FAQs
Hemp and Cannabis Testing Questions
How much sample should I send in?
The more sample you send in, the more representative it will be of the lot you are testing. The minimum amounts we require to get an accurate result are as follows:
What containers should I use to send my sample?
Samples should be securely packaged to prevent leaks or cross-contamination. Recommended options include:
- Ziploc bags for wet or dry hemp, double bagged when possible
- Centrifuge tubes or containers with screw caps or secure lids
- Finished products in sealed containers or original packaging
Pre-sterilized tubes, available from suppliers such as Amazon, can help reduce contamination risk but are not required.
How can I pay for my hemp tests?
AIT Labs accepts checks, credit cards, and ACH payments.
- Checks may be included with your sample shipment
- Credit card and ACH payments are available through our QuickBooks invoice portal
- A 3.9% processing fee applies to credit card or ACH payments when a check is not included with the samples
Where does the information on the Certificate of Analysis come from?
All COA information is pulled directly from the Request for Analysis form. This includes sample name, company name, and address. Additional details such as batch number, strain, or batch size can be included if listed on the form.
If you have special reporting needs, contact our office and we will work with you.
Where do you accept hemp samples from?
AIT Labs accepts hemp samples from anywhere in the United States. Because hemp is federally legal, samples can be shipped across state lines. Many of our clients are located outside of North Dakota.
How can I ship samples to AIT Labs?
Most customers use USPS, UPS, FedEx, or Speedee. We recommend including the Chain of Title and Affirmation form inside the shipment so it is clear the material is legal hemp if inspected.
Can you test cannabis samples?
No. Marijuana is federally illegal and cannot be shipped across state lines. Do not send any samples that fall outside the legal definition of hemp.
How do I use a promo code?
Promo codes should be entered in the Promo Code section of the Request for Analysis form. If you forget, contact our team and we can update and resend your invoice. Printable coupons can also be included in your shipment.
What tests do I actually need for my product?
Testing requirements depend on your product type and intended use. Minnesota OCM outlines a risk-based testing approach that varies between:
- Flower: microbial, mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, foreign matter, water activity, potency
- Resins: microbial, mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, potency
- Rosins: microbial, mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, potency
- Resins (Artificallay Derived): microbial, mycotoxins, heavy metals, residual solvents, pesticides, foreign matter, potency
- Final Products (Non-Liquid): microbial, potency, water activity
- Final Products: microbial, potency, (vapes/cartridges also require heavy metals)
We recommend reviewing the Required Testing Flow Chart on page 6 in the Minnesota OCM Technical Authority for a full breakdown.
What do I need to track or tell the lab before testing?
To ensure compliance, you are responsible for providing accurate information about your product, including:
- Pesticides applied during cultivation
- Solvents or catalysts used during extraction or manufacturing
- Complete and accurate batch information in METRC/statewide monitoring system
This information must be provided to the laboratory when requesting testing, as it directly impacts required analyses and compliance reporting.
This requirement is defined in the OCM Technical Authority on Page 15 under Test Scheduling and Reporting responsibilities.
What happens if my batch fails testing?
If a batch fails:
- You may request a reanalysis (same sample, same lab) within 7 days
- If it passes reanalysis → it must be retested by a different lab
- If it fails again → the batch must be remediated or destroyed
Important limitations:
- Only one reanalysis and one retest are allowed
- The batch must remain intact (no splitting or combining)
Full requirements are outlined in the OCM Technical Authority on Page under Failed Test Samples.
How long does the lab have to test and report results?
Per Minnesota OCM requirements:
- Microbial testing must be initiated within 5 days
- Testing is generally expected to be completed within 10 days
- Results must be reported within 2 business days of completion
These timelines are defined in the Technical Authority under Testing Timeline on Page 19.
Our commitment:
During initial market rollout and early licensing phases, timelines across the industry may be extended. However, we prioritize fast, predictable turnaround times and actively optimize workflows to keep your product moving to market as quickly as possible.
Can I submit samples for research & development (R&D)?
Yes. You may submit samples for R&D testing at any time.
Important notes:
- R&D testing does not replace compliance testing
- Samples must be designated as R&D in the statewide monitoring system
- Results are labeled accordingly and cannot be used for product release
Defined under Testing for Research and Development in the Technical Authority on Page 16.
What analytes are included in each test?
Each testing category includes specific analytes defined by OCM, such as:
- Microbial: total yeast/mold, pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli, Aspergillus, etc.)
- Heavy metals: arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury
- Pesticides: extensive list of regulated compounds
- Residual solvents: e.g., butane, propane, benzene, etc.
- Cannabinoids (potency): THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, CBN, CBG, and others
Full analyte lists and limits are defined in Sections I–VII of the Technical Authority starting on Page 7.
We also provide a detailed breakdown in our blog:
[Link to “Complete Guide to Cannabis Test Panels”] – will give
Can you help me understand my Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes—we believe your COA should be easy to understand and actionable!
Your COA includes:
- Pass/fail status for all required tests
- Cannabinoid potency and profiles
- Contaminant results and limits
- Supporting data like LOQs and method details
For a full walkthrough of every section of your COA:
[Link to “How to Read a Cannabis COA”]– will give
How accurate does my label potency need to be?
For products with label claims:
- Measured cannabinoid content must be within ±15% of the labeled value
- Exception: certain low-level cannabinoids may allow ±25% variance under specific conditions
These requirements are defined under Potency Testing – Testing Variance starting on Page 13 in the Technical Authority.
What is homogeneity testing and when is it required?
Homogeneity testing ensures that each serving contains consistent cannabinoid content.
It is required for:
- Products with multiple servings or units (e.g., gummies, chocolates, beverages)
Key requirements:
- Typically tested on 10 individual units
- Must fall within ±15% of the label claim
Homogeneity must be demonstrated:
- On the first batch
- Whenever the manufacturing process changes
See Section VIII – Homogeneity Testing in the Technical Authority on Page 14.
What is stability testing and how does it work?
Stability testing determines your product’s expiration date and ensures it remains compliant over time.
Requirements:
- Conducted on the final packaged product
- Evaluates:
- Microbial stability
- Cannabinoid potency over time
- Potential contamination from packaging
If no data is available:
- Products default to a 6-month expiration date
For further guidelines and requirements, see Section IX – Stability Testing in the Technical Authority on Page 14.
Do hemp products in Minnesota have to be tested before they can be sold?
Yes. OCM’s technical standard states that each batch of cannabis or hemp product must be sampled and analyzed to confirm it meets contaminant limits and potency requirements before entering the retail market.
What tests are required for hemp flower that will be sold for smoking (including flower intended to be infused)?
OCM requires hemp flower for smoking (including flower to be infused) to be tested for:
- Microbial contaminants
- Mycotoxins
- Heavy metals
- Pesticides
- Foreign matter
- Potency
- Water Activity
Do Minnesota hemp products have to be tested at a Minnesota-licensed lab right now?
Not always.
Under a 2026 Minnesota legislative update, lower-potency hemp edibles and certain hemp-derived consumer products may be tested by any ISO/IEC 17025-accredited cannabis-testing laboratory until May 31, 2027.
Because eligibility depends on product type, we recommend confirming your product category prior to submission. hello@aitlabgroup.com
What tests do I actually need for my hemp product?
Testing requirements depend on your product type and intended use. Minnesota OCM outlines a risk-based testing approach that varies between:
- Flower: microbial, mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, foreign matter, water activity, potency
- Resins: microbial, mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, potency
- Rosins: microbial, mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, potency
- Resins (Artificallay Derived): microbial, mycotoxins, heavy metals, residual solvents, pesticides, foreign matter, potency
- Final Products (Non-Liquid): microbial, potency, water activity
- Final Products: microbial, potency, (vapes/cartridges also require heavy metals)
We recommend reviewing the Required Testing Flow Chart on page 6 in the Minnesota OCM Technical Authority for a full breakdown.
What cannabinoids are included in potency testing?
OCM requires testing for (at minimum) the following cannabinoid analytes:
THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, CBN, CBG, CBGA, delta-8 THC, THCV, CBC.
How accurate does the label potency need to be?
For products with label claims:
- Measured cannabinoid content must be within ±15% of the labeled value
- Exception: certain low-level cannabinoids may allow ±25% variance under specific conditions
These requirements are defined under Potency Testing – Testing Variance on page 14 in the Minnesota OCM Technical Authority.
Is homogeneity testing required for hemp edibles and serving-based products?
Yes. OCM states homogeneity testing is required for products with serving units, including edibles and beverages, and it must be evaluated on the final packaged form.
What happens if a hemp batch fails testing?
If a batch fails:
- You may request a reanalysis (same sample, same lab) within 7 days
- If it passes reanalysis → it must be retested by a different lab
- If it fails again → the batch must be remediated or destroyed
Important limitations:
- Only one reanalysis and one retest are allowed
- The batch must remain intact (no splitting or combining)
Full requirements are outlined in the OCM Technical Authority under Failed Test Samples on page 16.
How long does the lab have to test and report results?
Per Minnesota OCM requirements:
- Microbial testing must be initiated within 5 days
- Testing is generally expected to be completed within 10 days
- Results must be reported within 2 business days of completion
These timelines are defined in the Technical Authority under Testing Timeline on page 19.
Our commitment:
During initial licensing phases and market rollout, timelines across the industry may be extended. However, we prioritize fast, predictable turnaround times and actively optimize workflows to keep your product moving to market as quickly as possible.
Can we submit hemp samples for R&D testing instead of compliance testing?
Yes. OCM states that cultivators/manufacturers may submit samples for research and development, but those results may not satisfy compliance testing requirements, and the sample must be marked as R&D in the statewide monitoring system.
Can you help me understand my Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes—we believe your COA should be easy to understand and actionable.
Your COA includes:
- Pass/fail status for all required tests
- Cannabinoid potency and profiles
- Contaminant results and limits
- Supporting data like LOQs and method details
Requirements are defined under Certificates of Analysis on pages 20–21 in the Minnesota OCM Technical Authority.
Can my hemp samples be tested at your Moorhead or Fargo lab?
All Minnesota hemp and cannabis must be tested at the Moorhead MN lab.
Do hemp test results have to be entered into the statewide monitoring system (OCM/Metrc)?
No
What analytes are included in each of the tests?
Each testing category includes specific analytes defined by OCM, such as:
- Microbial: total yeast/mold, pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli, Aspergillus, etc.)
- Heavy metals: arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury
- Pesticides: extensive list of regulated compounds
- Residual solvents: e.g., butane, propane, benzene, etc.
- Cannabinoids (potency): THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, CBN, CBG, and others
We recommend referencing Sections I–VII on pages 7–13 in the Minnesota OCM Technical Authority for the full analyte lists and limits.
We also provide a detailed breakdown here in our Blog!
Is stability testing required for hemp products?
Yes. OCM states stability testing is required for all products and must be evaluated on the final packaged form to establish the expiration date.
I have been a customer of Adam’s since 2019. Their prices, ISO certification and turn around times are competitive with the best labs in the country. In the 7 years I have been in the cannabis industry, I have researched and tried many laboratories for my testing needs ~ but very early on I decided that Adam’s is decisively my favorite, and have since moved all of my testing there. I am excited for the future of their company and to be able to continue working with them at their new Moorhead, MN location!
Brandon B.
We have been relying on AIT for the past 3 years, and have been impressed with their turnaround times and knowledge within the industry. Their testing has always proven to be accurate, and their customer support is best in class – always willing to listen, help, modify, and adapt orders as needed to meet our requests. We intend to continue leaning on AIT for all of our testing needs, and highly recommend them to anybody in the Midwest looking for a reliable lab.
Kyle F.
We used Adams Independent Testing last year for various tests, from pesticides to potency for our hemp plants and oil. Their service is second to none. Quick results and friendly service is why we use Adams Independent Testing. I would recommend to anyone!
Julie W.
Minnesota
Hemp Potency is a new experience for me. With AIT I received a quick turnaround with a report that is easy to understand.
James L.
North Dakota
I’ve been using AIT for several years and countless tests. Their turnaround time is second to none, as is their service. The value they provide to my business is immeasurable. Look no further if you want to find a reliable and responsive testing provider. Better than A+ service!
Nate M.
Minnesota
