About

About California Cannabis Testing Labs (CCTL)

Established in 2019, California Cannabis Testing Labs (CCTL) was a fully licensed, ISO 17025-certified cannabis testing laboratory in the San Fernando Valley. It served Los Angeles County, Palm Springs, and parts of Northern California. CCTL’s commitment from the outset was to foster and maintain public safety and ensure full laboratory compliance and testing guidelines were upheld. It aimed to help build a safer cannabis industry with quality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance of all cannabis products.

Headquartered in Northridge, California, with an office in Santa Rosa, CCTL stood out from its competitors with one of the fastest Phase 3 full compliance testing turnaround times and stellar customer service. It specializes in cannabis, CBD, and hemp products.

Among the First Licensed Cannabis Testing Labs in California, Known for Its Reliability and Quick Turnaround

California Cannabis Testing Labs was one of the first licensed cannabis testing labs in the state, utilizing Agent Technologies equipment for its testing. The tests analyzed for potency, microbial, pesticides, moisture content, residual solvents, and heavy metals. It also handled research and development samples and Certificate of Analysis Samples.

In addition to using Agilent equipment, CCTL streamlined the customer experience with Tagleaf software. The software allowed clients to enter their samples for pick up and then track them throughout the process. Known for its quick turnaround times, excellent customer service, and consistent results, CCTL was one of 29 labs approved to test potency under the California Department of Cannabis Control’s (DCC) new required validation method, established on January 1, 2024. 

Why Is Cannabis Testing So Critical?

Testing on cannabis and cannabis products is critical to determine whether they meet the tight requirements set by the California Department of Cannabis Control. The success or failure of the sample submitted will decide whether a cultivator/grower can lawfully sell these batches to dispensaries and consumers. As a result, the testing procedure at California Cannabis Testing Labs CCTL was highly controlled, and strong precautions were implemented to prevent sample tampering.

Meeting Regulatory Compliance

California, like many other states, requires rigorous lab testing for safety standard compliance before cannabis products can be sold, which CCTL followed. Cannabis goods must be free of contaminants and labeled with accurate amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes.

CCTL maintained ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation as per DCC requirements. This internationally recognized standard verifies a lab’s technical competence and the dependability of its results. It assures that laboratories follow strict quality management and testing methods.

Once the required tests were completed, CCTL provided a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each batch of cannabis products. The COA verified whether the batch passed or failed testing for each chemical. Within one day of completing batch testing, CCTL uploaded the COA to the state’s track-and-trace system and emailed a copy to the DCC. This process ensured the transparency and traceability of cannabis products within the supply chain.

Testing for Contaminants

Similar to buying produce, cannabis purchases must be free of hazardous chemicals. Consumer safety is critical to ensure that individuals do not consume contaminants such as pesticides, residual solvents from the extraction process, heavy metals, mold, mycotoxins, bacteria, and other physical contaminants such as animal hair, human hair, and anything else that is not supposed to exist.

CCTL Tested for More than Toxins

California Cannabis Testing Labs CCTL also examined THC levels, as well as CBD, THCA, and CBDA. Without submitting samples to a lab, it’s all a guessing game. This could be particularly concerning for persons who use cannabis for its medicinal properties. Cancer patients may require higher THC levels to alleviate pain and appetite. At the same time, individuals suffering from anxiety or sleep issues may benefit from the relaxing benefits of a CBD-rich strain. Incorrect labeling can lead to overconsumption or ineffective dosing for medical users. Consumers would not be able to obtain those facts without lab testing.

Detecting Harmful Additives

Some products include banned cutting agents, such as Vitamin E acetate, which has been connected to vaping-related lung damage. CCTL testing guaranteed items were free of hazardous compounds that could endanger respiratory or health risks.

Ensuring Product Consistency

CCTL lab tests also helped producers maintain batch-to-batch consistency, ensuring customers have a dependable experience every time. It also found that terpene profiles influence flavor, fragrance, and impact.

Trust and Transparency

California Cannabis Testing Labs established trust with producers and consumers by providing consistent and accurate results.