Seed Testing Guidelines

HEMP Seed Testing Guidelines

Effective April 2026

The Iowa State University Seed Laboratory has updated its documentation requirements for hemp seed testing. These requirements help ensure compliance with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and other applicable government regulations.

Required Documentation

Before hemp seed can be tested, customers must provide:

• A copy of a current state or federal hemp cultivation license
• A signed Hemp Seed Testing Acknowledgement confirming that the material submitted is not marijuana
  The authorization form is available from the ISU Seed Laboratory.
• The official pre-harvest total delta-9 THC test result for each variety or strain

THC Requirement: Hemp seed submitted for testing must have a total delta-9 THC level of 0.3% or less.

Important: The Iowa State University Seed Laboratory does not hold a controlled substance license.

Sample Requirements

Sample requirements vary depending on the testing requested:

*We recommend submitting 800–1,000 seeds for germination testing when possible in case a retest is needed.

Phytosanitary Testing

For phytosanitary testing, the official sampler determines the appropriate sample size. To obtain a phytosanitary certificate, the seed must be officially sampled.

Please be aware that many phytosanitary tests are destructive, meaning the seed will not be returned. Testing for fungal, bacterial, or viral pathogens is also destructive. Tests for Orobanche and Striga are destructive as well and may be required by certain countries.

Important Reminders

• All samples must be representative of the lot.
• Required documentation must accompany the sample or be provided before testing can begin.
• Sample quantities depend on the testing requested.
• Some tests are destructive, so seed may not be returned.

For complete requirements, please review the Hemp Seed Testing Instructions (PDF) and Hemp Seed Testing Authorization Form (PDF).