Hemp Laboratory Registration

About this Registration

Individual or business entities that test or analyze any plant within the genus Cannabis, including but not limited to hemp, products made or derived from such plant, including but not limited to hemp products and consumable hemp products must register with Department. Consideration, issuance, and revocation of a registration will be accomplished in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 2-5-1 et seq. (O.C.G.A. § 2-23-6.5)

General Laboratory Registration Overview

Information Required:

  • Name of the registrant
  • Business address of the registrant
  • Complete telephone number and email address of the applicant
  • The location of the laboratory facility where the registrant will perform tests and analyses of any plant within the genus Cannabis or any product made or derived from such plant
  • If the registrant is a business entity, the name of the owners, partners, members, or shareholders of the entity.

Fees:

  • All laboratory registrants must pay a one-time registration fee of $250.00.
  • Registrations made with the Department will be in connection with a single laboratory facility. If a person or business entity would like to perform tests or analyses of any plant within the genus Cannabis or any product made or derived from such plant, the person or entity will need to register each facility with the Department.

Denial of a Laboratory Registration:

  • A registration will not be accepted until the registrant demonstrates, to the Department’s satisfaction set through rule, that it is not affiliated with any licensee or permittee. Additionally, the registrant must show that the laboratory has been accredited pursuant to the standards of the International Organization for Standardization for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories.
  • Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 2-5-5, which governs the denial of ALL Department issued registrations, licenses, and permits, any applicants that fall into the following categories are eligible for the denial of their registration:
    • Applicants with a criminal record
    • Applicants found by the Commissioner to have violated any law administered by the department or any regulation or quarantine of the department
    • A corporation, when any of its officers has a criminal record or is found by the Commissioner to have violated any law administered by the department or any regulation or quarantine of the department
    • Any person who is less than 18 years of age on the date of his or her application.
  • In the case of a partnership, all parties shall be considered applicants.
  • No license will be denied without the opportunity for a hearing.

How to Apply for your Registration

Complete your applications for Hemp Laboratory Registrations online through the GDA Hemp Licensing and Reporting System using the links below. 

Before you start, please read the Hemp Laboratory Registration Application Guide.

What Happens When You Apply for a Registration

  1. When you apply online for your registration, you will first have to create an account in the system.
  2. There are several sections to this application.  While you are working on your application, you may save your progress and return at any time.
  3. Once you submit your application, Hemp program staff will review your application. They may have questions or need to discuss further, so please make sure that your contact information is correct and that you respond promptly if someone tries to reach you.
  4. To pay your fee, you will log in to the Hemp Licensing System and pay online. Once you have paid, your registration certificate will immediately be available for saving or printing.

Respond promptly to any questions or notifications, and make sure GDA can contact you if needed!

Apply for a new Hemp Laboratory Registration

Testing Consumable Hemp Products

Laboratory Staff & Cannabis
A registered laboratory and those employed by the laboratory will not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or any civil penalty for possessing, or having under their control, THC or marijuana provided that the possession or control occurs under the rules and regulations set by the Department.

Testing Limits

  • Pursuant to SB 494, Delta-9-THC concentration shall be established by: (1) Identifying the total percentage weight, on a dry weight basis where applicable, of delta-9-THC from a sample that has undergone decarboxylation such that all delta-9-THCA in the sample has been converted to delta-9-THC; or (2) Identifying the sum of the percentage by weight, on a dry weight basis where applicable, of delta-9-THCA multiplied by 0.877 plus the percentage by weight, on a dry weight basis where applicable, of delta-9-THC.
  • Measurement of Uncertainty: When determining whether a tested sample of hemp or hemp product has a total delta-9-THC concentration that exceeds or is within the legal limits, such determination shall take into account the applicable measurement of uncertainty for the test used to establish the total delta-9-THC concentration.

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