Laboratories
South Carolina Hemp Laboratory Testing: A Compliance & Resource Guide
Welcome to the central resource for finding reputable, compliant, and experienced hemp analytical testing laboratories in South Carolina. For growers, processors, and consumers, choosing the right lab is the most critical step for ensuring product safety, legality, and market access.
- SC Certified Laboratories Directory
In South Carolina, a lab must meet both Federal (USDA/DEA) and State (SCDA) requirements to provide comprehensive, compliant testing. The following table summarizes the status of the three key laboratories identified in the state.
| Laboratory | Location | USDA/DEA Status (Federal Compliance) | SCDA Handler Permit (State Compliance) | Key Specialization & Notes |
| Clearwater Biotech LLC | Greenville |  DEA Accredited |
Permitted Hemp Lab |
Strong focus on hemp and cannabis. Dual compliance is essential for pre-harvest THC testing. |
| Custom Analytics | Dalzell | DEA Accredited |
 Not Listed as SCDA Permitted Lab |
DEA accreditation indicates capability for high-level compliance testing. Primarily serves pharmaceutical/botanical sectors. |
| GEL Laboratories, LLC | Charleston | Not DEA Accredited |
Permitted Hemp Lab |
Highly accredited institution for environmental/chemistry work. State-permitted handler, but DEA status may limit use for federal compliance testing. |
1. Federal Compliance (The DEA Requirement)
The DEA Accreditation is the highest federal standard and is necessary for any lab performing mandatory pre-harvest Total THC testing for USDA-regulated hemp crops.
Requirement: Labs must be registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to handle the controlled substance (THC).
Why it Matters: If you are a cultivator whose crop is being tested for federal THC limits, you generally must use a DEA-accredited lab like Clearwater Biotech or Custom Analytics to ensure the results are federally defensible.
2. State Compliance (The SCDA Handler Permit)
The SCDA Handler Permit is a South Carolina requirement that authorizes an individual or business to possess, store, or otherwise handle hemp material in the state.
Requirement: The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) requires a Handler Permit for all entities, including laboratories, that touch the product without cultivating or processing it.
Why it Matters: This verifies that the lab is known and permitted by the local state regulatory body, which is crucial for compliance reporting and state-level chain of custody.
- The Two Levels of Compliance: DEA vs. SCDA: Understanding a lab's accreditation is essential for any hemp business.
- It all starts with a Laboratory!
- Safety
Testing ensures products are free from harmful contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents.
- Potency
Accurate labeling of cannabinoid content (CBD, THC, etc.) allows consumers to make informed decisions and dose products effectively.
- Quality
Testing can identify the presence of beneficial compounds (terpenes, flavonoids) and ensure product consistency.
- Regulatory Compliance
Many states, including South Carolina, require laboratory testing for hemp and cannabis products to ensure they meet legal standards.
Beyond Compliance: The Role of Labs in Product Quality
Reputable testing labs go beyond simply ensuring regulatory compliance. They can also help producers optimize their cultivation and manufacturing processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop new products with specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
We're Here to Help!
If you have any questions or need assistance finding a laboratory, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're committed to facilitating access to safe, effective, and affordable cannabis in South Carolina, and that starts with laboratory testing!
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