Few moments hit a cannabis brand harder than hearing that a tolling batch returned lower yields than projected. You expected a certain potency and volume, planned inventory around it, and now the numbers aren’t matching. While frustrating, low yields are rarely random. They’re signals that something in the chain—biomass, transport, equipment, or workflow—needs a closer look. Here’s how brands can respond quickly and professionally.
1. Start With the Biomass
Before questioning the tolling lab, always circle back to the starting material. Biomass quality drives everything. Moisture content, age, storage environment, handling, and grind consistency all influence extraction efficiency. Material that oxidized in transport, absorbed moisture, or wasn’t stored correctly can produce significantly less oil.
Request pre-processing COAs from the tolling partner and compare them with your own intake results. If the numbers don’t match, the issue likely started upstream.
2. Review the Tolling Partner’s Workflow
Consistency depends on well-run SOPs. Even a great extractor can deliver uneven yields if machines were overloaded, filters clogged, or parameters adjusted. Ask for a walkthrough of their process or batch notes.
Important questions include:
- Were the machines calibrated for your biomass?
- Were parameters like temperature or solvent ratios changed?
- Did the grind size match what the machine performs best with?
Small operational deviations can create noticeable yield loss.
3. Recalculate Expected Yields Based on Real COAs
Sometimes “low yield” isn’t a failure—it’s simply a mismatch between assumed potency and actual potency. If your internal potency estimates were higher than the COA the lab received, your real theoretical yield drops as well.
This is why brands benefit from forecasting based on verified COA numbers, not vendor promises or informal estimates. A small variance (2–5%) is normal. Bigger gaps need attention.
4. Request a Retest or Second Pass if Results Seem Off
If you notice red flags—unexpected potency drops, an odd machine note, or unusually low output—ask for a retest or a second extraction run. Issues like clogged lines, incorrect packing, or minor temperature swings can impact efficiency.
Reputable tolling partners understand that consistency matters for both sides and generally support reruns if something doesn’t add up.
5. Create a Post-Run Audit Process
One of the best ways to prevent future surprises is to build a systematic post-run review. This should include:
- Comparing actual yields to theoretical yields
- Reviewing machine logs and technician notes
- Checking timestamps for workflow interruptions
- Verifying COAs before and after the run
Audits turn guesswork into clarity and help both sides see where improvements can be made.
6. Strengthen Future Planning
Lower-than-expected yields are frustrating, but they’re also valuable lessons. Use them to refine biomass purchasing standards, implement more controlled transport conditions, or collaborate more closely with your tolling partner.
Brands that invest in these adjustments typically see tighter consistency, fewer surprises, and better cost control.
Low yields aren’t ideal, but they’re not a disaster. They’re data—and data helps you build a stronger, more predictable supply chain moving forward.
