Top Cannabis Testing Labs Across the U.S.

Introduction

The U.S. cannabis industry depends heavily on accurate, transparent laboratory testing. Each state sets its own rules for potency, contaminants, and safety, which makes reliable labs essential for protecting consumers and giving brands credibility. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation has become the gold standard for quality assurance, and labs that uphold it help the market move past concerns about “lab shopping” and inflated THC numbers. The following laboratories represent some of the most trusted names in cannabis testing nationwide.

SC Labs (multi-state) — SC Labs operates across several regulated markets, offering compliance and R&D testing that covers potency, terpenes, residual solvents, heavy metals, and microbials. Multiple ISO/IEC 17025 accreditations and state-issued licenses demonstrate a commitment to consistency and accountability.

Kaycha Labs (nationwide network) — Kaycha Labs runs locations from Florida to Nevada, promoting standardized methods across all facilities. Florida regulators recognized Kaycha as the first Certified Marijuana Testing Laboratory (CMTL), a reflection of strict compliance with both state and ISO 17025 requirements.

ACT Laboratories (multi-state) — ACT Lab provides testing in states such as Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Florida. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is maintained across its operations, and the acquisition of Green Scientific Labs expanded both capacity and reach, creating one of the largest testing networks in the U.S.

MCR Labs (New England and beyond) — MCR Labs, based in Massachusetts, delivers ISO/IEC 17025-accredited services and supports both large cultivators and smaller producers. Public advocacy for strict data integrity has strengthened its reputation in New England’s cannabis community.

ACS Laboratory (Southeast hub; national hemp) — ACS Laboratory, located in Florida, holds ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation and specializes in broad-spectrum testing panels. Hemp producers nationwide often turn to ACS for its national compliance panel, which consolidates the strictest limits across multiple states.

ProVerde Laboratories (MA/ME) — ProVerde serves Massachusetts and Maine with accredited potency, terpene, and contaminant testing. Beyond compliance services, ProVerde consults with cannabis businesses on method development and regulatory navigation.

Anresco Laboratories (CA) — Anresco, based in San Francisco, applies decades of food safety expertise to cannabis products, particularly edibles and infused items. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation ensures testing meets both state cannabis rules and broader food-industry expectations.

How to Choose the Right Lab

  • Check for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and confirm that it covers flower, extracts, and edibles.
  • Review validation data and detection limits to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
  • Question unusually high potency claims and select labs with reputations for accuracy over hype.

Conclusion

Top cannabis testing labs share a dedication to accreditation, transparency, and scientific rigor. Operators such as SC Labs, Kaycha, ACT, MCR, ACS, ProVerde, and Anresco demonstrate how standardized methods and credible reporting support the broader industry. Partnering with a trusted lab does more than satisfy state regulators—it protects public health and builds long-term consumer confidence in legal cannabis.