NAC453A.652. Testing methodologies; practices, procedures and programs relating thereto; inspections.

     1. Each independent testing laboratory must:

     (a) Follow the most current version of the Cannabis Inflorescence: Standards of Identity, Analysis, and Quality Control monograph published by the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia; or

     (b) Notify the Division of the alternative testing methodology the laboratory is following for each quality assurance test it conducts. The Division may require the independent testing laboratory to have the testing methodology followed pursuant to this paragraph validated by an independent third-party to ensure that the methodology followed by the laboratory produces scientifically accurate results before the laboratory may use the methodology when conducting testing services.

     2. The Division may require an independent testing laboratory to have its basic proficiency to execute correctly the analytical testing methodologies used by the laboratory validated and monitored on an ongoing basis by an independent third-party.

     3. Each independent testing laboratory shall:

     (a) Either:

          (1) Adopt and follow minimum good laboratory practices which must, at a minimum, satisfy the OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice and Compliance Monitoring published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; or

          (2) Become certified by the International Organization for Standardization and agree to have the inspections and reports of the International Organization for Standardization made available to the Division.

     (b) Maintain internal standard operating procedures.

     (c) Maintain a quality control and quality assurance program.

     4. The Division or an independent third-party authorized by the Division may conduct an inspection of the practices, procedures and programs adopted, followed and maintained pursuant to subsection 3 and inspect all records of the independent testing laboratory that are related to the inspection.

     5. The Division hereby adopts by reference:

     (a) The Cannabis Inflorescence: Standards of Identity, Analysis, and Quality Control monograph published by the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. A copy of that publication may be obtained from the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, P.O. Box 66809, Scotts Valley, California 95067, or at the Internet address http://www.herbal-ahp.org/, for the price of $44.95.

     (b) The OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice and Compliance Monitoring published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. A copy of that publication may be obtained free of charge from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development at the Internet address http://www.oecd.org/env/ehs/testing/oecdseriesonprinciplesofgoodlaboratorypracticeglpandcompliancemonitoring.htm.

     (Added to NAC by Div. of Pub. & Behavioral Health by R004-14, 3-28-2014, eff. 4-1-2014)