Code of Maine Rules › 18 - DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES › 691 - OFFICE OF MARIJUANA POLICY › Chapter 1 - Adult Use Marijuana Program Rule › Appendix 691-1-A - Maine Adult Use Cannabis Program Sample Collection Standard Operating Procedure for Mandatory Testing

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Section
				  1: Purpose
To explain and standardize the process by which Adult Use
				  Cannabis Program licensees (including without limitation, cultivation facility,
				  products manufacturing facility, cannabis store, sample collector and cannabis
				  testing facility licensees) must collect and transport samples of cannabis,
				  cannabis concentrate and cannabis products for mandatory testing.
Section
				  2: Compliance Documents
Sample collection must be done in compliance with this
				  standard operating procedure (SOP),
Adult Use Cannabis Program
				  Rule
, 18-691 CMR, ch. 1 and
Rules for the Certification of
				  Cannabis Testing Facilities,
18-691 CMR, ch.
5, using techniques described in the Best Practices Guide
				  published by the Department. All licensees collecting samples for mandatory
				  testing must comply with the recordkeeping requirements of Section 3.11 of
				  18-691, ch.1.
Section
				  3: Applicable Matrix or
				  Matrices
This SOP applies to sample collection of cannabis, cannabis
				  concentrate and cannabis products.
Section
				  4: Scope / Field of
				  Application
This SOP covers the requirements for sample collection and
				  transportation for mandatory testing under Maine's Adult Use Cannabis Program.
				  All licensees collecting samples of cannabis, cannabis concentrate and/or
				  cannabis products for mandatory testing must collect samples in accordance with
				  this SOP.
Section
				  5: Summary of Procedure
This SOP describes sample collection procedures for licensees
				  collecting samples for mandatory testing.
Section
				  6: Definitions and
				  Acronyms
1.
Aliquot
is a portion of a sample that is used
				  in an analysis performed by a testing facility.
2.
Analytical Method
is a technique used
				  qualitatively or quantitatively to determine the composition of a sample or a
				  microbial contamination of a sample.
3.
Best Practices Guide
means the
Best
				  Practices for the Sampling of Adult Use Cannabis
published by the
				  Department available at:
				  https://www.maine.gov/dafs/ocp/adult-use/applications-forms. All licensees and
				  any employee of a licensee collecting samples of cannabis, cannabis
				  concentrate, or cannabis products for mandatory testing must collect samples in
				  accordance with the best practices described in the Guide.
4.
CDC
means the Maine Center for Disease
				  Control and Prevention, Cannabis Testing Facility Certification Program.
5.
Chain of Custody Form
means a record, either
				  paper-based or electronic, that documents the possession of the samples at the
				  time of receipt by the cannabis testing facility, in accordance with chain of
				  custody protocol prescribed by the cannabis testing facility. This record, at a
				  minimum, must include the sample location, the number and types of containers,
				  the mode of collection, the authorized individual who collected the sample, the
				  date and time of collection, preservation and requested analyses.
6.
Cultivar
means a specific variety of cannabis
				  produced by selective breeding. Also commonly referred to as a "strain" of
				  cannabis.
7.
Decontaminate
or
decontamination
means cleaning tools, equipment, sample
				  preparation areas and any other required areas or surfaces to neutralize or
				  otherwise remove any analyte of interest, filth and any other material that may
				  be reasonably expected to interfere with the integrity of mandatory test
				  results.
8.
Department
means
				  Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Office of Cannabis
				  Policy.
9.
Harvest Batch
means a specific quantity of
				  adult use cannabis harvested from adult use cannabis plants of the same strain,
				  grown under the same conditions, and harvested during a specified period of
				  time from a specified cultivation area within a cultivation facility.
10.
Homogeneity
means the amount of cannabis or
				  cannabis concentrate and cannabinoids within the product being consistent and
				  reasonably equally dispersed throughout the product or each portion of the
				  product or concentrate, or a representative sample. Sample increments for
				  homogeneity testing must be stored and transported in a separate sample
				  collection container from the larger, combined primary sample.
11.
Increment or Sample Increment
means a
				  smaller sample that, together with other increments, makes up the primary
				  sample.
12.
Licensee
means a natural person or business
				  entity licensed pursuant to 28-B MRS, Chapter 1, subchapters 2 and 5 to operate
				  an adult use cannabis establishment.
13.
Primary Sample
means a portion of cannabis
				  or cannabis products collected from a harvest or production batch for testing.
				  Also referred to as a "composite sample".
14.
Production Batch
means a specific quantity
				  of cannabis concentrate or a cannabis product that is produced during a
				  specified period of time using the same extraction and/or manufacturing method,
				  formulation and/or recipe and standard operating procedure.
15.
Random Sampling
is a procedure in which the
				  selection of sample increments from a batch of cannabis product is based on
				  chance, and every element of the batch has a probability of being selected.
				  Random sampling helps produce representative cannabis samples by eliminating
				  certain types of biases.
16.
Representative Sample
is a sample that
				  accurately reflects the characteristics of the larger batch of cannabis
				  product.
17.
Requester
means a person who submits a
				  request to a licensed cannabis testing facility for State-mandated testing of
				  cannabis or cannabis products.
18.
Sample
means, as applicable, an amount
				  of:
a. Cannabis, cannabis concentrate or cannabis product
				  collected from an adult use cannabis establishment for mandatory
				  testing:
i. By an employee of a testing facility in accordance with
				   28-B MRS
				  §604 and this Rule;
ii. By a sample collector, in accordance with
				  28-B MRS
				  §604 and this Rule; or iii. By a
				  self-sampler in accordance with
				  28-B
				  MRS §604-A and this Rule;
b. Cannabis, cannabis concentrate or cannabis product
				  provided to a testing facility by a cannabis establishment or other person for
				  mandatory testing or testing for research and development purposes in
				  accordance with 28-B MRS, chapter 1; or
c. Adult use cannabis or adult use cannabis product
				  collected from a licensee by the Department for the purposes of testing the
				  cannabis or cannabis product for quality control purposes pursuant to
				  28-B
				  MRS §512(2).
19.
Sample Collector
means a person licensed
				  pursuant to this Rule and 28-B MRS, ch. 1 to collect samples of cannabis and
				  cannabis products for testing and to transport and deliver those samples to a
				  testing facility. A sample collector must hold a valid individual
				  identification card ("IIC").
20.
Self-sampler
or
Self-sampling
				  licensee
means a cultivation facility, products manufacturing facility
				  or cannabis store licensee that collects samples of cannabis, cannabis
				  concentrate and cannabis products for mandatory testing or an employee of a
				  cultivation facility, products manufacturing facility or cannabis store
				  licensee who collects samples of cannabis, cannabis concentrate and cannabis
				  products for that licensee for mandatory testing. Any individual collecting
				  samples for mandatory testing must hold a valid individual identification card
				  ("IIC").
21.
Sterilization
or
Sterilize
means cleaning tools, equipment, sample preparation areas and any other
				  required areas or surfaces to destroy and remove all forms of life present in
				  those areas which may be reasonably expected to interfere with the integrity of
				  mandatory test results, specifically, microbiological impurities. In the
				  context of this guide, areas and surfaces that have been cleaned in this manner
				  are "sterile".
Section 7: Safety
The safety rules of each facility to be sampled will be
				  followed with no exceptions.
Each facility will be responsible for educating any sample
				  collector or employee of a cannabis testing facility collecting samples for
				  mandatory testing of the rules and safety requirements of the facility where
				  samples for mandatory testing are collected.
All safety rules will be followed as dictated by Maine motor
				  vehicle and traffic laws.
Cross-contamination from site to site must be considered
				  during every step of the sample collection process. A sample collector or
				  employee of a cannabis testing facility collecting samples for mandatory
				  testing must decontaminate any reusable tools or equipment used for sample
				  collection at more than one facility or sampling site between sample collection
				  events.
Section 8: Pre-Sample Collection
				  Procedure
The following pre-sample collection procedure applies to
				  self-sampling licensees or sample collector licensees collecting samples for
				  mandatory testing:
1) The requester, and if applicable, the sample collector,
				  must keep records of the sample collection information required in Section 3.11
				  of 18-69
				  1, ch. 1.
2) The self-sampler or sample collector must contact the
				  cannabis testing facility(ies) conducting analyses for mandatory testing prior
				  to collecting any samples.
3) The self-sampler or sample collector licensee must keep
				  records of the instructions given to the self-sampler or sample collector
				  licensee by the cannabis testing facility conducting the analyses.
4) The self-sampler or sample collector must collect samples
				  for mandatory testing in accordance with this SOP, the Department's Best
				  Practices Guide, and instructions given to the licensee by the cannabis testing
				  facility conducting the mandatory analyses.
The following pre-sample collection procedure applies to a
				  cannabis testing facility licensee collecting samples for mandatory
				  testing:
1) A cannabis testing facility collecting samples for
				  mandatory testing from an adult use licensee must keep records of the sample
				  collection event in accordance with its site-specific sample collection SOP, if
				  any, and this rule.
2) A cannabis testing facility collecting samples for
				  mandatory testing must conduct its sample collection and sample transport in
				  accordance with this SOP, the Department's Best Practices Guide, and any other
				  requirements of the cannabis testing facility's quality system.
Section 9: Materials Required - Equipment and
				  Supplies
The following equipment and supplies must be used for sample
				  collection as applicable:
NOTE: Images and examples of the sample collection equipment
				  and supplies listed below are included in the Department's Best Practices
				  Guide.
Spatulas (disposable or stainless steel).
									Forceps (disposable or stainless steel).
									Field balance (capable of 0.01g
					 measurements).
									Calibrated verification weights appropriate to verify
					 accuracy of field balance.
									Mylar bags / amber jars / or equivalent, certified
					 clean (for metals, water activity and moisture content, filth and foreign
					 matter analyses).
									Amber jars or equivalent, certified clean (for
					 pesticide and potency analyses).
									Borosilicate VOA vials or equivalent, certified clean
					 (for residual solvent analysis).
									Sterile Amber Bottles/ Whirl-Pak bags/ or equivalent
					 (for microbial analyses).
									NIST traceable thermometer or infrared thermometer gun
					 calibrated every 6 months.
									Coolers and ice packs or other appropriate
					 refrigeration to maintain collected samples at required temperature, as
					 appropriate.
									A transport manifest generated by the inventory
					 tracking system for tracking all collected samples from the sample collection
					 site to the cannabis testing facility.
									Pens with indelible ink.
									Security tamper evident tape labeled with "For Testing
					 Purposes Only."
									Sample labels.
									Equipment logbook.
									Disposable 1mL (or larger) syringes or pipettes (for
					 liquid transfer).
									Sterile/sanitized nitrile, latex, or rubber
					 gloves.
									Teri-Wipes, Clorox wipes or equivalent.
									Transport container for cannabis material that is
					 stored at room temperature.
									Transport container that meets any matrix-specific
					 storage requirements.
NOTE: For sample collectors or employees of cannabis testing
				  facilities, sample collection tools and supplies
may
be
				  provided by the requester at the location to be sampled; this will minimize the
				  possibility of outside contamination. The requester may also supply all
				  necessary sample collection equipment and sample containers. The requester
				  should receive guidance from the testing facility regarding what types and
				  sizes of sample collection containers should be used. The testing facility may
				  also ship or drop off sample collection containers to the requester in
				  preparation of the sampling event.
Any self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a cannabis
				  testing facility that uses re-usable sample collection tools and equipment must
				  keep a log of cleaning and sterilization for every re-usable sample collection
				  tool and equipment used.
Section
				  10: Reagents and
				  Standards
The following reagents or standards may be used to clean
				  reusable sample collection tools and equipment:
Cleaning supplies - solvent, bleach, 70% ethanol,
					 etc.
									Deionized Water The self-sampler, sample collector or
					 employee of a cannabis testing facility that cleans reusable sample collection
					 tools and equipment will be responsible for keeping a log of cleaning and
					 supplies used.
The self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a cannabis
				  testing facility that cleans reusable sample collection tools and equipment
				  will be responsible for keeping a log of cleaning and supplies used.
NOTE: Some cleaning supplies, such as alcohol or ethanol, are
				  solvents which are tested for pursuant to Maine's mandatory testing
				  requirements. To that end, it is important that reusable sample collection
				  tools that are used to collect sample increments for residual solvent testing
				  are not cleaned using alcohol or ethanol.
Section
				  11: Sample collection, preservation,
				  shipment and storage
Further guidance on how to perform the sample collection
				  procedures outlined below, including selection of appropriate sample collection
				  equipment and tools based upon matrix type, collection of random sample
				  increments, etc. is included in the Department's Best Practice Guide.
Representative Sampling
When sampling a batch, the self-sampler, sample collector, or
				  employee of a cannabis testing facility collecting samples for mandatory
				  testing shall check for any signs of non-uniformity. Some obvious indicators
				  may be different types or sizes of containers, variations in marks and labels,
				  or mixed batch numbers. During sample collection, the self-sampler, sample
				  collector, or employee of a cannabis testing facility shall look for
				  differences in the usable cannabis being sampled such as color, shape, size,
				  and treatment. The batch must be uniform for all factors that appear on the
				  label; hence, variations in the product may indicate nonuniformity in the batch
				  and any sample collected may not be representative for testing. The
				  self-sampler, sample collector, or employee of a cannabis testing facility
				  shall note these anomalies in the sample collection records kept by the
				  licensee in accordance with Section 3.11 of 18-691 CMR, ch.1.
General procedural guidelines that apply to all sample
				  collection include:
a. The self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a
				  cannabis testing facility must be given access to the entire batch.
b. The self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a
				  cannabis testing facility must use of appropriate sampling equipment.
c. The self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a
				  cannabis testing facility must consistently follow sample collection procedures
				  based upon matrix type.
d. The self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a
				  cannabis testing facility must take equal portions for each sample
				  increment.
e. The self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a
				  cannabis testing facility must randomly select sample increments throughout the
				  batch to ensure a representative sample.
f. The self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a
				  cannabis testing facility must obtain at least a minimum number of sample
				  increments.
g. The self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a
				  cannabis testing facility must record all observations and procedures used
				  while collecting the sample increments in the sample collection records kept in
				  accordance with Section 3.11 of 18-691 CMR, ch.1.
h. All samples collection containers must be sealed with
				  tamper evident seals in front of a witness, who must be an individual
				  identification cardholder employed by the requester. Both the self-sampler,
				  sample collector, or employee of a cannabis testing facility and the witness
				  must initial and record the time and date of sealing on the tamper evident
				  seal(s) and must further sign and date an attestation in accordance with the
				  sample collection recordkeeping requirements of Section 3.11 of 18-691 CMR,
				  ch.1.
Random Sampling
Sample increments should be randomly selected from different
				  locations within the batch, which could be comprised of a container or set of
				  containers, including prepackaged units of cannabis products. Random samples
				  are determined by using the procedure below.
a. Determine the size of the batch and how many containers
				  make up the batch.
b. Determine the number of samples needed based on the batch
				  size.
c. Count the number of containers in batch.
d. Randomly select the containers to be sampled. The
				  self-sampler, sample collector, or employee of a cannabis testing facility must
				  have a random number generator or other means of randomly selecting sample
				  increment units.
e. Record the container numbers to be sampled in the sample
				  collection records.
f. Take the same approximate weight from each container that
				  is sampled.
Sampling a Batch of Cannabis Flower, Trim, or
				  Pre-rolled Cannabis Cigarettes
A harvest batch of cannabis flower, trim, or pre-rolled
				  (uninfused) cannabis cigarettes must be sampled in accordance with the
				  following table based upon the weight of the harvest batch after it has been
				  "dried" or "cured".
Harvest Batch Weight Range*
Composite Sample Amount*
<= 2.5 kg
6.5 g (13 increments of 0.5 grams each)
2.5 kg < w <= 5 kg
9.5 g (19 increments of 0.5 grams each)
5 kg < w <= 7.5 kg
16 g (16 increments of 1 gram each)
7.5 kg < w <= 10 kg
22 g (22 increments of 1 gram each)
*For harvest batches in excess of 10 kg, the harvest batch
				  must be divided and sampled in batches of 10 kg or less.
1. Weigh the empty sample container(s) and record the weight
				  in the sample collection records.
2. Locate the batch to be sampled.
3. Review the container label information for harvest lot
				  number, producer, and other pertinent information and match to the sampling
				  request or transport information, as applicable.
4. Record the batch size and number of containers in the
				  batch as reported by the requester.
5. Select the appropriate sampling tool to ensure that it
				  reaches all portions of the container.
6. Visually inspect each test sample increment to assess
				  uniformity, if non-uniformity is identified, record observation in the sample
				  collection record. It is expected there will be variable sizes and appearance
				  of flower material.
7. For harvest batches of cannabis flower, trim or pre-rolled
				  cannabis cigarettes stored in storage containers such as plastic tubs, the
				  harvest batch containers shall be sampled in a spatial pattern to ensure that
				  each region of the container has been sampled.
8. When collecting sample increments, approximately equal
				  amounts of product are to be taken with each increment and from each container.
				  Care must be taken by the self-sampler, sample collector, or employee of a
				  cannabis testing facility to not damage any portion of the product that is
				  being sampled or any portion of the product that remains.
9. Collect sample increments (minimum of twelve) from random
				  locations as determined above throughout the sample batch into a large sterile
				  container. Sample increments for homogeneity testing must be placed in
				  separate, sterile containers.
10. The sample increments should be collected, and each
				  increment should be packaged in accordance with the requirements identified by
				  the cannabis testing facility(ies) conducting the mandatory analyses.
11. Combine all sample increments to form the composite
				  sample(s) as directed by the cannabis testing facility. Please note: sample
				  increments to analyze homogeneity will require separate sample
				  containers.
12. Weigh and record the weight of the sample(s) in the
				  sample collection record.
13. Seal and label the composite sample(s). The self-sampler,
				  sample collector or employee of a cannabis testing facility must seal each
				  container holding sampled material using tamper evident seals bearing a unique
				  tamper seal number in the presence of a witness who is an IIC-holder employed
				  by the requester. Both the self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a
				  cannabis testing facility and the witness must initial and date the seal and
				  sign the required attestation.
14. Complete the sample collection record while at the
				  sampling location and generate an appropriate transport manifest and test
				  sample labels in the inventory tracking system. Make sure all notes, containers
				  sampled, and all field information is appropriately recorded.
Sampling Unpackaged Servings or Prepackaged Retail
				  Units of Cannabis Concentrate and Cannabis Products
For unpackaged or prepackaged samples, based on batch size,
				  the required number of increments collected from each batch is listed in the
				  following chart. Each sample increment is one serving of an unpackaged retail
				  unit or one prepackaged unit for retail sale (i.e. one unpackaged serving or
				  one pre-packaged retail unit containing multiple servings is one sample
				  increment).
# of Unpackaged servings or
							 Prepackaged Units in Production Batch*
Number of Sample
							 increments**
Where to take samples:
<= 50
2 units
One from beginning and one from end
51-150
3 units
Beginning(1), Middle(1), End (1)
151-500
5 units
Beginning (2), Middle (2), End (1)
501-1200
8 units
Beginning (3), Middle (2), End (3)
1201-3200
13 units
Beginning (4), Middle (5), End (4)
3201-10000
20 units
Beginning (6), Middle (7), End (7)
*For production batches in excess of 10,000 units, the
				  production batch must be divided and sampled in batches of 10,000 units or
				  less.
**Depending on the weight of the prepackaged samples, more
				  than the listed number of increments may need to be taken as directed by the
				  cannabis testing facility.
The increments sampled should cover the range of the batch.
				  See table above.
1. Weigh the empty sample container(s) and record the weight
				  in the sample collection record.
2. Locate the batch to be sampled.
3. Review the container label information for production
				  batch number, producer, and other pertinent information and match to the
				  sampling request or transport information.
4. Record the batch size and number of containers in the
				  batch as reported by the requester.
5. For unpackaged sample increments, select the appropriate
				  sampling tool to ensure that it reaches all portions of the container.
6. Visually inspect each test sample increment to assess
				  uniformity, if non-uniformity is identified, record observation in the sample
				  collection record
7. Randomly select unpackaged or prepackaged sample
				  increments from the beginning third, middle third, and end third of the
				  container(s) holding the unpackaged servings or prepackaged retail units. For
				  unpackaged sample increments, sample increments for homogeneity testing must be
				  placed in separate, sterile containers.
8. Weigh and record the weight of the sample(s) in the sample
				  collection record.
9. Seal and label the composite sample(s). The self-sampler,
				  sample collector or employee of a cannabis testing facility must seal each
				  container holding sampled material using tamper evident seals bearing a unique
				  tamper seal number in the presence of a witness who is an IIC-holder employed
				  by the requester. Both the self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a
				  cannabis testing facility and the witness must initial and date the seal and
				  sign the required attestation.
10. Complete the sample collection record while at the
				  sampling location and generate an appropriate transport manifest and test
				  sample labels in the inventory tracking system. Make sure all notes, containers
				  sampled, and all field information is appropriately recorded.
Sampling Shatter/Wax/Slab Concentrates
For cannabis concentrate, based on batch weight, the required
				  number of sample increments is listed in the following chart.
Production Batch Weight*
Composite sample amount
<= 0.5 kg
6 g (12 increments of 0.5 grams each)
0.5 kg < w <= 1 kg
8 g (16 increments of 0.5 grams each)
1 kg < w <= 1.5 kg
10 g (20 increments of 0.5 grams each)
1.5 kg < w <= 2 kg
12 g (24 increments of 0.5 grams
							 each)
2 kg < w <= 5 kg
14 g (28 increments of 0.5 grams each)
*For production batches in excess of 5 kg, the production
				  batch must be divided and sampled in batches of 5 kg or less.
Note: The shatter, wax, or other concentrate slab may have
				  varying degrees of thickness; thus, the amounts of cannabinoids or potential
				  residual solvent(s) may vary with the thickness of the concentrate. It is
				  important that the samples taken are equivalent from each region of thickness
				  to provide a representative sampling of the overall product. The thinner
				  portions of the concentrate slab will have more surface area exposed allowing
				  for a higher rate of diffusion of residual solvents from the wax or shatter
				  than the thicker portions.
1. Weigh the empty sample container(s) and record the weight
				  in the sample collection record.
2. Locate the batch to be sampled.
3. Review the container label information for production
				  batch number, producer, and other pertinent information and match to the
				  sampling request or transport information.
4. Record the batch size and number of containers in the
				  batch as reported by the requester.
5. Identify three (3) thicknesses or regions to the
				  product.
6. Using spatula or forceps, collect the determined number of
				  sample increments needed from each region of the overall production batch to
				  meet the minimum number of increments required above.
7. Collect sample increments (minimum of twelve) from random
				  locations throughout the sample batch into a container. Sample increments for
				  homogeneity testing must be placed in separate, sterile containers.
8. Weigh and record the weight of the sample(s) in the sample
				  collection record..
9. Seal and label the sample containers. The self-sampler,
				  sample collector or employee of a cannabis testing facility must seal each
				  container holding sampled material using tamper evident seals bearing a unique
				  tamper seal number in the presence of a witness who is an IIC-holder employed
				  by the requester. Both the self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a
				  cannabis testing facility and the witness must initial and date the seal and
				  sign the required attestation.
10. Complete the sample collection record while at the
				  sampling location and generate an appropriate transport manifest and test
				  sample labels in the inventory tracking system. Make sure all notes, containers
				  sampled, and all field information is appropriately recorded.
Sampling Oils, Tinctures, and Other
				  Liquids
Unless already prepackaged into individual retail units (see
				  above), sample increments of oils or tinctures will be collected from
				  container(s) holding the production batch of the oil or tincture in accordance
				  with the following chart.
Production Batch Weight*
Composite Sample Amount
<= 0.5 kg
6 g (12 increments of 0.5 grams each)
0.5 kg < w <= 1 kg
8 g (16 increments of 0.5 grams each)
1 kg < w <= 1.5 kg
10 g (20 increments of 0.5 grams each)
1.5 kg < w <= 2 kg
12 g (24 increments of 0.5 grams each)
2 kg < w <= 5 kg
14 g (28 increments of 0.5 grams each)
*For production batches in excess of 5 kg, the production
				  batch must be divided and sampled in batches of 5 kg or less.
Note: The container holding the oil or tincture shall be
				  inverted a minimum of three times to ensure that the oil or tincture is
				  homogenous. Each inversion shall be complete, i.e., the oil shall flow to the
				  cap of the container and back to the base three times. Viscous substances such
				  as oil may need to be allowed to come to room temperature before inversion
				  occurs. A self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a cannabis testing
				  facility may allow viscous substances to come to room temperature to promote
				  inversion.
1. Weigh the empty sample container(s) and record the weight
				  in the sample collection record.
2. Locate the batch to be sampled.
3. Review the container label information for production
				  batch number, producer, and other pertinent information and match to the
				  sampling request or transport information.
4. Record the batch size and number of containers in the
				  batch as reported by the requester.
5. Invert oil as described above.
6. Weigh and record the weight and of the production batch in
				  the sample collection record.
7. Using a 0.5 mL, 1.0 mL, 10.0 mL or other appropriate
				  sterile disposable pipette4 or syringe, remove the
				  sample amount for each sample to be collected into sterile vial or other
				  appropriate container as directed by the cannabis testing facility. The sample
				  increments (minimum of twelve) shall be taken at different depths of the oil or
				  tincture to ensure that the oil or tincture is sampled representatively. The
				  top third of the container, middle third of the container, and bottom third of
				  the container must be sampled. Sample increments for homogeneity testing must
				  be placed in separate, sterile containers.
8. Weigh and record the weight of the sample(s) in the sample
				  collection record.
9. Seal and label the sample containers. The self-sampler,
				  sample collector or employee of a cannabis testing facility must seal each
				  container holding sampled material using tamper evident seal bearing a
				  unique
10. Complete the sample collection record while at the
				  sampling location and generate an appropriate transport manifest and test
				  sample labels in the inventory tracking system. Make sure all notes, containers
				  sampled, and all field information are appropriately record.
Note: Sample amounts collected will be no less than the
				  minimum sample size required by Table 5.5-A in
Rules for the
				  Certification of Cannabis Testing Facilities,
18-691 CMR, ch.5. That
				  table is reproduced in sections above. If there is a discrepancy between the
				  tables above and Table 5.5-A, the table in the rule controls. A testing
				  facility may require that additional sample material be taken for quality
				  control samples.
Section 12: Sample Transportation and
				  Receipt
The licensee collecting samples for mandatory testing must
				  transport those samples to the cannabis testing facility(ies) conducting the
				  analyses, except that a cannabis testing facility may offer a service to
				  retrieve samples collected from a self-sampler at the cannabis establishment
				  where the samples were collected. All samples must be accompanied by a
				  transport manifest generated by the METRC inventory tracking system in
				  accordance with the requirements of Section 4 of the
Adult Use Cannabis
				  Program Rule
18-691 CMR, ch.1.
Except as noted in
Sampling Oils, Tinctures and
				  Other
Liquids, samples must be maintained at all times during
				  collection and transport at the temperature at which the cannabis, cannabis
				  concentrate or cannabis product is stored to prevent microbial growth. The
				  self-sampler, sample collector or employee of a cannabis testing facility must
				  provide appropriate refrigeration during transport for samples requiring
				  refrigeration.
Self-samplers and sample collectors must deliver samples to a
				  cannabis testing facility in accordance with any instructions or restrictions
				  indicated by the cannabis testing facility during its pre-sampling discussion
				  with the self-sampler or sample collector.
Cannabis testing facilities must receive and account for all
				  samples for mandatory testing in accordance with the testing facility's SOP
				  regarding sample receipt. A testing facility must inspect all samples upon
				  receipt and promptly notify the requester, and if applicable, the sample
				  collector, if samples are rejected and the reason for such rejection and record
				  the same in the sample collection record and in the inventory tracking
				  system.
Section 13: Recording Sampling Events in METRC
				  Inventory Tracking System
Self-samplers, sample collectors, and employees of a cannabis
				  testing facility must track all inventory, including sample collection events,
				  in accordance with the user guide provided by the Department's required
				  inventory tracking system.
Section 14: Quality Control
A cannabis testing facility may require any licensee to
				  collect and remit additional sample increments or analytic blanks (e.g.
				  equipment, trip, field blanks) as required by the testing facility's quality
				  system.
At all times, licensees, including cannabis testing
				  facilities, must comply with their Department-approved standard operating
				  procedures, including this SOP and the licensee's quality control
				  system.
Section 15: Calibration and
				  Standardization
The field balance must be initially verified as within the
				  standards listed in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
				  Handbook by a scale dealer or repairman registered pursuant to
				  10 MRS
				  §2651, and calibrated on a yearly
				  basis.
The field verification weights must be calibrated on a yearly
				  basis.
The field balance must be verified each day it is use with
				  weights that bracket the range of use. These verifications will be documented
				  and recorded in the equipment log maintained by the self-sampler, sample
				  collector or employee of a cannabis testing facility collecting samples for
				  mandatory testing.
Section 16: Waste Management
All waste must be disposed of in accordance with the
Adult Use Cannabis Program Rule
, 18-691 CMR, ch.1.
Section 17: Documentation
The following Quality Records shall be generated and managed
				  for every sample collected:
Required
							 Record
Form
							 Steward
Copies to be Retained
							 By
Sample collection record, to be completed by licensee
							 collecting samples
Licensee collecting samples for mandatory
							 testing
Licensee collecting samples for mandatory
							 testing
Transport Manifest, generated by METRC, to accompany
							 every sample from sampling site to cannabis testing facility
Office of Cannabis Policy
2 copies per
Adult Use Cannabis Program
							 Rule
Chain-of-Custody Form, per cannabis testing facility
							 SOP
Cannabis Testing Facility Licensees
Per cannabis testing facility SOP as
							 applicable
Section 18: Sample Collector Signatures
By signing below the self-sampler, sample collector, or
				  employee of a cannabis testing facility collecting samples for mandatory
				  testing affirms that they have read, understand and agree to follow this
				  current version of the SOP. They also agree that they have read and understood
				  the
Adult Use Cannabis Program Rule
, 18-691 CMR, ch. 1,
Rules for the Certification of Cannabis Testing Facilities,
18-691 CMR, ch. 5, this SOP and the Best Practices Guide.
Name__________________ Signature:____________________
				  Date:_______
Name__________________ Signature:____________________
				  Date:_______
Name__________________ Signature:____________________
				  Date:_______
Name__________________ Signature:____________________
				  Date:_______
Name__________________ Signature:____________________
				  Date:_______
Name__________________ Signature:____________________
				  Date:_______
Fiscal impact note, included pursuant to
				  5 MRS §8063:
				  The Department estimates that the changes implemented by this rulemaking will
				  have a
de minimus
fiscal impact on municipalities and
				  counties.
4Licensees must ensure that
				  samples of liquid or other viscous materials are measured by weight and not
				  volume. tamper seal number in the presence of a witness who is an IIC-holder
				  employed by the requester. Both the self-sampler, sample collector or employee
				  of a cannabis testing facility and the witness must initial and date the seal
				  and sign the required attestation.