About Cannabis Testing Laboratory Accreditation
A2LA is the leader in cannabis and hemp testing laboratories, offering accreditation to perform analytical testing of hemp, cannabis and cannabinoid products such as flowers, concentrates, budders/waxes, beverages, tinctures, oils, chocolate, gummy, hard candy, other edibles, and more.
A2LA’s Cannabis Testing Laboratory Accreditation Subprogram was developed to promote confidence to users and regulators with regard to the safety of medical and recreational hemp and cannabis through the accreditation of testing laboratories and (when relevant) inspection bodies. Appropriate testing is critical to demonstrate that these products do not contain harmful levels of contaminants or adulterants and are safe for public consumption.
Specific testing may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Cannabinoid testing and content (CBC, CBD, CBDa, CBG, CBN, THC, THCa, THCv, etc.)
- Terpene profile
- Pesticides/fungicides/plant growth regulators
- Residual solvents
- Heavy metals
- Microbiological contaminants (mold, insects, bacteria, etc.)
Laboratories can also be accredited for the sampling associated with subsequent testing: click here for more information.
Confidence in the laboratories that perform this testing, and assurance in the test results, is possible through accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. The ISO/IEC 17025 standard is non-prescriptive and flexible, allowing the organization maximum flexibility in determining what works best for their business needs.
Cannabis Testing Laboratory Accreditation Program Requirements
Cannabis and hemp testing laboratories are assessed and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Accreditation provides independent, third-party assessments to serve both the hemp and cannabis industries. A2LA accredited cannabis testing laboratories will be accredited as follows:
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ISO/IEC 17025 as the primary framework, state-specific requirements are assessed when incorporated into the laboratory’s Quality Management System and when required by a Memorandum of Understanding between A2LA and the state. To further develop state-specific requirements checklists, please contact us!
Please contact us for more information on specific state requirements for testing to determine the minimum hemp or cannabis testing required.
Natural Medicine Testing Accreditation
A2LA offers laboratory accreditation services for organizations testing a variety of natural medicine, including cannabis, psilocybin, psilocin, MDMA, ketamine, DMT, mescaline, LSD, ibogaine, and others. Laboratories testing these highly regulated psychoactive compounds can earn ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation to meet regulatory requirements and signify to customers and stakeholders the competency of staff and quality of test results.
A variety of test methodologies can be included on the scope of accreditation, including:
- Active compound identification and quantification
- Mycotoxins
- Heavy metals
- Pesticides
- Residual solvents
- Microbials
- Species identification
- & more
Natural Medicine Case Study
Alkemist Labs—a plants, botanicals, fungus, and nutraceuticals testing lab located in Garden Grove, CA—has worked to include methodologies on their scope of accreditation that include testing natural medicines. As the industry continues to rapidly change, Alkemist Labs is prepared to meet the evolving needs of their customers as well as regulatory and industry changes. Learn more about Alkemist Labs’ accreditation here in this case study.