Cannabis Lab Sample Intake and Chain of Custody Checklist

This cannabis lab sample intake and chain of custody checklist ensures compliance with state cannabis testing laboratory sample submission requirements, METRC lab sample package creation procedures, chain of custody documentation standards, and state-required testing panel selection. Errors in sample intake and chain of custody can invalidate test results and require expensive retesting.

  • Industry: Cannabis
  • Frequency: Per Batch
  • Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Role: Compliance Manager / Quality Coordinator
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: State Cannabis Testing Sample Submission Requirements, METRC Lab Sample Package Creation Requirements, ISO/IEC 17025 Chain of Custody Requirements, State Cannabis Required Testing Panel by Product Type, State Cannabis Sample Retention Requirements

Testing Lab Verification

Confirm lab credentials.

  • Testing lab currently on state-approved cannabis lab list?
  • Lab holds current ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for cannabis methods?
  • Lab license number verified and not expired?
  • Confirmed lab offers all required test panels for this product type?
  • Expected turnaround time confirmed and within business requirements?

METRC Sample Package Creation

State tracking compliance.

  • Lab sample package tag created in METRC before sample removed from batch?
  • Sample weight entered in METRC matches physical sample weight?
  • METRC sample package linked to correct parent batch?
  • State transfer manifest created for lab sample transport?
  • METRC package tag physically attached to sample container?

Sample Collection

Physical sample preparation.

  • State-required sampling protocol followed for this product type?
  • Sample size meets state minimum requirements for all test panels ordered?
  • Sample collected in a representative manner from across the batch?
  • Sample placed in clean, appropriate container (glass, food-safe plastic)?
  • Sample container labeled with batch ID, product type, and submission date?

Test Panel Selection

Required testing confirmation.

  • Potency/cannabinoid panel ordered?
  • Microbial testing panel ordered (TYMC, Aspergillus, E. coli, Salmonella)?
  • Pesticide residue panel ordered?
  • Heavy metals panel ordered?
  • Residual solvent panel ordered for solvent-based extracts?

Chain of Custody

COC documentation.

  • Chain of custody form completed with all required information?
  • COC signed by submitter before sample leaves facility?
  • Sample stored at appropriate temperature before and during transport?
  • Lab receipt of sample confirmed with tracking number or receipt?
  • Copy of COC form retained with batch records at facility?

Sample Intake Records

Documentation.

  • Lab submission log updated with batch ID, lab name, and submission date?
  • Expected COA return date noted and follow-up scheduled?
  • Batch placed on administrative hold in METRC pending test results?
  • COA filed with batch records immediately upon receipt from lab?
  • Lab Sample Notes

Related Quality Control Checklists

Related Laboratory Checklists

Why Use This Cannabis Lab Sample Intake and Chain of Custody Checklist?

This cannabis lab sample intake and chain of custody checklist helps cannabis teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for compliance manager / quality coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per batch.

Ensures compliance with State Cannabis Testing Sample Submission Requirements, METRC Lab Sample Package Creation Requirements, ISO/IEC 17025 Chain of Custody Requirements, State Cannabis Required Testing Panel by Product Type, State Cannabis Sample Retention Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cannabis Lab Sample Intake and Chain of Custody Checklist?

A Cannabis Lab Sample Intake and Chain of Custody Checklist is a standardized inspection form used by compliance manager / quality coordinator to ensure consistent cannabis operations. It contains 34 inspection points organized into 6 sections. FREE cannabis lab sample intake chain of custody checklist PDF. State cannabis testing lab sample submission, METRC lab sample package tag, COA request compliance, chain of custody documentation, state-licensed lab verification compliance. 30+ lab intake checks. Download FREE template now.

How often should I use this cannabis checklist?

This checklist is designed to be completed per batch. Regular use ensures compliance with State Cannabis Testing Sample Submission Requirements and METRC Lab Sample Package Creation Requirements and helps identify issues before they become problems.

Can I download this Cannabis Lab Sample Intake and Chain of Custody Checklist as a PDF?

Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 34 fields across 6 sections and typically takes 20-30 minutes to complete.

What compliance standards does this checklist cover?

This checklist helps ensure compliance with State Cannabis Testing Sample Submission Requirements, METRC Lab Sample Package Creation Requirements, ISO/IEC 17025 Chain of Custody Requirements, State Cannabis Required Testing Panel by Product Type, State Cannabis Sample Retention Requirements. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.

How do I complete this cannabis inspection checklist?

Begin by completing the header fields for Facility Name / License Number, Sample Submission Date, Sample Submitter Name, and Testing Lab Name and License Number. Work through each of the 6 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Add notes for any issues found. The entire process takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

What are the key sections in this cannabis checklist?

This cannabis checklist is organized into 6 key sections: Testing Lab Verification, METRC Sample Package Creation, Sample Collection, Test Panel Selection, Chain of Custody, Sample Intake Records. Each section contains specific inspection points that compliance manager / quality coordinator must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during cannabis inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 20-30 minutes to complete.

Who should use this Cannabis Lab Sample Intake and Chain of Custody Checklist?

This checklist is primarily designed for compliance manager / quality coordinator working in cannabis operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that cannabis standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Cannabis Lab Sample Intake and Chain of Custody Checklist to maintain consistency and accountability.

Browse More Checklists

POPProbe