Would you like to start a cannabis testing laboratory in New Jersey? You’ll need to apply for a New Jersey cannabis testing laboratory license first. Thus, I wrote this step-by-step guide to help you win a cannabis testing license in New Jersey.
But if you’d prefer to speak directly with one of our testing laboratory consultants, feel free to click the button below to schedule a free consultation.
New Jersey Cannabis Testing Laboratory License
Step 1 – Read the Rules and Regulations
The first step to starting a cannabis testing laboratory in New Jersey is to read the rules and regulations. More specifically, you should read the following documents:
- New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMM);
- New Jersey Adult-Use Cannabis Rules; and
- Notice of Application.
Focus on the laws and regulations related to the licensing of New Jersey cannabis testing laboratories. This will help you understand the application process and operational requirements.
We understand that reading several hundred pages of laws can be daunting. For this reason, the next step is to bring in a professional to do the heavy lifting for you.
Step 2 – Engage a New Jersey Cannabis Testing Laboratory Consultant
I suggest you work with a cannabis laboratory consultant in New Jersey early in your application process. Think of a consultant as your coach who will walk you through each step of the New Jersey marijuana testing license application process.
A proper consultant will manage your entire application for you from start to finish, making sure you are submitting the best application possible.
Allow our cannabis consultants in New Jersey to do the heavy lifting for you. We have one of the highest success rates in the industry for winning licenses (90.12%) and have helped entrepreneurs start cannabis testing laboratories across the globe.
Step 3 – Develop Business Plan for Cannabis Testing Lab in New Jersey
At this stage, it’s a good idea to craft a business plan for your New Jersey cannabis testing laboratory. A solid business plan will help you understand the market, return on investment, start-up costs, types of equipment, timelines, and more.
Additionally, if you’re still raising capital, your cannabis laboratory business plan will help attract investors. As an added benefit, you can use your business plan as part of your cannabis testing license application in New Jersey.
Step 4 – Build Team
If you do not have a team formed yet, it’s a good idea to start recruiting a team of experienced scientists in cannabis testing or related fields.
You’ll need a team of experienced analytical testing scientists for two reasons:
- Developing cannabis testing standard operating procedures (SOPs); and
- Score higher on your New Jersey testing laboratory license application.
Would you like help with recruiting a team for your New Jersey cannabis testing laboratory license application? Quantum 9 has a deep network of analytical chemists and scientists. Reach out today to learn about our talent acquisition services.
Step 5 – Secure Property and Equipment for your New Jersey Cannabis Testing Laboratory
Unfortunately, you must obtain your location and equipment before applying for a New Jersey cannabis testing laboratory license. This adds a layer of risk to your venture, as you’ll have to acquire costly equipment before being issued a license.
Since part of the application requires you to obtain ISO 17025 certification (more on this below), you’ll need a location and equipment for accreditation.
Therefore, make sure you have the appropriate equipment to conduct the required cannabis tests in New Jersey.
Step 6 – Develop Cannabis Testing Procedures
At this point, you should begin developing your cannabis testing procedures for, among other things:
- Cannabinoid content;
- Pests;
- Mold;
- Mycotoxins;
- Mildew;
- Heavy metals;
- Pesticides; and
- To ensure the accuracy of labeling.
Make sure your New Jersey cannabis testing procedures conform to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025 standards).
Step 7 – Obtain ISO 17025 Certification
After you’ve developed your cannabis testing procedures on your equipment, you must obtain ISO 17025 certification. You’ll need ISO 17025 certification before you can apply for your New Jersey cannabis testing laboratory license.
Thus, you must engage a third-party accreditation body to validate your procedures and quality management system (QMS) for conformation with ISO/IEC 17035 standards. Work with our team to guide you through the accreditation process.
Step 8 – Write Your New Jersey Cannabis Testing Laboratory Application
In tandem with step 7, you can begin to craft the following “scored measures” for your New Jersey marijuana testing license. For instance, to apply for a testing license in New Jersey, you must submit:
- Business Plan and Management Profile;
- Regulatory Compliance plan;
- Plan to obtain liability insurance;
- Safety and Security Plan;
- Standard Operating Procedures (“SOPs”) for Adverse Event Reporting;
- SOPs for Quality Assurance/Control;
- SOPs for Inventory Control, Storage, Diversion Prevention;
- SOPs for Recordkeeping;
- SOPs for Secure Transport of Cannabis;
- SOPs for Sampling and Testing of Cannabis; and
- SOPs for Reporting of Test Results for Cannabis.
Also, you should ensure that your cannabis testing license application complies with the New Jersey laws and regulations outlined in Step 1. You must receive a passing score on each of these items to receive a license.
Do you have the time and expertise to write the above narratives? Putting together a competitive testing license application can take months. Why risk your time and capital on an application that may not win?
Allow our cannabis laboratory consultants in New Jersey to write your application for you so that you can save time and increase your chances of winning.
Step 9 – Pay Application Fees and Submit
Once you’ve received ISO 17025 certification and written all of the scored measures described above, the final step is to pay the application fees and submit your New Jersey cannabis testing laboratory application.
The application fee for cannabis testing laboratory licenses in New Jersey is $400. Once you pay the fees and submit your application, you will wait 2 – 6 months as New Jersey reviews your marijuana testing laboratory license application.
If your application scores higher than the rest of the applicants and complies with all of the statutory requirements, you will win a cannabis testing license.
Conclusions on New Jersey’s Cannabis Testing Laboratory License
New Jersey’s cannabis testing laboratory license application is a major undertaking. The application is complex and time-consuming. It also requires a significant upfront capital investment.
Thus, if you intend to apply for a New Jersey cannabis testing license, take a few minutes to learn how our testing laboratory consultants can increase your chances of winning a license while saving you time and money.
