Do you want to start your own cannabis testing laboratory in Alabama? If so, you will need to apply for and win an Alabama cannabis testing laboratory license. This process is highly competitive and involves hundreds of hours of technical writing. That’s why we’re here to help.
Our step-by-step guide lists the various steps necessary to win a cannabis testing laboratory license in Alabama. But if you’d rather speak with one of our team members on the phone, feel free to fill out our contact form, and we’ll follow up shortly.
Alabama Cannabis Testing Laboratory License
Step 1: Get to know the rules and regulations of the Alabama Cannabis Testing Laboratory Application
To start, it’s crucial to understand the various rules and regulations specific to operating a compliant cannabis testing laboratory in Alabama.
That said, you should familiarize yourself with the following:
- Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Bill (SB46);
- 538-X-3 Applications and Licensing Requirements – Generally;
- 538-X-4 Licensee Requirements – Generally; and the
- 538-X-10 Regulation of State Testing Laboratories
Additionally, keep in mind that the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (“the Commission”) is responsible for the issuance and regulation of all medical marijuana licenses and businesses in Alabama.
Step 2: Determine if you’re eligible to win a cannabis testing laboratory license in Alabama
Now that you’ve reviewed the many rules and regulations, it’s time to determine if you are eligible to win an Alabama cannabis testing laboratory license. In brief, those eligible are applicants who have not been charged with criminal convictions within the last eight years. In other words, applicants should not have the following:
- any indictable offense;
- any offense involving stolen property or vehicles, fraud, stolen property, or other offense of similar nature;
- operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance;
- any offense involving possession, distribution, or trafficking any illegal substance
If you don’t fall into any of these categories, you are eligible to apply!
Step 3: Contact an Alabama Cannabis Testing Laboratory Consultant
Next, it’s time to contact an Alabama cannabis testing laboratory expert. A consultant can guide you through the entire process and gives you the best chances for success. Additionally, our team of cannabis experts specializes in anything from facility design to team recruitment and standard operating procedure (SOP) development. With our expertise, you can increase your chances of putting together a winning application. Schedule a call today to get started on your marijuana testing laboratory application in Alabama.
Step 4: Form a business entity for your cannabis business in Alabama
At this point, you should be familiar with the Alabama laws, determined that you are eligible, and contacted a Quantum 9 marijuana consultant. Now, you must determine a business entity that’s appropriate for your goals. That said, most cannabis applicants form corporations or limited liability companies (LLC) for their Alabama cannabis testing laboratory license.
Step 5: Develop a business plan for your Alabama cannabis testing laboratory application
Moving on, you will need to develop a solid business plan. A competitive business plan for your Alabama cannabis testing laboratory application includes how you intend to raise capital, build your brand, and so on. With this, your business plan can even help you attract reputable team members. This brings us to your next step, building a team of cannabis experts for your marijuana testing laboratory in Alabama.
Step 6: Build a team of cannabis experts
As part of the application process, applicants are required to list team members responsible for running the business. Essentially, the Commission wants to see that your team has a strong understanding of the cannabis industry and the ability to operate a compliant cannabis business. With this in mind, the bill also requires that 25% or more of the licenses are awarded to minority-owned businesses.
Need help building a team of highly experienced cannabis experts? At Quantum 9, we offer talent acquisition services to provide the best chances of success.
Step 7: Raise capital for your Alabama cannabis testing laboratory license
Now that you have a team of cannabis experts, it’s time to start raising capital. However, this process can take time, and it’s never too early to start. Opening a cannabis business can cost millions, and startup costs can range widely. For example, cultivation and integrated facilities tend to be more capital-intensive in comparison to retail operations. That said, reach out to our expert Alabama cannabis testing laboratory license consultants for business planning and license application services.
Furthermore, there are various licensing fees necessary to submit a successful application.
Step 8: Secure equipment and a location for your marijuana Alabama testing laboratory
Equally important, it’s a good time to secure equipment and identify a location for your Alabama cannabis testing laboratory. To start, you must obtain the ISO/IEC 17025 certification (step 11), as well as the appropriate equipment necessary to conduct proper testing procedures. Plus, you must ensure that your facility is compliant with State laws, local laws, and city government zoning requirements. Once your equipment and facility meet all requirements, you can secure the site and begin accumulating local support.
Step 9: Collect local support
Building relationships with Alabama’s city and local organizations can improve your chances of securing a marijuana testing laboratory license. For example, the City decides who operates within its border. Not to mention, some cities require an application for a separate and city-level permit.
Therefore, applicants must start building relationships with their city and local organizations now. These relationships take patience, but it is essential for anyone hoping to obtain a cannabis business license in Alabama. This can be a daunting task; however, it significantly increases the chances of winning an Alabama cannabis business license. Start by reaching out to local leaders and building relationships with key stakeholders. With hard work and dedication, you can create the necessary support system needed to succeed in Alabama’s competitive cannabis industry.
Step 10: Establish cannabis testing procedures for your cannabis testing laboratory in Alabama
Now, you can begin to develop marijuana testing laboratory procedures, including:
- Cannabinoid content and potency, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
- Total THC (THC + THCA);
- Total CBD (CBD + CBDA);
- THC/CBD ratio, if applicable;
- Percent of THC relative to original plant material (w/w);
- Terpene profiles;
- Heavy metals;
- Chemical contamination, such as residual solvents remaining after extraction and concentration;
- Microbials, including pathogenic microbials;
- Mycotoxins;
- Residual pesticides: (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and growth inhibitors/regulators) used during cultivation.
Step 11: Obtain ISO Certification
At this point, you must obtain ISO/IEC 17025 certification. This international standard certifies that your testing procedures and quality management system meet the required standards. In order to obtain a ISO/IEC 17025 certification, you must contact a third-party accreditation facility to validate your procedures and quality management systems.
Our team has extensive experience guiding cannabis testing laboratories through the accreditation process. We can provide you with the resources and support you need to ensure successful certification.
Step 12: Write and submit your application for an Alabama testing laboratory license
Finally, it’s time to write your Alabama cannabis testing laboratory application. Required documents include:
- Business plan;
- IT plan;
- Plan for maintenance and storage of cannabis and medical cannabis (including access control);
- Quality control/quality assurance plan;
- Contamination and recall plan;
- Criminal activity plan;
- Emergency procedures/disaster plan
- Alcohol, smoke, and drug-free workplace policies;
- Employee Safety Plan;
- Dozens of standard operating procedures;
- and so much more.
Aside from the hundreds of pages of technical writing, you are also required to pay additional fees, as well as a non-refundable application fee of $2,500. Have a question? Read more about the Quantum 9 Alabama Cannabis License Consulting Firm.
Conclusion
All in all, Alabama cannabis testing laboratory applications are highly complex, time-consuming, and require a lot of upfront capital. Therefore, we encourage you to reach out to the team at Quantum 9. With a significant track record of winning cannabis licenses in Alabama, we will increase your chances of securing a license.
