In a significant development for the state’s cannabis industry, more than 7,000 marijuana products in Massachusetts have been flagged for potential yeast and mold contamination. This comes after the Cannabis Commission suspended the license of Assured Testing Laboratories, a Tyngsborough-based facility accused of underreporting contaminated samples.
The suspension sparked concern across the industry, given that accurate testing is a cornerstone of consumer safety. The Cannabis Commission announced last week that its investigation uncovered evidence of inaccurate reporting spanning from April 2024 to April 2025, affecting thousands of cannabis samples.
However, just days later, the commission reinstated Assured Testing Laboratories’ license following a unanimous vote. The reinstatement did not erase the scrutiny surrounding the case — particularly after Massachusetts Auditor Diana DiZoglio released a report the same day, criticizing the Cannabis Commission for what she described as shortcomings in regulatory oversight.
The Auditor’s two-year review highlighted several areas where the agency’s oversight fell short, potentially hindering its ability to safeguard the state’s cannabis market. In response, the Cannabis Commission emphasized its ongoing work with the State Auditor’s Office, noting progress in hiring leadership, refining Standard Operating Procedures, and implementing the 2022 cannabis equity law. The commission’s statement also cited efforts to improve host community agreement reviews and upgrade critical software to keep pace with the $8 billion industry.
Assured Testing Laboratories, which has been in operation since 2023, is now facing a $300,000 fine and a two-year probation. As part of the probation terms set by the Cannabis Commission, the company must hire an independent auditor, appoint an internal control manager, and name a new interim CEO.
Steve Reilly, co-owner of INSA Cannabis in Springfield, voiced concerns about the breach in testing reliability. “The hallmarks of the legal program is that we should have good sound testing and that people should have products they have confidence are safe,” he said.
While Assured Testing Laboratories disagreed with the findings, the company issued a statement committing to quality improvements. “We are eager to return to what we do best: delivering scientific, evidence-backed testing with industry-leading cannabis expertise,” it said. The company also pledged quarterly quality assurance studies as part of its renewed compliance efforts with the Cannabis Commission’s directives.
For Massachusetts consumers, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of strict oversight in maintaining product safety. And for the Cannabis Commission, it underscores the delicate balance between fostering industry growth and protecting public health in a rapidly evolving marketplace.