You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers!
Where are you located?
How does The Good Lab test?
What do you test for?
How accurate are your results?
What sets you apart from other labs and why should I use your services?
How long does it take to get my results?
How do I get my samples to you?
How much does it cost?
How do I pay?
What size sample of industrial hemp do you need for potency testing?
Can you help me? I’m really confused.
Where are you located?
We are currently located on the west side of Colorado Springs in the Old Colorado City area at 2501 W. Colorado Avenue, Suite 200. Our building has both stairs and an elevator for easy accessibility.
How does The Good Lab test?
For potency we use a Thermo Finnegan High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) with a Photo Diode Array (PDA) for enhanced detection. We continually monitor our methods, processes and procedures for results you can rely on. HPLC is considered to be the preferred method for testing potency because it can differentiate between acid and active cannabinoids.
What do you test for?
We offer a broad selection of analytical tests for cannabis, marijuana and hemp including a 10-Cannabinoid Potency Profile (THC, THCA, THCV, CBD, CBDA, CBDV, CBN, CBG, CBGA & CBC) and a 22-Terpene Profile. We also offer testing for heavy metals, residual solvents, mycotoxins, pesticides and fungicides, microbials and other contaminants.
Complete list of our testing services
How accurate are your results?
Our adherence to rigorous methodological standards provides the most accurate results obtainable; however, the precision of the result is always tied to the quality of the sample provided.
What sets you apart from other labs and why should I use your services?
As a consulting lab, we are dedicated to providing information our clients can use. We provide testing services with easy-to-read results, and we talk with you about what those results mean and where to go from there. We are not required to report results to the state.
How long does it take to get my results?
Our typical turn-around time is 7-10 business days. Additional rush charges apply for faster processing.
How do I get my samples to you?
Our preferred method is to arrange a drop-off at our location (courier deliveries accepted). Currently, we can schedule a pick-up within the metro Denver-Boulder-Longmont-Castle Rock area for an additional fee. If neither of these options is workable, hemp samples can be mailed to our location.
We do not accept shipments from people not already in our database, so please complete our New Account Information Form first. Include a copy of our Chain of Custody with your shipment.
For hemp or CBD, our preferred vendor is the USPS, which has specified that plant material affirmed and designated as hemp is legal to mail. It’s important to include documentation with the sample for your own protection, as well as maintaining a chain of custody. For reference, here is the USPS Hemp Mailing Policy (begins at bottom of page 1). USPS parcels have free tracking services.
If you are sending your sample First Class, Certified is the best for us as it checks the mail in at each point & best guarantees delivery, without requiring us to be at the door at the time of delivery for the signature. If you ship Retail Ground, please select the NO SIGNATURE REQUIRED option. Requiring a signature may delay your samples if we are not in the lab at the time they attempt to deliver the package.
Federal law prohibits the transfer of marijuana products through the U.S. mail system, requiring all samples of marijuana to be hand delivered to us. However, the only way to really know if a sample is hemp or marijuana is to test it. Please do not knowingly ship marijuana or marijuana products to The Good Lab.
What about other shippers?
FedEx maintains a blanket prohibition on hemp. Although we haven’t had any issues with FedEx, we do not recommend using them to send samples or products until they change their policy.
UPS maintains a prohibition on hemp “in plant form.” We interpret this to mean living plants AND dried raw hemp plant materials. You are taking a risk of shipment seizure and loss if you ship raw hemp plant materials with UPS. They do appear to accept manufactured hemp/CBD products so long as the site from which any such sample is shipped does not also produce items classified as marijuana.
How much does it cost?
Cost depends on the type of test and the type of sample we’re testing. Check out our current prices here. We offer discounts for bulk sample submission and ongoing testing plans. For more information, please contact us.
How do I pay?
Payment is due when samples are submitted. We will not release test results until payment has been received. We accept cash, checks, credit/debit cards or Paypal and offer bulk discounts, patient pricing and seasonal specials.
What size sample of industrial hemp do you need for potency testing?
Best Bud – 2-3 grams
It is what it says it is. Pick your best bud, at least 2 grams, dried and cured the way you would consume it, and submit it for testing.
Plant Average – 3-5 grams
Take several small samples from the top, middle and bottom of the plant, as well as from all sides. Make sure they are dried and cured to level at which you would use them. Grind them, mix together well, and submit at least 2 to 3 grams from that homogenized sample batch.
Crop Average – 3-5 grams
Take several small samples from plants that are the best representation of your crop. Make sure they are dried and cured to level at which you would use them. Grind them, mix together well, and submit at least 2 to 3 grams from that homogenized sample batch.
Biomass – 1 ounce
Take multiple samples from throughout the batch or bag. Take samples not only from the top but also from several spots in the middle. Grind and homogenize it in the same way it will be processed and submit one ounce from that homogenized sample batch.
Extracts, Concentrates, Isolates – 1 gram
Be sure your batch is fully homogenized before you take a sample. As some concentrates sit, they may separate causing inconsistent results due to inaccurate sampling.
Liquids, Tinctures, Infused Oils – 5 milliliters minimum (about a teaspoon)
We prefer to sample tincture products from the original bottle to reduce the risk of leaking or contamination and ensure better homogenization. We will return any unused portion to you upon your request. If you take the sample, please shake/stir the container well to be sure the cannabinoids are evenly distributed for an accurate sample.
Edibles, topicals, salves, exotics
Please contact us to discuss your product and the best sampling technique and sample size to achieve the most accurate test result.
Sample sizes for other tests are included with our pricing information.
Can you help me? I’m really confused.
We offer consulting services to help you understand more about your cultivation, extraction and formulation, or to answer other questions about labs and testing. Contact us with questions. We love helping our clients solve problems!
In the meantime, here are some links you might find helpful:
- USDA Marketing Program for the Commercial Production of Hemp with links to the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills.
- The Colorado Department of Agriculture Industrial Hemp Program
- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) Industrial Hemp Policy
- Colorado Hemp Foods Bill
- US Post Office Policy on hemp and CBD products
- Regulations for the licensed marijuana industry in Colorado is on the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) web site.
- For public health information about marijuana, visit the CDPHE’s web site.
- The Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry has information for and about patients, caregivers and doctors.