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
USPS, FedEx, and UPS all accept hemp shipments, provided the hemp meets the federal definition (delta-9 THC at or below 0.3% on a dry-weight basis) and is from a licensed operation. If you are shipping flower or biomass, including a copy of your hemp license or a certificate of legality with the shipment is a practical precaution.
For time-sensitive orders, FedEx or UPS overnight or 2-day shipping gives you the most reliable delivery window. USPS Priority Mail is a lower-cost option for non-rush orders.
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.
PREE Laboratories NM accepts hemp samples shipped from producers and processors in any state. New clients receive 10% off their first panel. Call us before your first shipment and we will walk you through the submission process.
Create a ConfidentLIMS Account(575) 556-9026 · newmexico@preelab.com · 2841 N Telshor Blvd, Ste. A, Las Cruces, NM 88011
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.