Sample Submission and Testing Requirements

When can samples be received or picked up?
Rio Grande Analytics accepts samples from 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday at both our Albuquerque and Las Cruces facilities. Arrangements can be made outside of these times if needed. We also offer sample pick-up service in the Albuquerque Metro area with at least 24 hours advanced notice. Give us a call to schedule a pickup.

Where are you located?
Our Albuquerque facility located half a block south of Interstate-40 on 6th Street NW, in Albuquerque. The entrance to our parking lot is directly across from Bow and Arrow Brewing. The door we receive samples through is located on the north face of the building.

Our Las Cruces facility is located at the West Mesa Industrial park south of the airport, south of Interstate-10. Call (505) 348-6230 for any additional information.

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What information do I need to manifest samples to Rio Grande Analytics on the BioTrackTHC portal?

Our Albuquerque license number is 1104 and the UBI is 555000104.

Our Las Cruces license number is 1109 and the UBI is 555000009.

There are helpful resources, including the official BioTrack training videos released by RLD, available on our Resources page. The BioTrackTHC Systems Training Manual can be downloaded as a PDF file here. BioTrack's help page can be found here. And here is the NMCCD BioTrack Resource page.

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What is necessary to send along with sample submissions?

We require that you use our up to date Cannabis Chain of Custody Submission Form, which will always be available here and our Services page. This form includes all necessary information for submission, allows you to attach a name to the samples you submit, and is where you indicate which analyses you would like us to perform. It is important that you select all analyses that will be required for the products you submit. We also require any samples submitted for State compliance testing be manifested to us for QA through the BioTrackTHC portal before analysis begins. A copy of the New Mexico Marijuana Transport Manifest generated is also required to be submitted along with the samples.
 

How should samples be collected? Does a laboratory agent need to collect them?
On March 9th, 2022, the Cannabis Control Division issued emergency rule amendments that staggered the implementation of laboratory staff sample collections until no earlier that March 1st, 2023. As of March 15th, 2023, this requirement has been tabled by CCD (via email to licensees) until further notice, and self-sampling by the licensees is still in effect. There is this Cannabis Testing Self-Sampling Guidance that the CCD has released. Feel free to contact us with any further questions.

What tests are currently required by the State?
The CCD's emergency rule amendments also staggered the implementation of the updated microbial panel and pesticide testing. The updated microbial panel and residual pesticide analysis are live as of November 1st, 2022. The current rules require qPCR screening to identify the presence or absence of specific microbial species, cannabinoid potency, moisture content (for flower batches), residual pesticide analysis, and residual solvent analysis (for volatile solvent extraction products).

What pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides) and plant growth regulators are registered with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for use on Cannabis sp. and where can I find the list?
There are 111 pesticides and seven growth regulators registered for use in New Mexico on Cannabis and hemp (as of the last update on 2/21/24). The lists of these compounds can be found at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture website, https://nmdeptag.nmsu.edu/aes/hemp/cannabis-registered-pesticides-and-growth-regulators.html. According to Table 5, found in Subsection J of 16.8.7.8 NMAC, any pesticide not registered for use has an action level of 0.02 μg/g. The NMDA suggests these three things be known before using an approved pesticide or growth regulator on Cannabis or hemp:

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1. Always read and follow the pesticide label. Refer to the label for the most up to date information such as: re-entry intervals, pre-harvest intervals and all other use direction and safety precautions.

2. Check with your extractor/processor/buyer to determine if they have any policies regarding pesticides. Some extractors/processors/buyers may reject your crop due to pesticide residues that can contaminate their solvent or equipment, not allowed in products they sell, or may render a crop unusable due to unpleasant taste (i.e. bud for inhalation).

3. If you are growing for an end product that will be exported out of the country, there may be additional requirements and limitations for pesticide uses on your crop

What is the "RGA Submission Agreement" on the bottom of the Sample Submission Form and do I need to sign it?

As of November 1st, 2022 this agreement must be signed for every submission.
"As per 16.8.2 NMAC: By signing below, I attest I have reviewed this sheet, and I am either:
(1) A person authorized to collect samples for a licensed cannabis establishment and have adhered to the "Self-Sampling Guidance for Testing" (https://www.rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/RLD-Mandatory-Self-Sampling-Guidance.pdf) issued by the CCD during the collection of these samples; or 
(2) That I am over 21 years of age, cannot use any Certificates of Analysis generated for sale or transfer, and I will receive unofficial results denoted “UNOFFICIAL RESULTS. NOT FOR TRANSFER OR SALE.” for any products submitted for R&D or personal consumer purposes."

According to 16.8.2.48 NMAC, for official results to be released the samples must be collected by an authorized person for a licensed cannabis establishment. They must also be collected in accordance with the Cannabis Testing Self-Sampling guidance linked above. If these criteria are met check statement (1) of the agreement and sign. If these criteria are not met, you must check (2) and sign acknowledging that you will receive unofficial results denoted "UNOFFICIAL RESULTS. NOT FOR TRANSFER OR SALE."

Do you offer testing for unlicensed personal growers? 
We do! We offer personal growers one free potency test and terpene quantification a year, after that it is $50 per sample. We currently only offer non-licensed individuals these two analyses, cannabinoid potency and terpene profiling. Feel free to drop off at our either of our locations anytime during normal business hours.