• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • A2LA Annual Conference
  • Apply
  • Blog
  • Accreditation Estimate Request Form
  • Portal
  • Search Organizations
a2la logo

A2LA

A Better World Through Accreditation

  • Accreditation
    • ISO/IEC 17025 – Testing/Calibration Laboratories
      • Acoustics and Vibration Testing
      • Biological Testing Program
        • Cannabis Testing
        • Food And Pharmaceutical Accreditation
        • Veterinary Laboratory Accreditation Program
        • FDA ASCA Pilot Program (Basic Safety And Essential Performance)
        • Threat Agent Testing Laboratory Accreditation Program
        • FDA ASCA Pilot Program (Biocompatibility Testing Of Medical Devices)
      • Calibration
      • Chemical Testing
        • Veterinary Laboratory Accreditation Program
        • Competition Animal Drug Testing Laboratory Accreditation Program
        • Food And Pharmaceutical Accreditation
        • A2LA Consumer Product Safety Testing (CPSC)
        • Cannabis Testing
        • WADA Testing Accreditation
        • Oregon Toxic-Free Kids Act Accreditation Program
        • Threat Agent Testing Laboratory Accreditation Program
      • Construction Material Testing Accreditation
        • Harris County, TX/City Of Houston/Houston Port Authority
      • Electrical Testing Accreditation
        • The A2LA U.S. Federal Communications Commission Equipment Authorization Program
        • CTIA Wireless Association – LTE/CDMA Devices
        • A2LA Consumer Product Safety Testing (CPSC)
        • Bluetooth Testing Program
        • EPA ENERGY STAR Accreditation Program
        • NAVAIR
        • Automotive EMC Laboratory Recognition Program (AEMCLRP)
        • Notified Body Accreditation Program
        • The A2LA Project 25 (P25) Compliance Assessment Program
        • FDA ASCA Pilot Program (Basic Safety And Essential Performance)
        • ISED Equipment Authorization Program
      • Environmental Testing Accreditation
        • The A2LA CA ELAP Laboratory Assessment Program
        • EPA National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP)
        • Kentucky Underground Storage Tank (UST) Testing Program
        • DOECAP Audit Program Accreditation
        • DOD Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program
        • TNI Field Sampling & Measurement Organization (FSMO) Accreditation Program
        • Air Emission Testing Body Assessment Program (AETBs)
        • DOD Advanced Geophysical Classification Accreditation Program (DAGCAP)
        • Wyoming Storage Tank Remediation (STR) Program
        • State Environmental Laboratory Assessment Program – NELAP
      • Forensic Examination Accreditation Program
      • Geotechnical Accreditation Program
        • Harris County, TX/City Of Houston/Houston Port Authority
        • Putting Green Laboratory Accreditation Program (PUG)
      • Information Technology
        • Gaming Standards Association (GSA)
        • Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)
      • Mechanical Testing Accreditation
        • A2LA Consumer Product Safety Testing (CPSC)
        • EPA ENERGY STAR Accreditation Program
        • Business & Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association Compliant Program
        • Counterfeit Part Avoidance Testing
      • Nondestructive Testing Program – NDT
      • Sampling & Testing Accreditation
      • Sustainable Energy Testing
        • EPA ENERGY STAR Accreditation Program
      • Thermal
        • A2LA Consumer Product Safety Testing (CPSC)
        • EPA ENERGY STAR Accreditation Program
    • ISO/IEC 17020 – Inspection Bodies
      • ISO/IEC 17020 – Inspection Body Accreditation Program
        • Forensic Examination Accreditation Program
        • Special Inspections Accreditation Program
        • Cybersecurity Inspection Body Program
        • FedRAMP Third Party Assessment Organizations (3PAO)
        • Field Evaluation Body (FEB) Accreditation Program
        • Notified Body Accreditation Program
    • ISO/IEC 17065 – Product Certification Bodies
      • ISO/IEC 17065 Product Compliance Certification Accreditations
        • The A2LA Telecommunication Certification Body Program
        • EPA WaterSense Program
        • EPA ENERGY STAR Accreditation Program
        • Notified Body Accreditation Program
    • ISO/IEC 17043 – Proficiency Testing Providers
      • The A2LA Proficiency Testing Provider Accreditation Program
    • ISO 17034 – Reference Materials Producers
      • ISO 17034 – Reference Materials Producers Accreditation Program
    • ISO 15189 and CLIA – Clinical Testing Laboratories
      • ISO 15189 & CLIA – Clinical Testing Laboratories Accreditation Program
    • ISO 20387 – Biobanking Accreditation Program
      • ISO 20387 – Biobanking Accreditation Program
  • About
    • Overview
    • Board of Directors
    • Careers
    • Leadership
    • Recognitions
    • Regulators and Specifiers
  • Resources
    • Acronym Glossary
    • Annual Reports
    • Documents
    • Downloadable Content
    • FAQs
    • Press Releases
    • Training By A2LA WPT
  • Our Membership Options
  • Get a Quote
  • Online Payment

Voluntary Accreditation: Why Labs Seek Accreditation Where It is Not Mandatory

Home » Cannabis » Voluntary Accreditation: Why Labs Seek Accreditation Where It is Not Mandatory

March 24, 2021 by A2LA

In many states, regulations require that cannabis testing laboratories be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 in order to operate. This requirement is not ubiquitous, however, and in the absence of federal requirements for cannabis testing, states where cannabis products are legal demonstrate significant variability in how those products are regulated. As a result, many cannabis testing labs have taken it upon themselves to implement quality assurance measures that go beyond the requirements in their state. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 is a widely recognized indicator of competence within the cannabis testing space, so labs seeking more rigorous quality parameters often voluntarily apply for accreditation through A2LA. Representatives from two such labs: Kristen Goedde of Trichome Analytical in new Jersey, and Jessica Alexander of Land & Seas Laboratory in Alaska, each kindly answered our questions about why they chose to have their laboratories accredited by A2LA, even though it was not mandatory in their respective states.

For many cannabis testing laboratories, accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 is mandated by the state. Why did your laboratory decide to voluntarily seek accreditation?

Trichome Analytical: As a third-party laboratory responsible for providing unbiased analytical results to our clients, we understand the need for our laboratory to go through third-party auditing. Externally audited quality management systems are integral to any reputable laboratory. We were already familiar with ISO/IEC 17025 because of our background in environmental testing, so we felt that it was incredibly important to integrate these standards into our processes from the beginning. With A2LA’s recognition of our quality systems, we can give our clients the peace of mind that their results are accurate and reliable.

Land & Seas Laboratory: There was a lot of turmoil in Alaska regarding the accuracy and legitimacy of laboratory results when we were preparing to open. Accreditation was a way to reassure new customers that we had a quality control system in place and were prepared to go above and beyond what was required to meet the needs of the industry.

How did your laboratory decide to use A2LA as your accreditation body?

Trichome Analytical: Our laboratory researched several accrediting bodies before choosing A2LA. While many accreditation bodies will service the cannabis industry, it was clear that A2LA has the most experience auditing cannabis laboratories and employs high-level cannabis experts to perform the assessments. We wanted our clients to have the same level of confidence that we have in our procedures, so we opted for what we believe to be the most comprehensive and capable accreditation body.

Land & Seas Laboratory: A2LA was contracted by the state of Alaska to audit the lab against a list of the state requirements before approval to open, so we were able to request an ISO accreditation audit at the same time.

What is the biggest impact that you think your laboratory has gained from being accredited?

Trichome Analytical: The cannabis and hemp industries are constantly evolving. Being accredited at the beginning of our operation prepares us for any changes in the current regulations for plant and product testing. And, although we do not have to be accredited for testing in our home state of New Jersey, there are many companies in the cannabis and hemp industries that require or prefer ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories.

Land & Seas Laboratory: At Land & Seas we also process food safety samples for local production facilities. It is preferable to have ISO accreditation when processing food samples, so this has helped us secure contracts.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to laboratories that are looking into voluntary getting accredited?

Trichome Analytical: I would advise all laboratories to consider getting ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the beginning of their operation, or as soon as possible. We feel that the requirement is likely inevitable, and it will be easier to integrate sooner rather than later.

Land & Seas Laboratory: Speak to a laboratory that has been accredited and ask candid questions about the process and requirements before starting activities like writing a QA plan or answering accreditation questionnaires. It would have been immensely helpful to know the focus and mindset of the accreditation bodies because it can be overwhelming when you don’t have a frame of reference or a “buddy” to ask questions.

Cannabis,  ISO/IEC 17025

Footer

Headquarters 5202 Presidents Court, Ste 220 Frederick, MD 21703
301.644.3248
info@A2LA.org
Social Icon
Social Icon
Social Icon
Social Icon
  • Careers
  • Contact A2LA
  • Lodging a Complaint
  • Get Involved
  • Privacy Agreement
  • Online Payment
  • A2LA Annual Conference
  • Apply
  • Blog
  • Accreditation Estimate Request Form
  • Portal
  • Search Organizations

© 2023 A2LA · Powered by Orases Custom Software · Website Privacy Policy & Terms of Use