How to Ship Hemp Samples to a Testing Lab

Hemp was federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, and one of the most useful consequences for producers is this: you can ship hemp samples to any accredited testing lab in the country, regardless of which state your operation is in. You are not limited to labs in your own state.

This matters because lab availability and pricing vary widely by region. Producers in states without a dense lab network can access accredited testing by simply mailing their samples. Here is a practical guide to doing that correctly.

Before You Ship: What You Need to Set Up

Most accredited labs use a laboratory information management system (LIMS) to handle order submission, sample tracking, and COA delivery. At PREE Laboratories NM we use ConfidentLIMS. Creating an account is free and only takes a few minutes.

Before your first shipment, you will need:

• A ConfidentLIMS account (or an equivalent account with your chosen lab)
• A Sample ID for each sample you are submitting
• A Lot ID identifying the batch the sample came from
• A clear record of the test panel you are ordering (potency only, full compliance panel, etc.)

Call the lab before your first shipment. A brief conversation will confirm your submission requirements, any state-specific documentation needs, and the preferred arrival window so your samples are not sitting over a weekend.

How to Package Hemp Samples

Hemp samples do not require specialized packaging, but a few basics protect the integrity of your results:

• Use sealed, resealable bags or small sealed containers for each sample. Keep samples separated from one another.
• Label each sample clearly with the Sample ID and Lot ID matching what you submitted through the LIMS.
• Pack samples in a standard shipping box with enough padding to prevent movement. Hemp flower samples should not be compressed tightly.
• Avoid shipping during extreme heat periods if possible. Room temperature transit is fine for most hemp samples.
• Include a printed copy of your order confirmation or submission form inside the box so the lab can match your samples quickly on arrival.

Which Carrier to Use

Hemp samples may be shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. For analytical testing samples specifically, USPS is the most straightforward option. The 2018 Farm Bill explicitly allows mailing hemp that meets the federal threshold, and USPS handles lab sample shipments routinely. Retain your hemp license documentation and a copy of the order confirmation for at least two years, as USPS policy requires shippers to have compliance documentation available.

UPS is a solid alternative for producers who prefer a private carrier, particularly for overnight shipments. A UPS account established in advance makes repeat shipments smoother. FedEx's published policy is more restrictive toward hemp-derived products in general. For analytical testing samples the risk is low, but USPS or UPS avoids any ambiguity.

Do not mark the outer box as containing cannabis or hemp. Label the shipment normally. Inside the box, include a note identifying the contents as analytical testing samples not intended for human consumption, along with your order confirmation and a copy of your hemp license or registration.

Overnight vs. 2-Day: Which Speed Do You Need?

The answer depends on what you are testing. For potency-only submissions, 2-day shipping is generally fine because cannabinoid content is stable over short transit periods when samples are properly sealed and kept out of direct heat.

For panels that include microbiology testing, overnight shipping is strongly recommended. Bacterial populations can continue to grow during transit, particularly at elevated temperatures, which can produce a result that does not reflect the actual state of your product at the time of sampling. Getting microbial samples to the lab within 24 hours minimizes this risk.

Shipping in Summer: Southwest Heat Considerations

Las Cruces averages temperatures above 95°F from June through September. Carrier vehicles and distribution facilities are not temperature-controlled for standard shipments, which means packages can experience significant heat exposure during summer months, particularly if they sit over a weekend.

A few practical steps reduce heat-related risk:

• Ship Monday through Wednesday only. Packages shipped Thursday or Friday risk sitting in a warehouse over the weekend in summer heat. A Monday arrival at the lab is better than a Friday afternoon arrival that misses intake cutoff.
• Include a small cold pack for extracts and edibles. Flower and biomass samples are relatively stable, but concentrates and infused products can degrade or change consistency in heat. A gel cold pack, not dry ice, extends your stability window without the sample damage and carrier restrictions dry ice can cause.
• Avoid loose exterior packaging. Tightly sealed containers minimize moisture exchange from condensation when a cold pack is used.

What Happens After Your Samples Arrive

When your shipment arrives at the lab, the team will check in your samples against your LIMS order, confirm that Sample IDs and Lot IDs match, and move them into the testing queue. You will typically receive a confirmation once intake is complete.

Turnaround time begins from the date of sample intake, not the date you shipped. At PREE Laboratories NM, standard turnaround is 5 to 7 business days, with rush turnaround available in 4 business days or less for qualifying orders. Results and your COA are delivered through ConfidentLIMS when complete.

Shipping Address for PREE Laboratories NM

PREE Laboratories NM
2841 N Telshor Blvd, Ste. A
Las Cruces, NM 88011

Please call ahead before your first shipment: (575) 556-9026.