Georgia Hemp Plant Testing (THC)

Georgia growers must submit pre-harvest samples collected by GDA-approved sampling agents to verify that total Δ9-THC remains ≤ 0.3%. ACS Laboratory does not perform this service but offers plant health R&D testing to boost cultivation performance.

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Consumable Hemp Product Testing (Full Panel)

Under Georgia’s consumable hemp product rules (Chapter 40-32-5, SB 494), ACS tests hemp extracts and consumables for potency, safety, and regulatory compliance. ACS delivers full panel COAs suitable for Georgia retail distribution and ensures all analytes meet contaminant thresholds.

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Georgia State-Mandated
Pre-Harvest THC Testing

Georgia hemp growers must test their crops before harvest to verify that total Δ9-THC levels remain within the legal 0.3% limit. Under the Georgia Hemp Farming Act (SB 494) and the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) Hemp Program, every licensed grower must schedule official sampling through a GDA-approved agent within 30 days before harvest.

Georgia Hemp Rules & Statutes

Georgia Hemp Farming Act

SB 494 / O.C.G.A. § 2-23-1 et seq.

Hemp & Hemp Products Rules(Growers, Processors, Products)

Rule: 40-32

THC & Contaminant Limits for Consumables

Rule: 40-32-5-.02

Labelling Requirements

Rule: 40-32-5-.03

Hemp Grower Licensing

Rule 40-32-2-.02

Compliance Resources

Hemp Sampling Guidelines

Source

Hemp Program FAQs (All licensees)

Source

GDA Inspections & Enforcement

Source

Retail Licensing & Product Rules

Source

All Georgia Requirements & Rules

Source

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Georgia Compliance Testing for Hemp Extracts & Inhalables

Hemp brands and retailers in Georgia must complete full-panel testing for all consumables, oils, and inhalable products within the past 12 months to stay eligible for retail sale under Rule 40-32-5 of the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) Hemp Program. These tests confirm every product meets the state’s safety and packaging standards. ACS Laboratory provides reliable COAs recognized by GDA for compliant hemp sales across Georgia.

01

Cannabinoid Potency

Matrix: Flower/Plants, Derivatives, Edibles, and Beverages.

ACS Laboratory measures 14 cannabinoids using HPLC-UV to determine total Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC, and other active compounds to meet and exceed Georgia’s hemp compliance standards.

02

HHCP & Hydrogenated Cannabinoids

Matrix: Hemp Derivatives, Edibles, and Beverages.

ACS Laboratory measures 9 hydrogenated cannabinoids, including HHC, HHCP, and H4-CBD, using LC-MS to ensure accuracy and label transparency for Georgia products.

03

Residual Solvents

Matrix: Hemp Derivatives, Edibles, and Beverages.

ACS screens for 4 residual solvents using headspace GC-MS per Georgia Rule 40-32-5-.02 to confirm products meet consumable and inhalation safety standards.

04

Pesticides

Matrix: Flower/Plants, Derivatives, Edibles, and Beverages.

ACS Laboratory screens for 58 pesticides using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS in alignment with Georgia’s hemp safety testing limits.

05

Heavy Metals

Matrix: Flower/Plants, Derivatives, Edibles, and Beverages.

ACS measures 4 toxic heavy metals via ICP-MS to verify compliance with Georgia’s inhalation and ingestible product limits.

06

Mycotoxins

Matrix: Flower/Plants, Derivatives, Edibles, and Beverages.

ACS Laboratory tests for 5 mycotoxins using LC-MS/MS per Georgia’s safety testing standards.

07

Pathogenic Microbiology

Matrix: Flower/Plants, Derivatives, Edibles, and Beverages.

ACS uses Microarray AE technology to screen for pathogenic microorganisms (Aspergillus spp. (flavus, fumigatus, niger, terreus) and Shiga Toxin ) that pose health risks.

08

Microbiology (qPCR)

Matrix: Flower, Plants, Derivatives, Edibles, and Beverages.

ACS employs quantitative PCR and Petriﬁlm plating to measure microbial populations and ensure compliance with Georgia’s action limits.

09

Filth and Foreign Material

Matrix: Flowers and Plants

ACS screens hemp samples for visible contaminants to maintain Georgia’s product integrity standards.

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How Accurate Are
ACS Laboratory’s Results?

ACS Laboratory delivers unmatched accuracy and reliability in hemp testing. The facility is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 A2LA-accredited, DEA-registered, and operates under USDA regulatory compliance for all hemp extract and consumable testing.

Every result is backed by validated methods, rigorous quality controls, and a proven track record of precision that consistently places ACS among the nation’s top-performing hemp testing laboratories.

Need to Know

What changed under SB 494 in Georgia?

In 2024, SB 494 updated Georgia’s hemp law to require licensing across the supply chain, impose contaminant limits, ban hemp flower for retail, mandate age restrictions (21+), require labeling and COA access, and authorize state inspections.

How do I submit a pre-harvest sample for Georgia compliance testing?

Growers must engage a GDA-approved hemp sampling agent within 30 days before harvest to collect official samples.

What is the total Delta 9-THC limit in Georgia?

The limit is ≤ 0.3% total Δ9-THC calculated as Δ9-THC + (0.877 × THCA) on a dry weight basis.

What kinds of products can be sold in Georgia?

Hemp flower or leaves are prohibited for retail sale regardless of THC content in Georgia. Consumable hemp in forms like gummies, tinctures, and vapor products is allowed under compliance with SB 494.

What are the contaminant limits in Georgia?

Georgia’s Rule 40-32-5.02 sets specific caps for residual solvents, heavy metals (differing by inhalation vs ingestible use), microbial impurities, and mycotoxins.

How fast are Georgia hemp compliance test results delivered?

ACS Laboratory typically delivers potency results within 1–3 business days and full-panel compliance results within 5–7 business days after receiving samples. Expedited testing is available for time-sensitive batches or retail deadlines to help Georgia brands stay compliant and avoid disruptions in sales.

How do I ship Georgia consumable hemp products for testing?

Ship with Chain of Custody forms, labeled batch IDs, and proper packaging. ACS handles the receipt and starts testing immediately. Growers and operators can contact the ACS team or call (561) 510-8396 for consultation.

Are out-of-state labs permitted to test Georgia hemp plants and products?

Yes, labs outside Georgia may register with the GDA to test Georgia's consumable hemp products. ACS Laboratory, located in Tampa, FL, is registered to test Georgia hemp.

What resources or rules should I review before launching in Georgia?

Review SB 494, Chapter 40-32 rules, GDA sampling and licensing guides, labeling requirements, and contamination thresholds.

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