IDOA clarifies responsibilities for licensed cannabis testing laboratories
The Illinois Department of Agriculture and Division of Cannabis Regulation (IDOA-DCR) today released a bulletin to clarify the responsibilities of licensed Illinois cannabis testing facilities regarding to the timely and complete reporting of laboratory test results in the Seed-to-Sale traceability system, Metrc.
The bulletin states that the laboratory shall file with IDOA an electronic copy, at the same time that it transmits those results to the Cultivation Center, Craft Grower, or Infuser, of each laboratory test result for any batch that does not pass the microbiological, mycotoxin, heavy metals, or pesticide chemical residue test. In addition, the laboratory shall maintain the laboratory test results for at least five years and make them available at IDOA’s request.
To satisfy the requirements, cannabis testing laboratories should upload all failed test results to Metrc. Timely reporting of test results allows IDOA and regulated licensees to accurately determine the testing status of cannabis packages, prevent incomplete or misleading testing records, and support the integrity of Illinois’ Seed-to-Sale traceability program. Metrc is the state of Illinois system of record for tracking cannabis throughout the regulated supply chain, including laboratory testing. Testing laboratories are responsible for ensuring that laboratory test results are reflected in Metrc in an accurate and timely manner. Delayed, incomplete, or omitted laboratory reporting may result in inaccurate testing statuses, prevent downstream licensees from accurately determining the compliance status of cannabis or cannabis products, and impair IDOA’s ability to effectively monitor the supply chain.
Guidance for testing facilities includes:
- Timely Receipt and Reporting of Laboratory Samples
- Complete Reporting of Laboratory Test Results
- Failed Laboratory Test Results
For questions regarding laboratory testing requirements, please contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Division of Cannabis, Bureau of Inspections by emailing AGR.CannabisInspections@Illinois.gov.