Phase 3 California Compliance
In California, Phase 3 of the official standards for all cannabis products went into effect on December 31st, 2018. These standards require that all products, produced or harvested must be additionally tested for:
Phase 3 is just the latest installment in required compliance testing in California. Bear in mind, the requirements as outlined in Phase 1 and Phase 2, as well.
Phase 1:
Phase 2:
What Is Compliance Testing?
Regulatory compliance test panels are designed to meet the testing requirements set for cannabis products, per California’s Bureau of Cannabis Control. Here’s a breakdown of the process and requirements of adhering to Phase 3 Compliance testing as outlined by the State and maintained by LabPlex:
- The BCC requires a lab performed sampling of a cannabis batch to serve as a representative sample for testing.
- The sample batch is sealed and brought to the lab for required testing, which is determined by the cannabis product type.
- Test results from the sample batch are reported through METRC software for track and trace purposes and as required by regulations.
Be aware that the test results produced by the process are legally binding. If any results arise outside the state’s accepted requirements, the sample’s batch will require remediation or must be destroyed.
While marijuana laboratory testing might seem overwhelming or cumbersome to those producing cannabis products, the state has consumer safety as a #1 priority. Which ultimately is protection for manufacturers and producers, too. The more tested your product is, the more you can offer an increased volume of high-quality and premium goods.
How Much Is A Sample Batch?
So, just how much of a sample batch is taken for required compliance testing? By definition, a compliant batch is a single unit of market-ready cannabis product as outlined by the BCC and California Department of Food & Agriculture.
Here’s a simple guide to reference for harvested flower versus manufactured extracts or infused products.
Harvest Sample Batch Sizes
For harvested flower, pre-rolls, trim, leaf material or kief, a sample size is determined by the following equation:
.0035 x Total Batch Size (with a maximum batch set at 50 lbs)
Other requirements include :
- Sample must be at least 14 g of material
- Increment minimums must be met and collected
The following is a breakdown of standard weights and increment minimums:
Manufactured
| Batch Size | Increment Minimum |
| Less than 10 lbs | 8 |
| 10.1 – 20 lbs | 16 |
| 20.1 – 30 lbs | 23 |
| 30.1 – 40 lbs | 29 |
| 40.1 – 50 lbs | 34 |
Manufactured Sample Batch Sizes
Manufactured products such as concentrates, edibles, vape carts, and other infused products are sampled per unit versus weight. All testing is required to be done from retail form, and the minimum sampling is outlined as follows –
- Viscous extracts – Minimum 10 g sample
- Infused products – Minimum 16 g sample
- Vape carts – Minimum 18 g sample
The following is a breakdown of total batch size and required sample sizes per unit:
| Batch Size | Sample Size |
| Less than 50 | 2 units |
| 50 – 150 | 3 units |
| 151 – 500 | 5 units |
| 501 – 1,200 | 8 units |
| 1,201 – 3,200 | 13 units |
| 3,201 – 10,000 | 20 units |
| 10,001 – 35,000 | 32 units |
| 35,001 – 150,000 | 50 units |
What About Sample Re-Testing?
Suppose you’re in a situation where a cannabis testing facility is unable or not competent enough to complete testing after collecting your batch’s sample. In that case, you can request special approval to have your batch “re-tested.”
While we hate to see others fail, LabPlex is happy to step in and take care of your operation’s testing requirements as one of the most trusted and reliable facilities in the state.
The BCC’s re-testing procedures per regulations are as outlined below:
STEP #1: The request shall be made in writing via email to bcc.labs@dca.ca.gov and shall include all of the following:
- The name and license number of the distributor;
- The batch numbers;
- The type and quantity of cannabis goods;
- The name and license number of the laboratory that took the initial sample and is not able to competently complete the regulatory compliance testing;
- The name and license number of the laboratory proposed to re-sample and complete the regulatory compliance testing for the batch(s); and
- The reason why the laboratory that initially took the sample cannot competently complete the regulatory compliance testing.
STEP #2: The Bureau will review the request and determine if the laboratory that initially took the sample is unable to competently complete the regulatory compliance testing. If the Bureau determines that the laboratory is unable to competently complete the regulatory compliance testing, the Bureau, in its discretion, may approve the request in whole or part and set conditions for the re-sampling and testing.
STEP #3: No re-sampling of any batch shall occur prior to the licensed distributor or licensed microbusiness authorized to engaged in distribution receiving written approval from the Bureau.
What Is R&D Testing vs. Compliance Testing?
To ensure assurance, many cultivators, manufacturers, and producers are turning to in-house R&D testing before submitting a sample batch for compliance testing. What does that process entail? Let LabPlex’s ultimate guide to Compliance vs. R&D Testing further explains the differences.
Or call us at (562) 753-6700 or Contact Us to get started!