Cannabis Testing Labs in California
19 licensed cannabis testing laboratories in California. All labs listed are licensed by Department of Cannabis Control (DCC).
Data source: California Department of Cannabis Control
California cannabis testing overview
California is the largest legal cannabis market in the US with over 8,500 active licenses. The state requires all cannabis products to be tested by licensed laboratories before sale. All cannabis products sold in California must be tested for potency, contaminants, microbials, and (for concentrates) residual solvents by a lab licensed under Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). Look for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and currently valid state licensure when choosing a lab.
SC Labs
Santa Cruz, California
Landau Laboratories
Cathedral City, California
Harrens Lab
Hayward, California
pH Solutions
Monrovia, California
Brightside Scientific
Long Beach, California
Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs
San Diego, California
Anresco Laboratories
San Francisco, California
Excelbis Labs
Santa Ana, California
SQRD Lab
Los Angeles, California
Quality Cannabis Laboratory
San Diego, California
Decano Analytical Laboratories
Commerce, California
Purity Medical Laboratories
Irvine, California
U.S. Cannabis Laboratories
Needles, California
Pure Cannalyst Labs
Irvine, California
Green Forest Laboratories
ClosedLake Forest, California
No active website or operating records found. DCC approval on file but no evidence of current operations.
Epic Solutions and Analytics
Los Angeles, California
Encore Labs
Pasadena, California
Quant Leaf Labs
Los Angeles, California
Bay Point Laboratories
Benicia, California
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cannabis testing labs are in California?+
There are 19 licensed cannabis testing laboratories in California listed on CannaBizGuide. All labs are regulated by Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and data is sourced from California Department of Cannabis Control. The number of licensed labs can change as new facilities receive accreditation or existing labs lose their license.
What tests are required for cannabis products sold in California?+
California cannabis products must typically be tested for cannabinoid potency (THC, THC-A, CBD, CBD-A and often other cannabinoids), terpene profile (sometimes optional), pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents (for concentrates), microbial contaminants, mycotoxins, and moisture content. Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) sets the specific analyte panels and action limits. Retest rules, homogeneity sampling, and label claim tolerances are also state-specific. See our testing requirements by state guide for the current CA panel.
How much does cannabis testing cost in California?+
Full-panel compliance testing in California typically ranges from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per sample depending on matrix type (flower vs concentrate vs edible), panel scope, and turnaround. Bulk pricing and volume discounts are common for multi-state operators. R&D testing (not for compliance) is usually less expensive. Get quotes from multiple labs and confirm they can test ALL required matrices before committing.
What accreditations should a California cannabis lab have?+
At minimum, look for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from a recognized body (A2LA, PJLA, ANAB, or similar). California may also require specific state-level certification or licensing from Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). Some operators also look for ORELAP, EMLAP, or TNI certifications, particularly for specific analyte categories. Verify accreditation status directly with the accrediting body - do not rely on lab marketing alone.
What is the typical cannabis testing turnaround time in California?+
Standard compliance testing turnaround is usually 5-10 business days from sample receipt to reported Certificate of Analysis (COA). Rush service (48-72 hours) is available at most labs for a premium. Complex matrices (distillates, edibles with unusual excipients) and retest scenarios often take longer. Plan testing windows into your release schedule, especially around regulated harvest or batch-release deadlines.
How do I read a cannabis Certificate of Analysis (COA)?+
A cannabis COA reports pass/fail for each required analyte category plus quantified values (potency % and contaminant levels). Key things to check: batch number, sample intake date, testing methodology references (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, qPCR), and that the lab's name and accreditation number match a currently-licensed lab. Beware of COAs from unaccredited or out-of-state labs. See our How to Read a Cannabis COA guide for a detailed walkthrough.