Not all cannabis testing labs are created equal—and choosing the wrong one can cost you more than just time. Whether you’re overseeing compliance or managing cultivation, you know how high the stakes are. The difference between smooth deliveries and regulatory chaos often comes down to one decision: who you trust with your products.
How do you make the right call? The right lab partner should demonstrate these essential qualities.
How to Choose the Right Cannabis Testing Lab
1. Compliance is just the starting line, not the goal
Plenty of labs can hand you a Certificate of Analysis. But real compliance is about more than checking boxes or presenting a piece of paper; it’s about staying ahead. The cannabis regulatory landscape is evolving fast, and what was acceptable last quarter might not fly tomorrow. A true lab partner doesn’t just wait for new rules to land; they monitor emerging guidance, anticipate changes, and proactively communicate with clients.
Does your lab keep you informed and reach out about shifting action limits, new microbial or heavy metal testing requirements, evolving documentation standards, or new guidance documents for your oversight and regulatory changes? When your lab stays informed and shares that knowledge, you’re not just reacting and asking; you’re now prepared. That’s how you avoid failed batches, lost revenue, or even worse, scrutiny from regulators when you least expect it.
Choose a lab that treats compliance like a shared responsibility, not just a service line or order-taking mentality.
2. Speed and Consistency
Turnaround time matters a lot in cannabis, but consistency is everything. One-off fast results aren’t helpful if they vary from week to week and do not translate into real results. Ask for data. A laboratory should be able to tell you what its on-time delivery rate has been, as well as its turnaround time. The best labs have an on-time delivery rate of 95% or higher. What is their instrument maintenance and repair strategy? What redundant systems, if any, are in place? Do they have sufficient labor? What’s their plan when demand spikes or instruments break down?
Exercise caution with laboratories that significantly undercut market rates, as this may indicate insufficient resources to handle operational challenges. Reliable cannabis testing labs have scalable strategies to ensure operations run smoothly as the industry and their clients grow.
3. Clear Communication Isn’t a Bonus for Labs, it’s a Necessity
A Certificate of Analysis isn’t worth much if you don’t understand what it means or what to do when something goes sideways. Maybe a pesticide shows up unexpectedly, or a microbial count crosses the threshold. In those moments, you need more than a data dump from your lab partners; you need a lab that picks up the phone, walks you through the findings, and helps you make informed decisions fast. The best labs translate technical results into actionable insights. They know how to talk to compliance officers, cultivation managers, and owners alike and they don’t hide behind questionable methods or results.
Look for a lab that’s accessible, responsive, and invested in your success long term, not one that leaves you guessing or provides unrealistic results.
4. Methodology and Integrity Matter
All cannabis testing labs are not created equal. Ask about their testing methods and equipment calibration procedures. Some labs will chase the “friendliest” results; others hold the line to protect their license and reputation. You want a lab that prioritizes accurate data and delivers difficult news even when it’s hard to hear.
In this dynamic and emerging market, that kind of integrity saves you far more in the long run than a quick answer that’s easy to accept.
5. Tech Tools That Save You Time
How are results delivered? A good lab should offer a clean digital portal or seamless integration into your existing systems. Bonus points for tracking historical data or trend insights.
The Bottom Line
Your lab isn’t just a service provider; it’s a critical part of your supply chain. The right partner brings more than accurate results; they bring peace of mind for not only you but your customers. They help you move faster, stay compliant, and avoid costly surprises.
In an industry where scrutiny is high, don’t cut corners. Choose a lab that’s built to grow with you and one that understands your business, respects your timelines, and values your trust.
Because when your cannabis testing lab has your back, everything else runs smoother.
About the Author
James “Bo” Keyes is a cannabis industry veteran and quality systems expert with over 20 years of experience helping launch licensed operations across 10 countries. In 2012, he served on ANSI’s international TAG committee for ISO 14001 and led early efforts to establish accredited standards for cannabis production and testing. A brain tumor survivor, Bo now channels his journey into building platforms that unite the cannabis industry while supporting brain tumor research.
This guide was developed in partnership with Smithers Cannabis Testing Services.
