A new standard in the California cannabis industry.
ECCO Certification allows brands to validate products in a way that goes beyond compliance and demonstrate a commitment to transparency, product integrity, and consumer trust. Similar to how Organic standards build upon conventional agriculture, ECCO complements California’s already robust regulatory requirements.
ECCO is not a substitute for compliance testing, it is a next-level standard whose purpose is to advance industry best practices and further strengthen public confidence in California’s regulated cannabis market.
A Turning Point for Quality Assurance in California Cannabis
In the summer of 2024, the Los Angeles Times and WeedWeek released an investigative report that brought increased attention to the importance of rigorous testing in California’s regulated cannabis market. The report analyzed retail cannabis products, purchased from dispensary shelves and three independent testing labs—SC Labs among them. The products tested contained pesticide levels exceeding either state or federal tobacco standards and many chemicals that had not been included in the state’s required testing panel.
Other key findings in the report:
- More than half the products tested showed pesticides at levels that exceeded state standards for cannabis products.
- California’s required list for pesticide testing in cannabis (66 analytes) had not been updated in years and excluded many of the chemicals discovered.
- Roughly nine additional EPA-regulated pesticides, not included in the California regulatory requirements, were found at alarming levels in tested cannabis products.
- Of these nine, Pymetrozine appeared in up to one in every four batches of bulk extracts tested in the state.
- The investigative findings aligned with complaints from private labs, filed with state regulators, about contaminated products that had apparently been certified as safe.
While the state’s compliance system remains strong and science-based, the report represented a tipping point for the industry. Calls for greater scrutiny and higher standards were embraced as an opportunity to provide more options for supplemental solutions.
What ECCO Testing Includes
The ECCO standard, sometimes referred to as CAT 4, expands beyond California’s current 66-analyte list to cover a broader spectrum of contaminants. Specifically, ECCO testing includes 138 pesticides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators (PGRs).
This expanded panel allows brands to provide greater transparency and more comprehensive data on product purity. It also allows consumers a stronger confidence in the quality and the products they are purchasing.
How SC Labs Meets and Surpasses ECCO Standards
SC Labs has long championed rigorous, science-driven testing that reflects the realities of cultivation and production across diverse markets.
Our CA Select panel in California includes 156 pesticides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators (PGRs), exceeding ECCO’s 138-analyte scope and incorporating compounds regulated in other states.
What does this mean?
We cover all 138 analytes required by ECCO, plus additional pesticides regulated in other states
Our panels are already designed to account for evolving safety standards and multistate compliance
Where ECCO raises the bar, SC Labs raises it further—delivering the broadest coverage, an experienced analytical team, and data-driven insights to help brands future proof their quality and compliance programs.
With labs operating across multiple regulated states, we can bring you a national perspective on evolving cannabis standards—giving California clients the insight to stay compliant today and prepared for tomorrow.
Why This Matters to Brands and Consumers
ECCO Certification represents a proactive approach to product assurance.
For consumers, it means added transparency and confidence in what they’re buying.
For brands, it signals leadership — proof that they care about quality, consistency, and sustainability beyond what’s required by law. By expanding their internal standards supported by a robust testing strategy, brands can:
- Demonstrate accountability and oversight of their supply chain
- Strengthen consumer trust and brand reputation
- Encourages a more transparent and accountable regulated cannabis market
SC Labs is proud to align with ECCO’s mission by offering testing that exceeds its requirements and supports brands working to lead—not follow—industry standards.
R&D Testing and Supply Chain Verification
Even in a regulated market, R&D testing is essential for maintaining quality and consistency. Ideally, brands use R&D testing to evaluate new products, validate raw materials, and monitor supply chain integrity—well beyond what’s required for compliance.
At SC Labs, we encourage our partners to view R&D testing as a cornerstone of their quality assurance program. By incorporating expanded panels and analytical R&D into routine operations, brands can:
- Verify ingredient integrity before production
- Identify potential risks early in the supply chain
- Document product performance over time
R&D testing enables brands to deliver cleaner, more consistent cannabis and cannabis products while demonstrating accountability and innovation to both regulators and consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ECCO Certification?
ECCO Certification is a program created to recognize cannabis brands that go beyond basic state compliance by adopting cleaner testing standards and responsible business practices. Originally inspired by the “Cat 4” clean cannabis movement in California, ECCO has evolved into a broader certification that rewards brands committed to sustainability, transparency, and consumer safety.
Why was ECCO Certification created?
ECCO emerged after investigations revealed that California compliance testing failed to detect harmful pesticides—such as pymetrozine—found in a large percentage of products. Brands, retailers, and labs began pushing for higher standards to protect consumers and rebuild trust in the regulated market.
How is ECCO different from California’s current cannabis testing requirements?
The state of California currently tests for 66 analytes. In contrast, ECCO requires screening for 138 pesticides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators (PGRs). This expanded list helps close the regulatory gaps that previously allowed unapproved chemicals to enter the supply chain undetected.
How does SC Labs support ECCO-level testing?
SC Labs exceeds ECCO requirements with its CA Select panel, which covers 156 pesticides—18 more than the 138 analytes in the ECCO program. This ensures full ECCO compliance while also aligning with stricter standards in other states, offering brands added protection and credibility.
What are the benefits of being ECCO certified?
Brands that achieve ECCO certification can:
- Demonstrate a higher commitment to consumer safety
- Stand out in a competitive retail market
- Appeal to eco-conscious and health-conscious buyers
- Earn trust from retailers and investors
- Use certification as a marketing and compliance advantage
Who can apply for ECCO Certification?
Any licensed cannabis brand, cultivator, or manufacturer that meets ECCO’s environmental, ethical, and testing standards can pursue certification. Participation is voluntary but increasingly seen as a mark of leadership in product integrity.
What role did SC Labs play in advancing beyond compliance testing?
SC Labs was among the first labs to test for pesticides not included in California’s original requirements. By expanding panels to cover chemicals like pymetrozine before regulators acted, SC Labs helped set the foundation for ECCO’s elevated testing expectations.
How can a cannabis brand become ECCO certified?
Brands must undergo a comprehensive review of their sourcing, manufacturing practices, and contaminant testing. Certification includes supply chain verification and proof that products meet or exceed ECCO’s extended panel standards.
For more information or to connect directly with ECCO, businesses can contact: info@eccocert.org.
Do consumers benefit from ECCO Certified products?
Yes. ECCO-labeled products provide additional assurance that they’ve been tested for a broader range of contaminants and that the brand follows higher environmental and ethical practices than required by law.
Where can I get ECCO-compliant testing?
SC Labs provides a pesticide panel that meets and surpasses ECCO certification requirements in California. Brands seeking ECCO status can use SC Labs test results as proof of compliance with ECCO’s contaminant screening standards.
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