Cannabis Testing Labs in Colorado
7 licensed cannabis testing laboratories in Colorado. All labs listed are licensed by Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED).
Data source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Colorado cannabis testing overview
Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012. The state has a mature market with robust testing and compliance requirements. All cannabis products sold in Colorado must be tested for potency, contaminants, microbials, and (for concentrates) residual solvents by a lab licensed under Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED). Look for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and currently valid state licensure when choosing a lab.
SC Labs Colorado
Denver, Colorado
AgriScience Labs
Denver, Colorado
Bona Fides Laboratory
Denver, Colorado
Gobi Analytical
Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Nordic Analytical Laboratories - Denver
Denver, Colorado
Nordic Analytical Laboratories - Pueblo
Pueblo, Colorado
Kaycha Labs Colorado
Denver, Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cannabis testing labs are in Colorado?+
There are 7 licensed cannabis testing laboratories in Colorado listed on CannaBizGuide. All labs are regulated by Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) and data is sourced from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. 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 Colorado?+
Colorado 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. Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) 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 CO panel.
How much does cannabis testing cost in Colorado?+
Full-panel compliance testing in Colorado 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 Colorado cannabis lab have?+
At minimum, look for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from a recognized body (A2LA, PJLA, ANAB, or similar). Colorado may also require specific state-level certification or licensing from Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED). 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 Colorado?+
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.