh piece of aluminum foil.

2.2 Add a portion of the hemp sample into the sieve, removing stems and seeds as 

able. Mostly leaf and flower material should remain.

2.3 Work the sample through the sieve.

2.4 Continue adding portions of the dried sample until the entire sample has been 

worked through the sieve or sorted out as extraneous material, e.g. stems and 

seeds.

2.5 Fold extraneous material inside of the aluminum foil pan, and store it with the 

evidence bag in a secure cabinet.
2.6 Place the sieve aside, and continue to work the sieved sample by hand until it 

achieves a relatively uniform, fine consistency.

2.7 Carefully transfer the comminuted sample to an appropriately labelled amber jar, 

and store the amber jar in a dark, secure cabinet away from sources of heat until 

ready to proceed with analysis.

Sample Preparation by Air-Drying

When the customer requests that a sample be prepared by air-drying, the sample preparation 

procedure in this attachment is followed.

1 Sample Drying

1.1 Samples received by laboratory personnel may vary greatly in moisture content 

depending upon the sampling conditions. The intention of the drying procedure in 

this attachment is not to remove all moisture from a sample prior to comminution, 

but to dry the sample sufficiently such that comminution is performed more easily.

1.2 When a sample is received from a customer, it is stored in a dark cabinet away 

from sources of heat. Samples are to be inspected for comminution suitability 

based on the analyst’s discretion.

1.2.1 If a sample bag is non-transparent, the sound of dry vegetation cracking 

when the bag is compressed indicates suitability for comminution. This 

indirect observation allows tamper-evident seals to remain intact until 

immediately prior to comminution.

1.2.2 If a sample requires additional drying, it may be stored in dark conditions 

in a secure area away from sources of heat until deemed sufficiently dry.

2 Sample Comminution

2.1 Once the sample is deemed sufficiently dry, place a sieve atop a fresh piece of 

aluminum foil.

2.2 Add a portion of the hemp sample into the sieve, removing stems and seeds as 

able. Mostly leaf and flower material should remain.

2.3 Work the sample through the sieve.

2.4 Continue adding portions of the dried sample until the entire sample has been 

worked through the sieve or sorted out as extraneous material, e.g. stems and 

seeds. 

2.5 Fold extraneous material inside of the aluminum foil pan, and store it with the 

evidence bag in a secure cabinet.
2.6 Place the sieve aside, and continue to work the sieved sample by hand until it 

achieves a relatively uniform, fine consistency.

2.7 Carefully transfer the comminuted sample to an appropriately labelled amber jar, 

and store the amber jar in a dark, secure cabinet away from sources of heat until 

ready to proceed with analysis.

3 Moisture Determination

3.1 When a test portion is weighed out for extraction in Section 14.1, weigh out a 

second test portion to determine the moisture content of the sample at the time of 

subsampling:

3.1.1 Weigh a labelled aluminum pan on an analytical balance and record the 

mass to four decimal places in the analyst’s notebook.

3.1.2 Add approximately 1 g of the comminuted sample to the aluminum pan 

using good subsampling techniques. 

3.1.2.1 Discussion: Hemp is a heterogeneous material. Practice good 

subsampling techniques to ensure a representative portion is 

selected for analysis. Additional information regarding good 

subsampling techniques can be found in Reference 3.8.

3.1.3 Reweigh the sample and pan on an analytical balance, and record their 

combined mass to four decimal places in the analyst’s notebook.

3.2 Load the sample and pan into an oven at 105 ± 5°C, and allow them to heat 

overnight.

3.3 Transfer the sample and pan into an amber desiccator cabinet, and allow them to 

cool for 30 minutes.

3.4 Reweigh the sample and pan on an analytical balance, and record their combined 

mass to four decimal places in the analyst’s notebook.

3.5 Return the sample and pan to the oven at 105 ± 5°C for an additional hour of 

heating.

3.6 Transfer the sample and pan to an amber desiccator cabinet, and allow them to 

cool for 30 minutes.

3.7 Reweigh the sample and pan on an analytical balance, and record the mass to 

four decimal places.

3.8 If the sample mass changes by less than 1% between steps 3.4 and 3.7, the drying 

for moisture determination is complete. If the change is greater than or equal to 

1%, repeat step 3.5 onwards.
TecSer FC312

Rev. 0, September 2020

Attachment 4

Page 1 of 1

Structures of Cannabinoids Covered by This Procedure

CBD

CBN

Δ9THC

THCA

THCA decarboxylates 

to form Δ9THC

Δ9THC oxidizes to 

form CBN

Structural isomer of 

Δ9THC
TecSer FC312

Rev. 0, September 2020

Attachment 5

Page 1 of 1

Example Vendor Information

The information provided in the following table serves only as an example of vendor information 

that can be used for purchasing some of the apparatus, materials, and reagents mentioned in 

the main body of the document. Equivalent products may be substituted for any or all of the 

items listed.

Table X5.1: Example vendor information

Positive displacement pipettes Eppendorf, ER-E3

Centrifuge, refrigerated Thermo, Sorvall Legend RT+

Centrifuge tubes, 50 mL VWR, Cat# 21008-240

LC-MS/MS system with gradient pump and 

autosampler

Dionex UltiMate 3000 with Thermo TSQ 

Quantum MAX

HPLC column, C18, 2.1x150 mm, 3.5 μm Fisher, Cat# 50-926-251

Guard column cartridge holder Phenomenex, Cat# KJ0-4282

Guard column, C18 guard cartridge, 4 x 2.0 

mm

Phenomenex, Cat# AJ0-4286

Autosampler vials Fisher, Cat # 03-377-10D

Pasteur pipette, disposable, 53⁄4" Fisher, Cat# 13-678-20A

Methanol, HPLC grade Fisher, Cat# A454-4

Acetic acid, glacial, HPLC grade Fisher, Cat# A35-500

Water, LC-MS grade Fisher, Cat# W6-4

Δ9THC standard Fisher, Cat# 06-722-453

THCA standard Fisher, Cat# NC1056549

CBD standard Fisher, Cat# NC0758686

CBN standard Fisher, Cat# NC1583154
TecSer FC312

Rev. 0, September 2020

Attachment 6

Page 1 of 1

Instrument Conditions – Only Δ9THC Requested

The instrument conditions in this attachment are suggested parameters for use in combination 

with a Dionex 3000 UltiMate and TSQ Quantum Access MAX LC-MS/MS system. Parameters 

may need to be adjusted for use with a different LC-MS/MS system or over time.

HPLC Conditions

Column: Agilent Zorbax SB C18, 2.1 x 150 mm, 3.5 μm, or equivalent

Temperature: 30°C

Solvent A: 0.1% AcOH, 10% MeOH, 90% Water

Solvent C: MeOH

Injection Volume: 15 μL

Flow Rate: 0.25 mL/min

Table X6.1: HPLC gradient for Δ9THC only

Time (minutes) % C

0 50

1 50

8 90

18 90

18.5 50

22.5 50

Retention time of Δ9THC ~14.0 minutes

MS/MS Conditions

Table X6.2: MS/MS conditions for Δ9THC only

Precursor

Ion 

(m/z)

Product

Ion 

(m/z)

Collision

Energy

Scan 

Time 

(s)

Start

Time 

(minutes)

End

Time 

(minutes)

Tube

Lens Polarity

Δ9THC 315.355 193.12 22 0.04 12 16 108 +

Δ9THC (Conf) 315.35 123.07 32 0.05 12 16 108 +
Instrument Conditions – Additional Analytes Requested beyond Δ9THC

The instrument conditions in this attachment are suggested parameters for use in combination with a Dionex 3000 

UltiMate and TSQ Quantum Access MAX LC-MS/MS system. Parameters may need to be adjusted for use with a 

different LC-MS/MS system or over time.

HPLC Conditions

Column: Agilent Zorbax SB C18, 2.1 x 150 mm, 3.5 μm, or equivalent

Temperature: 30°C

Solvent A: 0.1% AcOH, 10% MeOH, 90% Water

Solvent C: MeOH

Injection Volume: 15 μL

Flow Rate: 0.25 mL/min

Table X7.1: HPLC gradient for 4 cannabinoids Table X7.2: Approximate retention times

Time (minutes) % C

0 50

1 50

8 90

18 90

18.5 50

22.5 50

MS/MS Conditions

Table X7.3: MS/MS conditions for 4 cannabinoids

Precursor

Ion

(m/z)

Product

Ion

(m/z)

Collision

Energy

Scan 

Time 

(s)

Start

Time 

(minutes)

End Time 

(minutes)

Tube

Lens Polarity

CBD 315.354 193.11 21 0.05 11.45 13.95 94 +

CBD (Conf) 315.353 123.04 31 0.05 11.45 13.95 94 +

CBN 311.323 223.11 20 0.05 12 16 96 +

CBN (Conf) 311.322 293.24 17 0.05 12 16 96 +

Δ9THC 315.355 193.12 22 0.04 13.55 16.05 94 +

Δ9THC (Conf) 315.356 123.07 32 0.04 13.55 16.05 94 +

THCA 357.351 313.38 27 0.04 16.5 20.5 98 -

THCA (Conf) 357.350 245.28 36 0.04 16.5 20.5 98 -

Cannabinoid Approximate Retention 

Time (minutes)

CBD 12.2

CBN 13.5

Δ9THC 14.0

THCA 17.0
ATTACHMENT D

Performance Based Sampling

Background

From 2015 through 2020 the department tested 1600 samples. There were 10 violations during this 

period. That is a violation rate of .6 percent. (See Table 1.) There are many growers that are not likely to 

have a violation. Over this period no grain, greens, microgreens, transplants, or research growers had a 

violation. There are many growers who have proven a track record of no violations as well.

Goal

While focusing on results, flexibility, and efficiency, the department will use the USDA performancebased sampling approach where the method of sampling ensures a confidence level of 95 percent that 

no more than one percent of the plants in each lot would exceed the acceptable hemp THC level and 

ensure that a representative sample is collected that is a homogeneous composition of the lot.

Definitions

When used in this plan, unless the context requires otherwise:

• Research institution means an accredited institution of higher learning, a research facility that 

conducts scientific research on hemp, or any licensed person growing hemp for research 

purposes, and none of the hemp is intended for commerce.

• Microgreens and greens mean immature hemp seedlings for human consumption that are cut-off 

above the soil or substrate line and harvested prior to flowering and not more than 14 days after 

germination. Hemp microgreens are typically between two (2) and (3) inches in height, but not 

taller than five (5) inches. Greens are no more than ten (10) inches tall and not flowering.

• Transplants mean nonflowering hemp seedlings, rooted cuttings, immature plants produced from 

tissue culture, or other means of reproduction, which are not harvested but transplanted into a 

large container or field to mature for harvest. The movement of transplants from their original 

location to the crop production location is not considered a harvest.

• Fiber, grain, and seed hemp mean hemp grown for the sole purpose of being harvested for fiber, 

seed, or grain.

• Legacy growers mean producers who have a proven record with TDA that have grown hemp for 

at least 3 consecutive years, been sampled in each of those years, and those tests were below the

acceptable limit.

• Hemp not intended for commerce means hemp that is not sold or transferred to another entity 

after harvest. 
Program

(1) The performance-based sampling methods meet the following criteria as described in

(a)(2)(iii)(A) and (B) of 7 CFR §990.3:

a. The performance-based sampling method is included in the State's hemp plan and

will be reviewed and approved by USDA.

b. The performance-based method will ensure, at a confidence level of 95 percent and

that the cannabis plants tested will not test above the acceptable hemp THC level. 

(2) Performance-based sampling does not prevent the department from conducting random

records inspections or sampling and testing of any hemp crops from a licensee. The 

department reserves the right to conduct a records inspection, sample, and test any hemp lot 

at any time to ensure compliance with the acceptable hemp THC level. 

(3) Performance based sampling will include different sampling frequencies and requirements

for the following categories of hemp producers:

(a) Hemp Not Intended for Commerce and Hemp Grown for Research.

1. To qualify for alternative sampling methods, producers must provide an 

application for a research license under Rule 0080-06-28-.03(10).

2. Hemp grown for research shall not enter commerce.

3. Universities and research institutions may self-report results of sampling and

testing under the following conditions:

(i) Results regarding research are shared with the public or published

on the research institution website.

(ii) The research producer provides the scope and standard operating

procedures forproduction of hemp.

(iii) The research producer provides a disposal plan for all hemp produced

includingphotographic evidence for verification.

(iv) The research producer allows the department to inspect or audit the

above documentation and testing resultson an annual basis.

(v) The research producer reports to FSA as required in the guidelines for 

reporting license numbers and acreage. The acreage report does not 

have to be broken down by lots. If the field was planted over several 

days, the report will include only the average day of planting.

(vi) The faculty member in charge of the research has submitted a 

criminal background check in the application process.

4. Any non-compliant lots of hemp produced by a university research institution

(or research institution)shall be disposed of and reported to the department.

(b) Fiber, Grain, and Seed Hemp and Hemp Grown by Legacy Growers.
1. If producers are harvesting for grain or fiber, there is less need to sample 

because these strains of cannabis plants are generally below 0.3% THC. For 

this reason, 50% of these producers will be sampled every year.. Producers 

growing varieties that test above the allowable total THC concentration will 

be tested every growth cycle will, be required to have subsequent lots of that

variety tested every growth cycle, and will be eligible for testing every 

other year after receiving a test result within the allowable total THC 

concentration for that variety. 

2. If a producer is sampled and the lot fails the pre-harvest test, the

producer will have the option to remediate the lot or destroy it.

3. A hemp producer who has met all five of the following compliance history 

requirements may not be subject to testing in the current year:

(i) produced hemp for a period of three (3) consecutive years.

(ii) has had their hemp tested by the department or an authorized testing 

agent each of those years.

(iii) all results in each of the previous three (3) years were below the

acceptable hemp THC level.

(iv) are growing the same varieties or cultivars as in the previous three (3)

years. (See Table 2.) and 

(v) are growing varieties or cultivars that have not been found in 

violation. (See Table 3.)

(c) Microgreens, Greens, Transplants, and hemp transplants

1. If hemp producers harvest microgreens, the department shall conduct random

testing of these plants to include 25% ofall lots produced. Due to extremely

low levels of cannabinoids in the very immature plants, the sampling and

testing of every harvest of every lot is impractical and unnecessary.

2. The producer shall ensure that the seeds used to produce microgreens are

from cannabis varieties that meet the definition of hemp. Hemp microgreen

operations shall be subject to random inspections and sampling.

3. Since the definition of hemp greens involves the leaves of very immature

plants (less than 10 inches tall) and not flowering, it would be unnecessary to

sample every lot of that hemp.

4. The producer shall ensure that the seeds used to produce hemp greens are 

from cannabis varieties that meet the definition of hemp. Lots harvested for 

hemp greens shall be subject to random inspections and sampling.

5. The transfer of hemp transplants to the location at which these plants will

grow to maturity and from which these plants will be harvested shall not be

considered a harvest. Hemp transplants will not be subject to sampling 

before the plants are transferred to the location at which these plants will 

grow to maturity and from which these plants will be harvested. However,
the mature crop produced from hemp transplants is subject to sampling and

testing.

Table 1.

Year non-compliant Samples Taken

2015 0 56

2016 1 39

2017 1 38

2018 2 317

2019 1 950

2020 5 207

Table 2.

Varieties Tested for 3 Consecutive Years

2018 - 2020 Hemp Sample Information

Sample Name Count

Lowest 

Result

Highest 

Result

Average 

Result 2018 2019 2020

Boax 34 0.039 0.514 0.133 2 26 6

Bubble Gum 3 0.073 0.113 0.093 1 1 1

Cherry 22 0.041 0.186 0.098 3 15 4

Cherry Wine 57 0.057 0.289 0.095 3 38 16

Frosted Lime 24 0.058 0.377 0.147 6 16 2

Siskyou Gold 7 0.058 0.27 0.13 2 4 1

Stout 15 0.039 0.141 0.082 6 7 2

Sweetened 132 0.064 0.443 0.144 26 96 10

Trump 1 11 0.047 0.186 0.092 7 2 2

Young Sim 10 14 0.065 0.258 0.14 1 11 2

The highlighted varieties will require annual testing.
Table 3.

The highlighted varieties will require annual testing.

2018 - 2020 Hemp Sample Information

Sample Name Count

Lowes

t 

Result

Highest 

Result

Averag

e Result

201

8

201

9

202

0

00CHERRY 1 0.109 0.109 0.109 0 1 0

2Sweetened 1 0.073 0.073 0.073 1 0 0

Abacus 1 0.186 0.186 0.186 0 1 0

Abacus 2.0 1 0.256 0.256 0.256 0 0 1

Abacus Early Bird 2.0 1 0.119 0.119 0.119 0 0 1

AC/DC 1 1 0.114 0.114 0.114 1 0 0

AC/DC x Cherry Wine 1 0.076 0.076 0.076 0 1 0

ACDC 7 0 0 0 0 7 0

Auto Pilot 1 1 0.083 0.083 0.083 0 0 1

AUTOPILOT 2 0.067 0.067 0.067 0 1 1

BC BUD CBD 1 0.058 0.058 0.058 0 0 1

Berry Blossom 5 0.067 0.173 0.129 0 3 2

Big Orange 2 0.058 0.092 0.075 0 0 2

Black Jack 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

Blue Genius 1 0.082 0.082 0.082 0 0 1

Boax 34 0.039 0.514 0.133 2 26 6

BORDEAUX 1 0 0 0 0 1 0

BOXWINE 2 0.136 0.136 0.136 0 2 0

Boxwine S1 1 0.116 0.116 0.116 0 0 1

Bubba Kush 2 0.245 0.245 0.245 0 0 2

Bubble Gum 3 0.073 0.113 0.093 1 1 1

C4 1 0.082 0.082 0.082 0 1 0

C5 1 0.079 0.079 0.079 0 0 1

Cannaboost 15 0.044 0.271 0.105 12 3 0

Carmagnola 3 0.117 0.335 0.231 3 0 0

Carmagnola 

selezionata 2 0.077 0.17 0.123 2 0 0

Carolina 11 0.057 0.257 0.157 0 10 1
Carolina & Siskiyou 

Late1000010

Carolina Dream1 0.046 0.046 0.046001

CAROLINAPEACH1000010

Cats Meow1000010

CBD Gold1000001

CBD Haze1000010

CBDawg9 0.091 0.306 0.169630

CBG5 0.067 0.096 0.076014

CBG 11 0.056 0.056 0.056001

CBG Gold1 0.038 0.038 0.038001

CBG Mountain 

Blizzard1 0.095 0.095 0.095001

CBG White4 0.081 0.108 0.096004

CHAR1000010

Chardonnay8 0.079 0.13 0.105062

Cherry 22 0.041 0.186 0.0983 154

Cherry Ascenine1 0.17 0.17 0.17001

Cherry Blossom2 0.064 0.389 0.226002

Cherry Blossom 501 0.327 0.327 0.327001

Cherry Cherry4 0.283 0.283 0.283130

Cherry Citrus3000030

Cherry Crisp1000010

Cherry Frost1 0.058 0.058 0.058010

Cherry Mom1 0.126 0.126 0.126100

CHERRY TANG9 0.053 0.492 0.202180

Cherry Trump1000001

Cherry Wine 57 0.057 0.289 0.0953 38 16

Cherry Wine II1000010

Cherry X Otto II 

"Sweet"1 0.111 0.111 0.111100

CHERRY51000010

Cherry-Boax1000010

Chery Tang 1 0.142 0.142 0.142100

Cinco2 0.127 0.228 0.177002

Cisco Gold2000020

CISKYOUGOLD1000010

Citral1 0.163 0.163 0.163001

Citrus Fire3 0.066 0.316 0.165201

CLUM1000010

COBBLER2 0.079 0.079 0.079010

Cold War1 0.063 0.063 0.063001

Composite2 0.063 0.063 0.063020
Composite Sample

4 0.056 0.069 0.062040

Delta Wine3 0.056 0.151 0.103030

Double Bubble4 0.049 0.247 0.116004

DRHORN1 0.304 0.304 0.304010

Early Guel1 0.274 0.274 0.274010

Electra1000010

Elleta Compana1 0.039 0.039 0.039100

EMAMALIE1000010

Endurance3 0.035 0.107 0.071210

Enlightened OG1 0.063 0.063 0.063001

FALL BLOOM1 0.139 0.139 0.139010

Fedora171 0.117 0.117 0.117100

FIbranova 4 0.051 0.109 0.08400

FLORENCE1000010

Franklin 42 0.031 0.218 0.105 12 300

Frosted Cherry1 0.075 0.075 0.075010

Frosted Lime 24 0.058 0.377 0.1476 162

Futura752 0.052 0.078 0.065200

Golden kush2 0.105 0.134 0.119002

Goliath5 0.184 0.184 0.184005

Goliath Peach1 0.154 0.154 0.154001

HASH1 0.091 0.091 0.091010

Hawaiian Haze 17 0.07 0.095 0.0840 170

Hemp Hulk1 0.132 0.132 0.132001

HK123 0.082 0.424 0.231300

Hot Blonde1 0.145 0.145 0.145001

HURRICANE1000010

JUPITER1000010

Keatts1 0.083 0.083 0.083010

KETNERKUSH1000010

Ketner's Kush, CBG1 0.107 0.107 0.107001

KLR13 0.058 0.076 0.067021

KLR21000010

La Cream1000001

Large Marge1 0.239 0.239 0.239001

Late Sue5 0.064 0.095 0.079230

LATIMER2000020

Lifter 14 0.055 0.564 0.2520 122

Lindorea1000001

Little Giant1 0.06 0.06 0.06001

MAMMOTH3000030

Marian Berry1000010
Marionberry

2 0.093 0.093 0.093020

Merlot1 0.256 0.256 0.256001

Midwest8 0.056 0.2453071

Mixed Varieties 239 0.053 0.337 0.1023 222 14

MOJICA1000010

Mountain Gold2 0.142 0.142 0.142002

Mountain Mango9 0.068 0.18 0.108054

Naked Lady-Alpine1000001

New West Genetic1000001

NS-391000010

Orchard Tang2 0.054 0.054 0.054011

ORIGINAL CHERRY1 0.068 0.068 0.068010

Otter3 0.099 0.863 0.4812

Otto Franklin1000010

Otto II 10 0.035 0.19 0.114901

Otto Sweetened7 0.165 0.207 0.187340

OTTOLLXOG1000010

PALMER1000010

PALMETTOHARMONY1000010

PENNELL3 0.083 0.099 0.091030

Randy1 0.201 0.201 0.201100

Red Bardot1000010

Red Kross3 0.021 0.071 0.051021

RELIEFNOW1000010

Remission1000010

SEQUATCHIESOUR1000010

Shark Bait1000010

Siskiyou Late & 

Carolina1 0.078 0.078 0.078010

Siskyou Gold7 0.058 0.27 0.13241

Sour G1000001

Sour Space Candy8 0.056 0.3931035

Sour Tsunami1 0.03 0.03 0.03001

Special Sauce 13 0.061 0.146 0.0890 130

Spectrum2000011

SSalpha 2 0.205 0.207 0.206200

stormy1000010

Stormy Daniels2 0.046 0.053 0.049002

Stout 15 0.039 0.141 0.082672

Stray Cat5 0.059 0.066 0.062041

Suaver Haze 38 0.054 0.352 0.0980 299

Sundance1000001
Super CBD

9000072

Susie Q Baox1 0.287 0.287 0.287001

Susie-Q1 0.122 0.122 0.122001

Sweet 15 0.054 0.268 0.1235 100

Sweet Carolina1 0.063 0.063 0.063001

Sweetened 132 0.064 0.443 0.144 26 96 10

Sweetened and 

Franklin1000010

SWEETENED21000010

SWEETENEDOTTO1000010

T1 42 0.053 0.433 0.1420 26 16

T1&Berry Blossom1 0.042 0.042 0.042001

T21000010

Tangerine1 0.055 0.055 0.055001

The Haute Wife1 0.248 0.248 0.248001

The White CBG1 1.879 1.879 1.879001

The Wife5 0.058 0.125 0.091041

TN Select1000010

TN-201 0.101 0.101 0.101001

TREX1000010

True Dream1 0.113 0.113 0.113001

Trump2000020

Trump 1 11 0.047 0.186 0.092722

Ultra Cherry1 0.066 0.066 0.066010

Very Berry1000010

Virginia Hemp3 0.072 0.072 0.072012

Vonn1 0.361 0.361 0.361001

Watermelon4000031

Watermelon Baox1000010

Weedham1 0.091 0.091 0.091001

White 341 0.107 0.107 0.107001

White CBG4 0.032 0.067 0.045004

White Grapefruit2000002

Wife 10 0.077 0.301 0.142055

WILDBERRYBLOSSOM1000010

Wildhorse1 0.103 0.103 0.103100

WILLIAMS1000010

Workhorse 1 0.149 0.149 0.149100

Young Sim 10 14 0.065 0.258 0.141 112

Z11 0.203 0.203 0.203100

Grand Total 1107
Sample Year Samples

Samples 

with no 

Variety

Samples 

with 

Variety

2018 307 164 143

2019 921 162 759

2020 205 0 205

Total: 1433 326 1107
ATTACHMENT E

 

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

 Julius Johnson CONSUMER AND INDUSTRY SERVICES

 COMMISSIONER 

Standard Practice for Field Sampling of Industrial Hemp Stands

Issued August 2015

1. Scope

1.1 This practice applies to field sampling of Industrial Hemp.

1.2 Samples collected under this procedure are acceptable for submitting to a qualified laboratory for 

Determination of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC) in Industrial Hemp.

1.3 The samples collected are intended to be representative of the THC content in the hemp 

stand growing in the cultivated growing area. 

1.4 This practice describes the standard procedures for obtaining representative samples 

under the authority of Tennessee Code Annotated §43-27-101 et seq. and Tennessee Rule 

0080-06-27.01 et seq.

1.5 This practice does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated 

with its use. The user of this standard shall exercise caution and follow applicable safety and 

health practices.

2. Reference Documents

2.1 Tennessee Code Annotated §43-27-101 et seq.

2.2 Tennessee Rule 0080-06-27.01 et seq.

2.3 Health Canada – Industrial Hemp Technical Manual

2.4 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Recommended methods for the 

identification and analysis of cannabis and cannabis products.

2.5 Codex Alimentarus Recommended Methods of Sampling For The Determination Of 

Pesticide Residues For Compliance With MRLS CAC/GL 33-1999

3. Terminology

3.1 Definitions:

3.1.1 sample – the combined total number of hemp samples taken from the plants in the growing 

area..

3.1.2 department – the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. 

3.1.3 growing area - -the land area on which industrial hemp is grown.
3.1.4 licensee – an applicant that has been approved to grow industrial hemp under 2014 Public Acts, 

c. 916, §5 and Tennessee Rule 0080-06-27.01 et seq.

3.1.5 sample specimen – the inflorescence of the hemp plant.

3.1.6 Stand - a group or growth of industrial hemp.

3.1.7 THC - Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC)

4. Summary of Practice

4.1 This practice provides procedures for entering a growing area and collecting the minimum 

number of plant specimens necessary to represent a homogeneous composition of the stand that is to 

be sampled. An authorized representative of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture enters a 

growing area, strategically examines the growing area, establishes an approach for navigating the 

growing area and collects individual specimens of representative plants in order to obtain a 

representative sample of industrial hemp in the growing area. Because test methodology requires 

small aliquots of material, care must be taken to provide samples that accurately reflect entirety of the 

growing area.

4.2 Producers may not collect samples from their own growing facilities.

5. Interferences

5.1 The time of the growing season selected for collected the samples will impact the concentration of 

THC.

6. Equipment and Supplies

6.1 Garden pruners

6.2 Sample bags, paper. 

6.2.1 The size of the bags will depend upon the number of clippings collected per growing 

area. Example Supplier: Tritechforensic http://tritechforensics.com/store/product/paperevidence-bags-small-medium-large/

6.3 Security tape

6.4 Permanent markers

6.5 Sample collection forms

6.6 GPS Unit

6.7 Disposable gloves - Nitrile

7. Sampling Procedures

7.1 The Licensee or designated employee shall accompany the state inspector throughout the 

sampling process.

7.2 Surveillance of the growing area.

7.2.1 Inspector shall verify the GPS coordinates of the growing area as compared with the GPS 

coordinates submitted by the licensee. 

7.2.2 The inspector shall estimate the average height, appearance, approximate density, 

condition of the plants, and degree of maturity of the inflorescences. 
7.2.3 The inspector shall visually establish the homogeneity of the stand to establish that the 

growing area is of like variety.

7.2.3.1 Any concerns of stand homogeneity shall be immediately reported to supervisory staff.

7.3 Time of Sampling.

7.3.1 Unless otherwise instructed, routine sampling shall be conducted as the seed begins to 

mature, i.e. when the first seeds of 50% of the plants are resistant to compression. If Hemp 

crop is to be harvested earlier than above, TDA will need to be notified 2 weeks prior to 

planned harvest. 

7.4 For purposes of determining the number of individual plant to select for sampling, one (1) acre of 

growing area shall be considered one (1) lot. 

7.5 For growing areas of four (4) acres or less, select a minimum of four (4) plants for cuttings to 

form a composite sample.

7.6 For growing areas larger than ten (10) acres, the number of plants that will be selected to form a 

composite sample is based upon the Codex Alimentarius Recommended Methods of Sampling for the 

Determination of Pesticide Residues for Compliance with MRLS CAC/GL 33-1999.

7.6.1 The sample size, n, shall be calculated as follows:

n =

n0

1 + (n0 − 1)/N

=

299

1 + (298/N)

where n = minimum number of primary plants to be selected for forming a composite 

sample 

 

 n0 = 299 (95% probability to detect non-compliant sample with 1% chance of 

 non-compliant incident (1 out of 100 plants possibly non-compliant))

N = Number of lots (acres of cultivation)

7.6.1.1 Example Calculations:

A 100 acre field: calculate 299/(1+(298/100)) = 299/(1+2.98)=299/3.98=75 plants -- total 

clippings 75x2 (one for each bag) – total 150 clippings

A 75 acre field: calculate 299/(1+(298/75)) = 299/(1+3.97) = 299/4.97 = 60 plants – total 

clippings 60x2 (one for each bag) – total 120 clippings

A 45 acre field: calculate 299/(1+(298/45)) = 299/(1+6.62) = 299/7.62 = 40 plants – total clippings 40x2 

(one for each bag) – total 80 clippings

7.6.1.2 Total samples to be taken per number of acres

N - Growing Area, 

acres (lots)

n –

number

of plants

Retain Sample 

Multiplier Total Clippings

1 4 2 8

2 4 2 8

3 4 2 8
4 4 2 8

5 5 2 10

6 6 2 12

7 7 2 14

8 8 2 16

9 9 2 18

10 10 2 20

15 15 2 30

20 18 2 36

25 24 2 48

30 28 2 56

35 32 2 64

40 36 2 72

45 40 2 80

50 43 2 86

75 60 2 120

100 75 2 150

160 104 2 204

 n is multiplied by 2 in order to split the total volume into test and retain containers

7.7 Collecting Samples from each Growing Area:

7.7.1 Always walk at right angles to the rows of plants. The tester shall always walk toward 

two points opposite each other. See example below.

7.7.2 While walking through the growing area, the inspector shall cut at least n x 2 inflorescences at 

random but convenient distances. Avoid collecting sample specimens from the borders of the field.

7.7.3 The cut shall be made five to eight inches in length from the main stem that includes the leaves 

and flowers, the terminal bud that occurs and the end of the stem, or central cola cut that could develop 
into a bud.

7.7.4 Utilize two sample bags for collecting sample cuttings, arbitrarily dividing the total volume 

equally into two sacks. Ensure that each sack has the minimum number of cuttings, n, as calculated by 

7.6.1. 

7.7.5 Seal each sack and record the sample number. Identify both sample sacks as being the same 

“sample #”. The samples shall be identified using the following system for assigning sample numbering:

The sample number consists of:

Inspector Badge number (ID XXX), Hemp license number (IH XXXX), field number (same as that on sample 

inspection form), Fiscal Year (2016), sample number (starts with one and increases sequentially by one 

for each double sample for FY 2016. 

Both Sample bag labels must have the sample number. 

Once the sample is received by TDA lab personnel, one of the Sample bags will be selected for analysis and 

labeled “Test Specimen”. The other sample will be marked “Retain Specimen” and kept in a secured 

place.

Example of sample Number: 123 1234 01 2016 001

Inspector Hemp Lic Field FY Sequential

Badge No. No. No. No.

Record as: 123 1234 01 2016 001

7.7.6 Complete Industrial Hemp Sample Collection Form. Review form with the responsible party. 

Obtain signatures of responsible party and sign document. Begin custody transfer documents.

7.7.7 Samples must be stored in an area that is locked and secure.

7.7.8 Samples are routed to Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Consumer & Industry Services 

Division, Technical Services Laboratory.
ATTACHMENT F

Hemp Program Certification

by Charlie Hatcher, DVM, Commissioner of Agriculture

Pursuant to 7 C.F.R. § 990, I certify that the Tennessee Department of Agriculture has the 

resources and personnel necessary to carry out each of the practices and procedures identified 

in this plan.

Date: 10/12/2021

Respectfully,

Charlie Hatcher, DVM, Commissioner