Testing Labs

A cannabis testing lab is an independent company that tests cannabis and cannabis products for contaminants such as mold and pesticides and tests for concentrations of compounds such as THC and CDB. Those interested in operating a cannabis testing lab will require the following:

Cannabis Land Use Permit

Cannabis testing labs require a minor use permit from Permit Sonoma to operate in the industrial zones (MP, M1, M2, and M3) and a conditional use permit to operate in certain commercial zones (C3 and LC).

A use permit is a discretionary permit and each application is reviewed and conditioned on a case-by-case basis. Each permit is subject to public notification and environmental review. A minor use permit may be approved administratively without a public hearing if one is not requested by the public.

Building, Well and Septic Permits

As applicable, from Permit Sonoma

Fire Review and Inspection 

Fire and Emergency Services will review all testing lab permit applications and be responsible for inspecting and monitoring for compliance.

Business or Operator Requirements

The following is true for all cannabis permits:

1. Operators and employees must be at least 21 years of age
2. Operators shall be subject to background searches
3. Local hiring preference for business
4. Compliance with occupational safety requirements (Cal/OSHA, wage and hour laws, etc)

1. Annual permit requirement
2. Annual inspections required