FAQ

How much should I send in for testing?

The answer depends on what you want tested and which tests you need. You can find more information on sample size requirements in the notes under each test on our TESTS page.



How many samples should I send in?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions we get and there is no simple answer, especially since we test for so many different things for different purposes. Farmers, processors, seed suppliers, retailers all have different needs. It all comes down to if there is a minimum required for your state or if it’s for your own records. We strongly recommend testing 2-3 plants, at minimum, for each varietal you are growing. Since the plant itself is variable and the seed stocks are still stabilizing, you want to make sure that the sample you send is not an outlier. We have a great guide for sampling HERE.



How often should I test?

It depends on your comfort level. More is usually better, but a good place to start would be with the official USDA sampling guidelines. For growers, we recommend, at minimum, 2-3 times if you know how your cultivar grows. At least once mid growing season to try and determine when your harvest will be. Once before you call the state for compliance testing. Once after harvest to have an accurate COA once you’re fit for sale. Processors should always test the final product. We also strongly recommend processors confirm anything that they’re buying before it’s processed/extracted to alleviate worry about contaminants in the extractor, contaminating all downstream batches, causing down-time for breakdown and cleaning of extraction equipment. We recommend that seed suppliers test each cultivar for germination rates and male/female ratios prior to selling. Retailers benefit from testing each new product from each new supplier to be sure of their claims.



Which tests are required by law?

This drastically depends on which state you reside in. The majority of them only require potency testing. Others are beginning to require the same tests mandated for medical and recreational cannabis. You’ll need to check your local laws. However, the law is not the only reason to test. If you’re growing or processing for human consumption, the ethical thing to do is make sure there’s no contamination of your product. Whether that’s heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, bacteria, or fungus, you should make sure what people are putting in their bodies is safe.



Why do your test results differ from the last lab I used?

This is a great question and one that can have a variety of answers. We get this question the most from farmers about cannabinoid potency/profile testing. One thing we noticed as we started our lab was that there is a serious lack of standardization and oversight in the testing industry. There is variance in how samples are prepped for testing, how much moisture is considered “dry” (even according to the 2018 Farm Bill and the USDA Hemp Rules and supplementary testing guidelines), what margins of error are acceptable, whether or not to actually decarboxylate samples or to run a calculation, which machines are used by which labs (GC, HPLC, etc). This all leads to a very frustrating situation for someone looking for consistent and accurate results. We test according to the USDA and State of WI rules “to dry to a consistent weight” before performing our testing. We stand by our results as preventative maintenance is performed on our equipment and quality control standards are run on every batch of tests to ensure a clinical level of consistency and accuracy. There are many good labs out there with good practices. Our aim is to be the MOST consistent and accurate.



There are so many labs, why should I choose Premium CBD Labs?

You’re right! There are a lot of labs out there. Many of them are great labs with good practices, ethical leadership and good standards. We are constantly trying to improve processes, stay ahead of the curve, be transparent about our testing, all in an effort to be the fastest, most consistent, most accurate testing lab in the industry. We take our client’s confidentiality seriously as well as our commitment to complete impartiality. We are dedicated to science, impeccable customer service, and advocacy. We aren’t just a lab, we’re a group of people who are all trying to make this industry safer, better, and more prosperous through education, advocacy, and engagement. That’s why we want you to work with us.