Encore Labs – Pasadena’s Trusted Lab for THCA & Cannabis Testing

Encore Labs has built a strong reputation as a premier cannabis and hemp testing laboratory based in Pasadena, California. Founded in 2017 as one of the first licensed cannabis compliance labs in the state, Encore Labs is known for its credibility and integrity in the industry. They are state-licensed and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited, ensuring that their testing methods meet rigorous international standards. Co-founder Spencer Wong emphasizes that Encore’s team “will never compromise their integrity just to make an extra buck,” underscoring a commitment to honest, accurate results. This level of trustworthiness has made Encore Labs a go-to partner for many California cannabis businesses and a growing number of hemp THCA producers nationwide.

Comprehensive Cannabis & Hemp Testing Services

Encore Labs offers a full spectrum of laboratory tests to verify both the potency and safety of cannabis, hemp, and derivative products. In fact, the lab meets all testing requirements mandated by California regulators for products sold in licensed dispensaries. Key testing services available include:

• Cannabinoid Potency – Detailed profiling of THC (Δ9-THC, THCA, etc.), CBD (CBD, CBDA), and minor cannabinoids (CBN, CBG, THCV, etc.) to determine strength and dosage. This ensures products are labeled accurately for their THC/THCA content, a critical point for THCA flower and extracts.

• Terpene Analysis – Identification of terpene profiles that contribute to flavor, aroma, and entourage effects (offered as an optional add-on).

• Residual Solvents – Checks for any remaining solvents (like butane, ethanol, etc.) in concentrates such as solvent-based extracts or vape oils.

• Pesticides & Mycotoxins – Screening for dozens of banned pesticides and toxic mold byproducts to prevent harmful contaminants.

• Heavy Metals – Testing for toxic metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) that plants might uptake from soil or hardware.

• Microbial Impurities – Detecting harmful bacteria or molds (e.g. E. coli, Salmonella, Aspergillus) in products.

• Moisture Content & Water Activity – Ensuring dried flower has safe moisture levels to inhibit mold growth.

• Foreign Material Inspection – Visual and microscopic examination for physical contaminants (like hair, dirt, etc.).

This comprehensive menu means Encore can perform both full-panel compliance tests (covering all state-required categories) and individual R&D tests as needed. They test all product types – from raw flower and solventless rosin, to edibles, tinctures, topicals, and even pet products. For example, Encore Labs has analyzed everything from gummies and vape cartridges to high-potency concentrates like live rosin and shatter. By using advanced instrumentation (such as HPLC for cannabinoids and LC-MS/GC-MS for contaminants), the lab provides precise data to ensure products are safe, pure, and label-accurate. As one lab analyst put it, any product tested and passed at an ISO-accredited lab like Encore is considered a quality product meeting strict standards.

THCA Product Testing Under 2018 Farm Bill Compliance

One specialty of Encore Labs is its ability to test THCA-rich hemp products for compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill legalized hemp by defining it as cannabis with <0.3% Δ9-THC by dry weight. This has led to a wave of “THCA hemp” products that contain high THCA (the non-intoxicating acid form of THC) but minimal delta-9 THC, exploiting a legal loophole. Encore Labs is well-versed in the nuances of THCA vs. THC testing and can accurately quantify both to determine if a product meets the federal definition of hemp.

Crucially, Encore’s potency analysis distinguishes Δ9-THC from THCA and other cannabinoids, rather than only reporting “total THC.” Their standard operating procedures calculate Total THC as THCA * 0.877 + Δ9-THC, aligning with USDA guidelines that focus on the combined potential THC content once THCA is converted via heating. Producers of THCA flower or concentrates can request a compliance-oriented report to see if their product stays under the 0.3% Δ9-THC threshold. In practice, Encore Labs’ Certificate of Analysis will clearly show the Δ9-THC percentage – often just trace amounts – separate from the THCA percentage. This data is critical for hemp businesses to demonstrate that their “high-THCA, low-Δ9” products are legally compliant.

Moreover, Encore’s expertise in hemp testing isn’t limited to potency. They can run full hemp panel tests to ensure your THCA products are free of pesticides, solvents, heavy metals, and microbes, which not only satisfies legal requirements but also gives consumers peace of mind. Given that hemp regulations continue to evolve, having a reputable lab like Encore that stays current with federal and state rules is invaluable. (Notably, Encore Labs is registered in multiple states – licensed in California and operating an accredited lab in Arizona – to serve the broader hemp and cannabis markets.) For THCA product makers navigating murky legal waters, Encore’s results provide a verifiable safety net, should regulators or payment processors scrutinize the product’s THC content.

Quick Turnaround Times & Business-Friendly Pricing

In the fast-paced cannabis and hemp industry, speed and cost of testing are major considerations. Encore Labs has prioritized both. They boast consistently quick turnaround times for test results – a crucial advantage for producers looking to get products to market. Their laboratory processes and technology are optimized to deliver results in just a few days for most analyses, without sacrificing accuracy. In fact, Encore’s testing procedures enable fast turnaround while providing clients quick online access to results via a secure customer portal (so you can download Certificates of Analysis as soon as they’re ready). This real-time portal is extremely handy for small businesses who need to share COAs with retailers or upload them to websites immediately.

Pricing at Encore Labs is competitive and transparent. According to the lab’s FAQ, tests start at around $75 per analysis, with costs varying by the type of test and panel. For example, a basic potency test (to measure cannabinoid levels like THCA) will be on the lower end (roughly in that $75-$100 range), whereas comprehensive safety panels (covering pesticides, solvents, microbes, etc.) understandably cost more due to the additional work and instrumentation. Even so, Encore is mindful of small and medium business needs – they strive to keep prices reasonable and often offer bundled panel pricing that can save money when doing multiple tests at once. This affordability, combined with their speed, makes Encore a practical choice for craft solventless rosin makers and up-and-coming THCA brands that may be testing products in smaller batches.

Beyond just price, Encore Labs provides excellent customer support especially geared toward helping small and mid-sized operators succeed. Each client, no matter how big or small, gets access to an account manager and knowledgeable staff who can walk through results or testing plans. As an industry publication noted, Encore offers “client-focused, premier quality testing services [with] dedicated account managers, quick turnaround time, [and] competitive prices,” which is a huge benefit for businesses that may be new to the testing process. The Encore team often goes the extra mile – not only issuing COAs but also consulting with clients on results. According to Spencer Wong, “customers see Encore Labs as their partner” in production, not just a testing vendor. The lab has even helped clients formulate new products and troubleshoot issues by analyzing samples and providing insights (for instance, identifying why a certain extract might be failing a solvent test, or how to improve a gummy’s potency consistency). This level of personalized support can be a game-changer for smaller businesses that don’t have in-house R&D labs.

Accreditations, Certifications and Trust Factors

One of the reasons Encore Labs is widely trusted is its impressive list of accreditations and certifications, which add an extra layer of credibility to their results. Encore is fully licensed by the state of California’s Department of Cannabis Control as a testing laboratory and likewise licensed/approved in Arizona for its Scottsdale lab. In addition, Encore obtained ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation (through Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, PJLA) very early on – this is the gold standard for testing labs, requiring strict proficiency, validated methods, and a robust quality management system. Maintaining ISO 17025 means Encore’s equipment is calibrated, staff are properly trained, methods are validated, and the lab regularly passes proficiency tests to prove they can produce accurate results. (Indeed, Encore Labs participates in the industry-wide Emerald Test proficiency program and has earned badges for successfully meeting accuracy benchmarks, a “gold standard” indicator in cannabis testing.)

Encore’s Quality Control Director has highlighted how these accreditations demonstrate that quality is a top priority and not just an afterthought. For a cannabis/THCA company, this should give great confidence – an ISO-accredited, state-licensed lab’s report will hold up to scrutiny far better than results from an unaccredited facility. In fact, many regulators and retailers require ISO 17025-accredited COAs, and even payment processors often insist on results from accredited labs before allowing high-THC hemp products to be sold online. For example, guidance for CBD/hemp merchants notes that you should have “COAs from ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs” on hand. Encore Labs checks that box, which can be invaluable when trying to get merchant services or maintain an online store for THCA products. Their data is viewed as official and reliable by banks, e-commerce platforms, and enforcement agencies alike.

Beyond ISO, Encore Labs and its staff are involved in professional organizations that further bolster credibility. They are members of groups like the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL) and others in the scientific community, adhering to high ethical and technical standards. The lab also stays up-to-date with evolving regulations – for instance, when California implemented a new standardized THC potency method in 2023, Encore was one of only 18 out of 38 labs in the state that was compliant with the new rules at the start of 2024. This demonstrated their commitment to staying ahead of regulatory changes and delivering data that regulators trust. All these factors – licensing, ISO accreditation, proficiency testing, and regulatory compliance – make Encore’s Certificates of Analysis widely respected and verifiable. Each COA comes signed by a senior laboratory director and typically includes a QR code or ID number for verification, giving anyone (whether a B2B customer, a consumer, or an inspector) the ability to confirm its authenticity.

Location, Sample Drop-Off and Intake Process

Encore Labs’ Pasadena facility is centrally located for the Southern California cannabis industry. The lab’s address is 120 W. Bellevue Drive, Pasadena, CA (they recently expanded into a new building in Pasadena to increase capacity). Clients can drop off samples directly at the Pasadena lab during business hours with no hassle. For R&D tests (which most hemp THCA product tests would be), you do not need a California distributor present – you can simply bring your flower, extract, or edible sample to the lab’s front desk. Encore’s friendly intake staff will log your sample, and they even accept walk-in sample drop-offs from small businesses or individuals, provided you coordinate ahead for any required paperwork. If you’re not local, Encore also accommodates sample shipments or has a courier pick-up service in some cases – you can arrange a pick-up with your account manager or their customer service team. This flexibility is especially useful for hemp companies out of state who still want Encore’s testing (though always ensure you comply with shipping laws for hemp).

When you submit samples, Encore Labs follows a meticulous intake process to ensure everything is tracked. Each sample is given a unique ID and entered into their Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). A chain-of-custody (COC) form is filled out, detailing what the sample is, who delivered it, and what tests are requested. (For California licensed product compliance tests, they also handle the required METRC documentation, but for hemp and R&D this is not needed.) The sample intake technicians will review your paperwork, photograph the sample, and then homogenize it if necessary (for example, grinding a flower to get a representative mix). All of this is done to ensure that the test results accurately represent your batch. Encore’s intake team is trained in Good Laboratory Practices and ISO protocols, meaning your sample is handled professionally from drop-off to testing. They’ll also happily answer any questions at drop-off – for instance, if you’re unsure how much sample is needed for a full panel, or how to label your samples, they will guide you through it.

Once testing is complete, you’ll receive an email notification and can download the digital Certificate of Analysis (COA) via the Encore client portal. The COA is a concise, easy-to-read report that shows all results, typically with pass/fail indicators for each category tested. Encore’s COAs include all the crucial details: the product batch ID, test date, methods used, the technician’s or director’s signature, and of course the results for each cannabinoid and contaminant tested. Many cannabis brands and hemp retailers love how Encore’s COAs look – they often feature the Encore Labs logo and are straightforward for consumers to read (Encore even provides guidance on how to interpret a COA on their website). If you’re a THCA consumer, you might see Encore Labs’ COAs via QR codes on product packaging; scanning them will show you the verified lab results so you can confirm the product’s delta-9 THC is under 0.3% and that it’s free of toxins.

Another convenience: Encore’s Pasadena location accepts on-site payment for tests (and they offer volume discounts for bulk testing). This means a small business owner can literally walk in with samples, fill out a form, pay for a potency test or two, and get results in a couple of days – a very user-friendly approach. The lab’s expansion to Scottsdale, Arizona (16624 N. 90th St) also provides a drop-off point for those in the Southwest region. The Arizona lab is fully functional and held to the same standards, which is helpful if you operate in multiple states. Overall, Encore Labs makes the intake and testing process straightforward and accessible, which is one reason they’re popular with startup brands and legacy operators alike.

Clients, Industry Recognition, and Why It Matters

Encore Labs’ quality has been recognized not only by regulators but by many reputable brands in the cannabis and hemp space. They have tested products for a who’s-who of California companies. For instance, STIIIZY, one of California’s best-known cannabis brands, entrusted Encore Labs to test the launch of their new hemp-derived product line. COAs for STIIIZY’s Hemp All-In-One vaporizers and gummies (which contain Delta-8 and compliant levels of Delta-9) show Encore Labs as the testing laboratory, underscoring that even top-tier brands rely on Encore’s results. This kind of client roster speaks volumes – companies that value their reputation choose Encore to ensure their products are both potent and safe.

Encore Labs has also been featured in media and at industry events. They were highlighted in Ventura Blvd magazine, where their lab processes were profiled in-depth, giving consumers an inside look at how “meticulous” cannabis testing is and how Encore helps keep “unsafe products off shelves”. Their scientists have appeared on panels and podcasts to educate the public on testing (for example, discussing vape safety and lab shopping issues). Moreover, Encore often participates in B2B trade shows like Hall of Flowers, where they help educate brands on compliance testing. Such public engagement shows Encore is not a black-box lab – they are transparent and education-focused, aligning with their motto of “educating the marketplace one test at a time”. On social media, the hashtag #testedbyencorelabs is used by companies and influencers to highlight that their product has been vetted by a trusted lab, which in turn builds trust with consumers.

From a THCA company’s perspective, working with a lab that has this level of public and industry recognition can bolster your own credibility. If you can show that your THCA diamonds or rosin were tested by Encore Labs, you’re likely to face fewer questions from retailers and consumers about legitimacy. In some cases, having Encore’s name on your COA can even smooth conversations with payment processors or online marketplaces who might be skittish about hemp-derived THC products. They recognize Encore Labs as a serious, accredited lab, which adds assurance that your COA isn’t some fake or in-house analysis. Essentially, Encore’s credibility rubs off on your brand – it signals that you take compliance seriously and have nothing to hide.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Encore Labs has weathered the competitive California lab landscape by sticking to high standards. They have grown (doubling their lab space and opening the Arizona branch) largely through word-of-mouth and trust. Even as some less scrupulous labs engaged in “THC inflation” or cut corners, Encore doubled down on accuracy. In early 2024, when California introduced stricter proficiency requirements for labs, Encore was ahead of the curve and fully compliant. This integrity-centric approach is exactly what conscientious companies and consumers want. As the THCA and hemp market continues to expand under patchwork regulations, having a lab partner like Encore – with proven accuracy, fast service, and recognized credentials – is invaluable.

In summary, Encore Labs stands out as a highly reputable, full-service testing laboratory that caters to both cannabis and hemp (THCA) needs. Their extensive testing panels and rigorous quality controls ensure products are safe and legally compliant. They operate with speed and affordability that benefit smaller producers, yet maintain the scientific excellence expected by large operators and regulators. For THCA consumers, Encore’s stamp on a product’s COA means you can trust that product’s potency and purity. For industry operators, Encore Labs offers not just test results, but a partnership in quality – helping you navigate compliance, build consumer trust, and ultimately deliver superior products. In an industry where lab results can make or break a business, Encore Labs has truly become a trusted name for tested-and-true results.

Sources:

• Ventura Blvd Magazine – Encore Labs among the first licensed cannabis labs in CA

• Cannabis Industry Journal – Encore Labs’ services, customer ethos, and ISO accreditation

• Cannabis Business Times – Encore Labs listed among compliant labs under new state testing standards

• Encore Labs Certificate of Analysis Example – Showing full panel results and Total THC calculation

• Encore Labs FAQ – General pricing information (“$75+ per test”) and sample drop-off policy

• Host Merchant Services – Importance of ISO 17025 lab accreditation for CBD/THC product compliance

• Black Market Shoppe COA Repository – COAs for STIIIZY Hemp products tested by Encore Labs

• Encore Labs Job Posting – Details on sample intake procedures and lab accreditation