Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Morgan Keefer presents "Frequently Identified Nonconformances Applicable to Cannabis Testing" at CannMed 2026, covering cannabis testing labs, ISO 17025, and laboratory accreditation.
This presentation discusses frequent findings from assessments specific to cannabis testing laboratories. Discussion includes the challenges that arise due to the illegality of crossing state lines with cannabis and how this may impact the testing of compliance samples, as well as the discrepancy of sampling practices between states, including across different matrices. The presentation covers various requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard and how these can be used to identify and act on improvements rather than simply checking a box. It also looks at examples of certificates of analysis for basic reporting requirements, discusses the common application of simple acceptance decision rules, and closes with the overall potential impact on results over time. This includes quotes from several qualified technical assessors of cannabis testing laboratories.
Learning Objectives:
⦿ Through review of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 nonconformances identified over the past several years during assessments of cannabis testing laboratories, participants will learn what is and is not required through discussion of common findings and their potential implications
⦿ Explore best practices and opportunities for improvement as opposed to just checking the box, with examples specific to cannabis. Attendees will learn that a laboratory can be fully compliant in one area while still having significant room for improvement elsewhere
⦿ For consumers, a better understanding of product labels and certificates of analysis. For processors and manufacturers, a better understanding of third-party laboratory vetting tactics. For laboratories, a better understanding of focus areas for internal audits
Morgan Keefer worked with A2LA between March 2022 and November 2025 and is well versed in the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, having worked with and assessed multiple cannabis testing laboratories across the United States. Prior to joining A2LA, she worked in an A2LA accredited cannabis testing laboratory in Maryland, and before that in a non-accredited food testing laboratory in Pennsylvania. While working in the cannabis testing laboratory, she primarily conducted cannabinoid and microbial analyses. Morgan is passionate about consumer safety in the cannabis industry and believes in the importance of testing both cannabis and hemp products. While at A2LA, she presented on laboratory shopping, proficiency testing, and microbial testing in the cannabis industry at the Cannabis Science Conference, A2LA's Annual Conference, PITTCON, and CannMed 2025.
This presentation was given at the CannMed 2026 Innovation & Collaboration Summit, held June 15-18 at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort. Visit cannmedevents.com to learn more.
Morgan Keefer presents "Frequently Identified Nonconformances Applicable to Cannabis Testing" at CannMed 2026, covering cannabis testing labs, ISO 17025, and laboratory accreditation.
This presentation discusses frequent findings from assessments specific to cannabis testing laboratories. Discussion includes the challenges that arise due to the illegality of crossing state lines with cannabis and how this may impact the testing of compliance samples, as well as the discrepancy of sampling practices between states, including across different matrices. The presentation covers various requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard and how these can be used to identify and act on improvements rather than simply checking a box. It also looks at examples of certificates of analysis for basic reporting requirements, discusses the common application of simple acceptance decision rules, and closes with the overall potential impact on results over time. This includes quotes from several qualified technical assessors of cannabis testing laboratories.
Learning Objectives:
⦿ Through review of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 nonconformances identified over the past several years during assessments of cannabis testing laboratories, participants will learn what is and is not required through discussion of common findings and their potential implications
⦿ Explore best practices and opportunities for improvement as opposed to just checking the box, with examples specific to cannabis. Attendees will learn that a laboratory can be fully compliant in one area while still having significant room for improvement elsewhere
⦿ For consumers, a better understanding of product labels and certificates of analysis. For processors and manufacturers, a better understanding of third-party laboratory vetting tactics. For laboratories, a better understanding of focus areas for internal audits
Morgan Keefer worked with A2LA between March 2022 and November 2025 and is well versed in the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, having worked with and assessed multiple cannabis testing laboratories across the United States. Prior to joining A2LA, she worked in an A2LA accredited cannabis testing laboratory in Maryland, and before that in a non-accredited food testing laboratory in Pennsylvania. While working in the cannabis testing laboratory, she primarily conducted cannabinoid and microbial analyses. Morgan is passionate about consumer safety in the cannabis industry and believes in the importance of testing both cannabis and hemp products. While at A2LA, she presented on laboratory shopping, proficiency testing, and microbial testing in the cannabis industry at the Cannabis Science Conference, A2LA's Annual Conference, PITTCON, and CannMed 2025.
This presentation was given at the CannMed 2026 Innovation & Collaboration Summit, held June 15-18 at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort. Visit cannmedevents.com to learn more.
