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Cannabis seed testing can be completed through several approved laboratories. In Minnesota, testing services are available at Minnesota Crop Improvement and the MDA Plant and Seed Analysis (PSA) Laboratory. Some commercial laboratories in other states may also offer cannabis testing. To submit a sample to the MDA-PSA Lab, please complete the Seed Fee Schedule and Submission Form.
Cannabis Seed Testing FAQs
Cannabis seed for sale in Minnesota is subject to the Minnesota seed law This means every seed lot must be tested, labeled according to the law, and the labeler must maintain required records. These requirements maintain a fair marketplace and protect the consumer.
Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) Rules for Testing Seed are agreed upon standards by all 50 states that specify requirements for each seed species. Under these rules, Cannabis sativa requires 50g for a purity exam and 500g for a noxious weed seed exam. These amounts are determined based upon the average seed size for each species and the requirement to examine 2,500 seeds for purity and 25,000 seeds for a noxious weed seed exam for each kind.
Hemp seed sold in Minnesota is expected to meet the AOSA testing requirements of 500g.
To facilitate the new cannabis seed industry and feedback received regarding the limited seed supply, the lab will accept 25 grams of seed for testing at this time. Testing less than the official amount will be stated as a deviation from AOSA Rules on the lab report of analysis. Samples submitted with less than 25 grams will not be tested.
Unconsumed seed can be sent back to the customer. Approximately 8-9 grams will be consumed by a 400 seed germination test. Remnant seed not consumed in lab testing can be returned to the customer if a prepaid shipping label with tracking number is supplied at the time of submission.
Please contact the lab by emailing mda.seed.service@state.mn.us or by calling 651-201-6450 in advance of sending samples to ensure they have current capacity and can answer any questions ahead of time.
The AOSA testing standards for cannabis include 400 seeds to ensure accurate results. The seeds are tested in replicates to account for natural variability in seed quality. This standard is used by all AOSA labs.
Likewise, AOSA rules require 25,000 seeds to be tested for noxious examination for all seed kinds. This is done to calculate the rate of occurrence of any noxious weeds in seeds per pound or seeds per gram to compare to limits set by sales areas such as individual states or U.S. noxious regions. Weed seed lists can be found through the USDA.
Submit your samples to an accredited lab with trained staff, supplies, and equipment to provide the most accurate and legally defensible results.
Contact the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) for more information about adult-use cannabis. The MDA-PSA lab does not oversee the new cannabis law and can only provide information as it pertains to the sale and labeling of seed.
