At Three Trees, we understand that quality matters. California’s current requirements for cannabis testing are already among the most rigorous in the country, which means every product on our shelves meets a high standard for safety. But as the legal cannabis industry evolves, new advancements are emerging. “Category 4” testing is the newest industry-led initiative that is bringing consumers even more options and peace of mind.
Read on to learn more about both current CAT 3 standards and what the new wave of CAT 4 will bring.
Setting New Standards in Cannabis Safety
While it is not required by law yet, cannabis industry leaders have begun to define a “CAT 4 testing” panel that goes beyond the state of California’s current testing requirements. The additional pesticide testing is most relevant for products like vapes, where high-potency concentrates may carry higher levels of residual contaminants. While all of our products at Three Trees Delivery meet California’s strict Category 3 safety standards, the proposed CAT 4 testing panel represents an extra level of care that a few brands are now choosing to adopt.
Whether you’re exploring CAT 4 products or sticking with trusted favorites, our commitment at Three Trees Delivery is to bring you safe, quality cannabis every time.
Understanding California’s Current Cannabis Testing Standards
What Does California’s DCC Require Testing For?
Cannabis products in California’s legal market go through some of the most rigorous testing in the country to make sure that every product meets essential safety requirements. The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) mandates testing for various contaminants to protect consumer health and maintain product quality, to give consumers confidence in what they’re consuming. The current mandate began on December 31st, 2018, and is known as Category 3 (CAT 3) or Phase III testing.
Key Elements of California Cannabis Testing Requirements (Cat 3)
- Pesticides: the DCC currently mandates testing for 66 pesticides to prevent harmful residues in cannabis products.
- Heavy Metals: All products are tested for heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. These elements naturally occur in soil and can accumulate in plants.
- Residual Solvents: Specific solvent testing in cannabis concentrates and extracts ensures that any solvents used during production, like butane or ethanol, are kept within safe limits.
- Mycotoxins: Certain mycotoxins (which are produced by molds and fungi), such as aflatoxins, are additionally tested to guarantee the purity of cannabis products.
- Microbial Impurities: Products are also screened for microbial impurities, including the bacteria E. coli and Salmonella, further ensuring each item is safe for consumption.
These strict cannabis testing standards in California allow consumers to trust that all products in the legal market meet high safety and quality requirements.
But, for those who seek an even higher level of assurance and purity, read on. A few pioneering brands are going beyond these requirements with a new panel they are calling Category 4 (CAT 4) testing.
What is CAT 4 Testing? Going Beyond California’s Standard Cannabis Testing
While California’s CAT 3 cannabis testing standards provide a strong safety foundation, the proposed Category 4 (CAT 4) testing goes a step further. By expanding the testing panel scope from 66 to 380 pesticides and contaminants, the CAT 4 testing panel provides consumers with enhanced protection. This level of testing is especially valuable for vapes and concentrates, where pesticide residues can be more concentrated in cannabis oils.
It is important to note that CAT 4 testing is not yet required or recognized by the DCC at this time– it is a proactive choice that brands and retailers are embracing. CAT 4 is an proposed enhancement to the current safety foundation already in place through DCC standards.
The concept of Category 4 testing has been an industry-led initiative that emerged in response to growing concerns about the adequacy of current testing standards. A recent article in the LA Times, The Dirty Secret of California’s Legal Weed, exposed contamination issues in some legal products that had passed CAT 3 testing. This investigation then sparked an increased focus on safety across the industry. In turn, this prompted forward-thinking brands to begin ideating the next level of quality standards for cannabis testing.
Certain cannabis brands and retailers, notably Catalyst and Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs, have spearheaded this new CAT 4 testing. Catalyst CEO Elliot Lewis publicly advocated for more rigorous testing after independent tests showed unsafe pesticide levels in many cannabis products, especially in concentrates like vapes. Since then, many other brands have rallied behind Lewis and begun to adopt this new CAT 4 testing panel that he introduced.
Why CAT 4 Matters:
For consumers who may be sensitive to certain pesticides, along with those who prioritize the purity and safety of their cannabis, CAT 4 testing provides an additional layer of security. CAT 4 testing is most relevant in vapes and other concentrated products with high potency, where cannabis compounds are distilled down into a smaller amount of oil.
Concentrates can, quite literally, concentrate the pesticide residues similarly to how they concentrate cannabinoids. This makes the comprehensive screening of CAT 4 particularly beneficial for high-potency and high-efficiency vapes. This news may come as a shock if you were not aware of the risks, but there is good news– We’ve been looking out for you already.
Our CAT4 Tested Vapes and Trusted Quality
Three Trees is dedicated to offering cannabis products that meet different preferences and needs—all without compromising on safety or quality. For those seeking the added peace of mind that comes with CAT 4 testing, we proudly feature Hype Train, a brand committed to taking cannabis purity a step further.
Hype Train Vapes
Have Confidence in Your Concentrate
Hype Train’s CAT 4 tested vapes undergo expanded pesticide screening to deliver a cleaner product for those who value this level of purity.
Raw Garden
For the Purists
Known for purity and consistent quality, Raw Garden delivers full-spectrum live resin carts that meet the highest of standards.
Kanha Edibles
Nanotechnology and a Zero Pesticide Policy
Clean, precisely dosed edibles with a focus on quality and safety. Kanha has made a commitment to transition all of its products to CAT 4 testing and will become the first CAT 4 edible on the Three Trees menu.
Whether you’re choosing a CAT 4-certified product or another trusted favorite, each brand on our shelves meets California’s high standards, providing you with safe, quality options you can rely on.
CAT 4 and the Future of Cannabis Safety Standards
CAT 4 testing is more than just a series of tests—it represents the direction the cannabis industry may be headed as consumer demand for safety and transparency grows. By expanding the scope of available testing to nearly 400 pesticides, CAT 4 is setting a new benchmark that could drive future regulatory standards across the industry.
At Three Trees Delivery, we’re committed to supporting the evolution of our customers, products, and our industry. It is our mission to ensure that our offerings align with the highest standards available. Even if you didn’t ask for it, you can rest assured that we’ll still continue to evolve and offer products that align with our commitment to safe, reliable cannabis.
