CAN I TEST CANNABIS ON YOUR PLATFORM?

No, you cannot test cannabis samples at Zera. At this time we are only accepting hemp samples.

WHICH SHIPPING PROVIDER SHOULD I USE?

We highly recommend using the United States Postal Service (USPS) for all of your hemp shipping needs. This is the only package delivery service* that allows the shipping of raw and processed hemp. If you elect to mail the samples to the lab yourself, please make sure that you include the following information:

 *We have heard of both UPS and FedEx confiscating mailed samples of hemp in the past. 

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO TEST MY CROPS? 

Once your plants have begun to flower they will begin to increase their cannabinoid production. If this is the first time you’ve run these genetics it is imperative that you test early and often. Zera recommends performing Cannabinoid Potency tests weekly or bi-weekly after the first week of flowering. 

If you are questioning the stabilization of your genetics it is recommended that you test more frequently and with samples taken from different plants. Even if you have data from your genetics’ original source, it is important to note that differences in soil, crop maintenance, weather, sunlight, and elevation can change your crop’s cannabinoid potency. 

The hemp industry is in its infancy and the stakes for cultivators are high. It is far better to err on the side of caution by performing tests early and often.

DO YOU REPORT MY RESULTS TO THE STATE, DEA, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY?

No, your results are not reported to any government agencies. 

Since Zera Hemp Labs does not currently provide state certification of hemp samples, tests that are done through the Zera platform are exclusively for research and development purposes. The results that are provided belong to our customers and our customers alone. 

We do provide our customers with the option to create a public webpage to share their results (at their discretion) with potential buyers. 

DO I NEED TO DRY MY PLANT MATERIAL BEFORE I SHIP?

Zera recommends that you send a dry sample whenever possible, as this is the method the state uses for the final test. However, we understand that you may not always have time to dry your sample before submission for testing. 

In that case, a wet sample can be processed, but we strongly encourage you to add the “Dry My Hemp Sample” option to your order. This costs $25 and will increase the turnaround time by 1 day. 

HOW DO I PAY FOR TESTING?

 Zera Hemp Labs accepts all major credit cards including Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. We require payment at checkout for the order to be finalized.

WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME?

We understand that turnaround time is critical for the Hemp Industry. Our lab partners have committed to the turnaround times that are listed in the checkout process. 

WHEN TESTING MY CROP, WHAT PART OF THE PLANT SHOULD I SAMPLE?

The United States Department of Agriculture has created a Sampling Guidelines for Hemp document that states “The cut shall be made just underneath a flowering material…. located at the top one-third (1/3) of the plant.”  If you are testing to determine when to harvest your plant, this is the recommended method. 

However, if you are testing to determine your entire crop’s potency, it is best to take a representative sample by selecting flowers from all areas of the plant.

HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY TEST RESULT?

You will receive an email notification each time one of your samples has a test result recorded. Your results will always be available in the “Samples” section of the Zera system. From this section you can view and print your test results or Certificate of Analysis. You also have the option to create a public webpage to share with prospective buyers.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Please do not hesitate to reach us via email at hello@zerahemplabs.com or phone call at 1-833-937-ZERA.