Testing Laboratory Licenses

The Department of Revenue’s Cannabis and Alcohol Regulation Division (CARD) provides oversight of marijuana testing laboratories in Montana. The department is responsible for inspection and licensing of marijuana testing laboratories per the Montana Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. A marijuana testing laboratory license allows a marijuana testing laboratory to provide testing of representative samples of marijuana and marijuana products and to provide information about the chemical composition and potency of a sample, as well as the presence of microbiological, pesticide, or other contaminants.

Required Testing

Montana testing requirements can be found at ARM 42.39.614 and in the Quality Assurance Testing Requirements Appendix Version 1.0 (PDF). Required testing includes the following:

  • cannabinoid profile/potency
  • pesticides
  • mycotoxins
  • residual solvents
  • microbiological
  • percent moisture
  • filth and foreign matter

Testing Laboratory Licensing Requirements

A laboratory may be considered for licensure following the successful submission of all following documentation and upon the successful completion of an on-site inspection by the Cannabis Laboratory Program. An on-site inspection shall not be scheduled until all following documentation from ARM 42.39.603 is received.

  • certificates of insurance and bonding
  • business license
  • property Owner Permission Form for laboratories if applicable
  • CARD issued worker permit
  • laboratory security/storage plan
  • quality manual
  • standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • validation studies, including all applicable data and results
  • proficiency data/results
  • scientific director resume, transcripts, and references
  • ISO 17025:2017 accreditation and associated audit reports

General Information

In addition to the requirements listed here, testing laboratories are also subject to the General Licensee Requirements.

  • All marijuana and marijuana products must pass testing before being sold in a dispensary to a registered medical cardholder or adult-use consumer.
  • Testing requirements are the same for both medical and adult-use marijuana and marijuana products.
  • All laboratory employees must have a valid Worker Permit prior to starting work. An applicant applying to work in a marijuana testing laboratory must submit fingerprints to the department and undergo a criminal background check pursuant to ARM 42.39.115 and  MCA 16-12-206.
  • Testing laboratories must employ a Scientific Director that meets statutory education and work experience requirements found in MCA 16-12-206.
  • The Cannabis Laboratory Program performs all initial, renewal, and complaint-based laboratory inspections.
  • All documents required for licensing are to be submitted through the TransAction Portal (TAP).

Storage Facilities

Testing laboratories may optionally apply for storage facility licenses. These are locations where marijuana and marijuana products can be stored temporarily. Storage facility requirements are outlined in Administrative Rule and are subject to inspection.

  • Storage facility license requirements can be found in ARM 42.39.420.
  • A marijuana storage facility may be used for the temporary storage of marijuana or marijuana products, not to exceed 48 hours.

Fees

Testing Laboratory License
$5,000 annually
Storage Facility License
$1,000 annually
  • All applications require a processing fee of 20% of the license fee.
  • All application processing fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application.

Forms and Resources