Aaron Riley, CEO of Certified Testing and Data, introduced the Cannaleptic rating system, designed to provide a standardized, consumer-centric evaluation of cannabis products.
This system goes beyond basic compliance testing by incorporating sensory feedback data from consumers. The methodology combines traditional lab results (cannabinoid, terpene, and safety testing) with detailed questionnaires that assess various attributes like aroma, flavor, effects, and appearance.
The primary goal of the Cannaleptic system is to simplify consumer choice in the complex cannabis market. Aaron Riley emphasized that consumers drive the industry, and a reliable, easy-to-understand metric is needed to assess product value beyond just potency. The Cannaleptic rating distills extensive data into a single number, making it easier for consumers to understand the overall effects and quality of a product. This rating serves as a form of certification, valid for 12 months as long as subsequent lab tests remain within a 20% variance of the original tested attributes.