Cannabis Testing FAQ

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Learn about what the majority are asking concerning our cannabis testing service and methods, testing requirements by the State of California, and latest developments in the hemp and cannabis industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book orders/schedule a pickup online?

Please click on the website link Schedule a Pickup and create an online chain of custody. If you would like to call or email a request for a pickup please call 562-676-4206 or send an email to info@BelCostaLabs.com

How do I access my results?

Once completed a COA notification email will be sent to you through our LIMS called Tagleaf. The email used for Tagleaf is the email provided on the Chain of Custody. If you haven’t created an account please create an account through the email Tagleaf email by clicking the blue button.

Do you operate over the weekend?

Yes, BelCosta offers weekend pick ups, and the lab is operating on the weekend.

What are your hours?

The laboratory is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. Weekend visits must be scheduled in advance.

What sample weight do I need for RD/QA (Depends on what test)?

What's your turnaround time?

Our standard turn around is 2-4 days. Expedited options are available.

What’s difference between QA/RD/Compliance?

Quality Assurance Testing/R&D Testing is prior to the time the product is in final packaging and ready to release to dispensaries. QA/R&D Testing is key to success to ensure your products meet all the guidelines of the State. This type of testing is possible to be dropped off to the laboratory via a distribution license or you can request our laboratory to pick up the samples. Metrc is required for all non-personal use product.

Do I need to send Samples via Metrc?

Yes, Metrc is required for all samples except personal use product testing.

How do you send samples via Metrc?

QA/R&D products can be transferred to the laboratory from the Cultivator/Manufacturer/Distributor as a standard transfer. Compliance testing must be “Submitted for Testing” For compliance testing in California highlight the batch and click the Submit for Testing button. Transfer the amount of random sample the BelCosta Labs Sampler took and provide the metrc manifest to us. Please make sure the manifest is signed.

What does Testing In Progress mean as a status in Metrc?

Testing in Progress means laboratory data has been submitted to Metrc but there is something in Metrc that is holding up the release of the sample. Whenever you see this status please contact Metrc support to figure out what is causing this status. It is typically caused by a sample being created or adjustment made after the sample was submitted for testing. However, there could be numerous other issues such as an issue with the source package.

Will results match from QA/R&D to the Compliance?

The State provides regulations for the random sampling for Compliance testing. In order to be as accurate as possible from QA/R&D to Compliance we recommend sampling in a similar manner. Cannabis is an agricultural crop and there are variances throughout batches which is the key reason we recommend random sampling for QA/R&D testing.

What is label claim variance?

In California the label claim variance is 10%. This means the Compliance COA can vary 10% from the label. Therefore, if the product is labeled with Potency prior to Compliance testing the state allows a variance up to 10%. If it is labeled after Compliance testing it must match the COA.

How to add/remove users and send new invites from the Tagleaf portal

Use the administrator Tagleaf login (typically the original login) and then click User Dashboard. You can add/change/delete users there.

A product was tested by you, is it real, authentic?

All products testing by BelCosta will have a batch number and a laboratory sample code. The laboratory can verify if a particular batch was tested by us by confirming those codes. However, for QA/R&D testing that product was provided to the laboratory and the laboratory did not take random samples of an entire batch. Therefore, if you are looking at a QA/R&D COA, that is for the product provided to the lab and may not represent an entire batch.

What sets BelCosta Labs apart?

BelCosta Labs was founded on the premise of customer service and support. Our job is to provide consistent, accurate data to our clients. However, when an issue arises our customers know that you can rely on BelCosta to support you and help you solve any issues.

Can someone help me review and understand my results?

Yes, please contact your dedicated account manager or the laboratory.

What does LOD stand for?

The limit of detection (LOD) is defined as the lowest concentration of an analyte in a sample that can be consistently detected with a stated probability. Analytes between the Limit of Detection and the Limit of Quantification are not able to be quantified therefore the COA will state

What does LOQ stand for?

Limit of Quantitation is defined as the concentration that can be measured with a defined accuracy and precision. This is a level that our instruments are calibrated to and we can confirm with multiple quality controls that we are able to see analytes and quantify them at this level.

Where can I find the most current DCC regulations?

On the DCC website located here https://cannabis.ca.gov/cannabis-laws/dcc-regulations/

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