Aculops cannabicola, or the hemp russet mite, is striking Washington cannabis growers hard this year. Numerous growers are fighting off these tiny pests, and they are spreading like a plague of locusts. The most frightening fact about these pests is that they are not visible to the naked eye. The size of these guys ranges from 20 to 170 µm long … Read More
It’s marijuana not methamphetamine; Why Going Legal is not like Breaking Bad
Like millions of Americans, some of the folks here at Confidence Analytics are big fans of the show Breaking Bad. With knock-out performances by Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, and an extremely intense script guided by showrunner Vince Gilligan, the series delivers exciting drama with highly-relatable characters, offering a chance to reflect on the war on drugs and the far … Read More
Why 0.877?
We’ve received many customer calls and visitor questions over the years concerning one seemingly arbitrary number. This number is featured in the important calculation for “THCmax”, or total available THC as we like to call it. The calculation looks something like this: THCmax = THC + 0.877 * THCA This number is not at all arbitrary, but where does it … Read More
QA Sampling – Pretense and Protocol
While most growers strive to improve their product with careful growing techniques and handling, there are a few who attempt to employ more…questionable means. As an analytical laboratory operating in a competitive market, the receipt of doctored samples puts us in an awkward position. We’re not generally in the business of turning away samples, but there are times when scientific integrity demands … Read More
The Black List: Pesticides
In addition to the tests required under WAC 314-55-10, new testing requirements are being implemented for Medical Cannabis as it comes under the purview of I502. The new section, WAC 246-70-050, requires testing for 13 prohibited pesticides for all flower, trim, leaves, or other plant matter. Concentrates require testing for 15. The Washington State Dept. of Health issued a post … Read More
Some Relief from the IRS
“A taxpayer who paid the State of Washington marijuana excise tax should treat the expenditure as a reduction in the amount realized on the sale of the property,” says the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting). Per the memo from Thomas D. Moffitt,Chief of Branch 2 of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel, “We interpret the State … Read More