Alaska Cannabis Testing Labs

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Alaska Drug Testing Laws >

Does Alaska License Independent Cannabis Testing Labs?

The Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office (AMCO) licenses independent laboratories to conduct testing on adult-use and medical cannabis products as required under the state’s cannabis laws. No state agency is authorized to conduct cannabis testing in Alaska.

Requirements for Marijuana Testing Labs in Alaska

There are no specific accreditation requirements for prospective cannabis testing labs in Alaska. However, in accordance with 3 AAC 306.620, the Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office will only approve testing laboratories found to be in compliance with good laboratory practices. Typically, cannabis testing laboratories must obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation to demonstrate the technical competence, integrity, and reliability to operate under acceptable laboratory practices.

Alaska Required Tests for Cannabis Products

Cannabis products are required to be tested before they can be approved for sale in Alaska. Per 3 AAC 306.620, an independent testing laboratory is required to test cannabis products to identify:

• THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA and CBN potency
• Harmful microbials, including Escherichia coli (E. Coli) or salmonella
• Residual solvents
• Poisons or toxins
• Harmful chemicals
• Dangerous molds, mildew, or filth
• Pesticides

How Do Alaska Marijuana Testing Labs Submit and Report Test Results?

Per 3 AAC 306.670, a marijuana testing facility must report the result of each required laboratory test directly into its marijuana inventory tracking system no later than 24 hours after the test is completed. The testing facility must provide the final report to the AMCO Director within 72 hours after the marijuana testing facility determines that the results of tested samples exceed allowable levels. The final report must also be provided to the marijuana establishment that submitted the sample in a timely manner.

How Much Does It Cost to Test Cannabis in Alaska?

The cost of testing cannabis in Alaska varies depending on the type of test (potency, heavy metals, contaminants), sample quantity, and lab reputation. The following are estimated costs for cannabis tests in Alaska:

• Potency testing: $80 - $100 per sample
• Residual solvent testing: $70 - $120 per sample
• Pesticide testing: $150 - $250 per sample
• Microbial testing: $100 - $150 per sample

What Happens to Cannabis Products That Fail Lab Tests in Alaska?

Per 3 AAC 306.660, if a sample submitted to a marijuana testing facility fails the required tests, the marijuana establishment that provided the sample must dispose of the harvest batch package or production lot from which the sample was taken, as required under 3 AAC 306.740.

However, the AMCO Board or Director may approve a written request, on a form prescribed by the board, to allow a batch of marijuana that fails a required test to be used to make carbon dioxide- or solvent-based extract. After processing, the carbon dioxide- or solvent-based extract must pass all required tests.

List of Cannabis Testing Labs in Alaska

There are currently only two testing laboratories that have active operating licenses in Alaska. These facilities are Cannatest LLC and Land and Seas Laboratory.