California Cannabis Licensing
& DCC Defense
& DCC Defense
We get operators licensed — and defend those licenses when the DCC takes action.
California Cannabis Testing Laboratory License Attorney
California Cannabis Testing Laboratory License Attorney
Cannabis testing laboratories play a uniquely independent role in the regulated cannabis market in California, verifying the safety and potency of cannabis before it reaches consumers. Testing labs are subject to strict accreditation and independence rules, and Baghoomian Law helps labs navigate licensing and compliance.
What a Testing Laboratory License Involves
A testing laboratory license authorizes the analysis of cannabis and cannabis products for cannabinoid content and contaminants. Because labs certify product safety, they are held to heightened standards — including ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation — and strict independence rules that generally prohibit a testing lab from holding an interest in other cannabis license types.
Testing Laboratory License Requirements
- Local authorization from the city or county
- ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for the laboratory
- Strict independence from other cannabis licensees to avoid conflicts of interest
- Validated testing methods and quality-control procedures
- Owner and financial-interest-holder disclosures and track-and-trace (Metrc) enrollment
How Baghoomian Law Helps Testing Laboratories
We guide laboratories through the accreditation and licensing process, structure ownership to satisfy independence rules, and handle compliance and renewals.
Do cannabis testing labs need special accreditation in California?
Yes. Testing laboratories generally must obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and use validated methods, in addition to holding a DCC testing laboratory license.
Can a testing lab also hold other cannabis licenses?
Generally no. To preserve independence and avoid conflicts of interest, a testing laboratory is restricted from holding an interest in other cannabis license types.
What do cannabis testing laboratories test for?
Labs test cannabis and cannabis products for cannabinoid potency and for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, microbial impurities, and residual solvents, among other required analyses.
Do I need local approval for a testing laboratory license?
Yes. A state DCC license is required, and you must also have authorization from the local jurisdiction where the lab is located.
See our cannabis licensing and DCC enforcement defense pages, or call (818) 514-9272.