Cannabis Compliance Testing

Cannabis Compliance Testing Program

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What is the Compliance Testing process in the State of California?

Ensuring Compliance: California Compliance Testing Process at California Ag Labs

California compliance testing involves a more intricate logistical process compared to quality assurance testing, primarily due to the strict documentation requirements enforced by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). As part of the process, all information must be fully documented and reported to the DCC via METRC, a comprehensive track and trace system that monitors the sampling process from start to finish.

At California Ag Labs, we dispatch our personnel to the client's licensed site to collect the samples in accordance with the bureau's sampling guidelines. To facilitate this, clients are responsible for preparing the sample batch and completing a shipping manifest, which is required for our personnel to obtain the necessary sample. The distributor personnel will be required to record a video of the sampling process. The size of the samples taken for compliance testing is determined based on the batch size per sample category specified by the DCC.

Once the sample is obtained, both the client and a California Ag Labs team member fill out a Chain of Custody (COC) form and a sample field log for a final review of the sample being tested. All relevant information is recorded in our database before the sample is securely sealed and tamper-proofed for transportation back to our laboratory. Upon arrival at our testing facility, a California Ag Labs team member logs the information in our database and prepares the sample for analysis. The results undergo thorough review by our Laboratory Director, and upon completion of the test, a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) is sent to the client.

It is important to note that all completed COAs for compliance testing must be submitted to the DCC database by the laboratory, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements.

At California Ag Labs, we strive to streamline the compliance testing process while adhering to the strict guidelines set forth by the DCC. Trust us to handle the logistics, documentation, and analysis with precision and professionalism, providing you with accurate and reliable test results.

Who is qualified for testing and how much does it cost?

Only licensed distributors or microbusinesses are eligible to submit their samples for the full California Compliance test. Please provide your license number and business information before submitting your order. Please note that prices are subject to change due to the highly volatile market. We strive to ensure fairness for commercial cannabis businesses that experience dynamic changes. Our objective is to help you achieve financial efficiency by guiding you through the compliance process and avoiding potential losses while maintaining product value.

To learn more about our pricing, please contact us for further information.

What is the sample pickup procedure?

This workflow guide describes laboratory Compliance protocol and logistics for Sample Pickup.

DAY BEFORE PICK-UP DATE

Driver receives contact from the client that COC will be generated in LIMS
Driver confirms COC info before leaving lab for pickup.
Driver confirms how many units from the batch will be collected. Confirms number of grams of sample to pick up using excel calculator.
Driver completes Security Order Form

PICK-UP DAY

Print COC and manifest and verify information before leaving lab.
Collect samples at client’s site following the Sampling SOP, Security Order Form and COC.
Complete COC form with appropriate information and signature and date of distributor
Employee attained from site
Enter collected sample(s) information into our Lab Track (Sample Tracking).
When driver arrives at the lab, transfer samples to receiving personnel.
Driver scans the COC, manifest and associated paperwork, then emails to the receiving personnel for LIMS entry.

RECEIVING

Receiving confirms/scan COC info into LIMS.
Receiving verifies batch amount and sample information in LIMS.
Receiving scans METRC tag to LIMS.
Receiving confirms servings and information on package match METRC manifest and COC.
Receiving accepts or rejects package(s) through METRC after all information is verified.
Receiving photographs batch and scans into Lab Track and stores samples in appropriate location.

Who is qualified for testing?

Only licensed distributors or microbusinesses can submit their samples for the full California Compliance test. License number and business information must be provided prior to order submission.

Important Sample Rejection Notes

Compliance samples can be rejected if they do not meet compliance criteria. Here is a list of possible scenarios for sample to be rejected:

Rejection Reason	Reason Usage
Damage	There has been damage to the plant or package.
Damage (DCC)	There has been damage to the package notes section should be used to explain the damage. Displays for DCC licensees only.
Data Entry Error	A package(s) cannot be accepted by the receiving licensee due to a data entry error that occurred when the manifest was created.
Incorrect Quantity	Package received via transfer that was not correctly weighted or counted. This should NOT be used to correct sales. If the package quantity varies significantly, it should be rejected. Notes section should be used to explain the error.
Non-Compliant Label	Package received via transfer that contains non-compliant label.
Spoilage	Deterioration of packaged product.
Theft	Rejection of a package when product has been stolen in transit. Licensing Authority must be notified. Notes section should be used to detail theft.

What is the Chain of Custody?

The Laboratory Internal Chain of Custody documentation records the chronological traceability of custody (by authorized Person(s) or upon storage) and the actions performed on the Sample and any Aliquot of the Sample taken for Analytical Testing.

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