Washington State has its first licensed marijuana testing lab.
The state’s Liquor Control Board this week gave authorization to Analytical 360, which owns a 22,000-square-foot laboratory in Yakima. The lab can open for business this coming Monday.
Since 2011, the company has been testing marijuana from the state’s medical growers and it currently has thirteen employees. It also operates a lab in the Seattle area and is seeking a permit for that facility as well.
Testing labs have played an important role in Colorado’s recreational marijuana economy, and will likely be of similar importance in Washington. The Liquor Control Board said there are several other testing companies actively seeking certification.
Washington’s regulations on recreational marijuana require batches of flowers, concentrates and edibles to be regularly tested, which could create a booming business for laboratories.
The liquor board has awarded 40 licenses for marijuana cultivation and processing to date. It has yet to distribute licenses for retail shops.