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Snitches Get Stitches in the Marijuana Industry? – Did the Massachusetts CCC Strong-Arm a Lab-Testing Whistleblower?

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MCR Labs CEO says he got retribution for reporting issues with lab testing in the Bay State.

According to the Boston Herald, a Massachusetts cannabis testing laboratory accuses the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) of retaliation after its CEO testified to lawmakers about public health concerns and lab fraud in the state’s cannabis industry. During a recent hearing on proposed bills to reform the industry, MCR Labs CEO Michael Kahn raised suspicions that the CCC enforcement staff might be misusing investigations to silence and harass licensees.

Kahn revealed that following his presentation on lab fraud, eight CCC staff members conducted an alleged six-hour inspection at his lab, which he described as “unfocused and unprofessional.” The staff demanded extensive documentation, approximately 20,000 pages of documents, and around 30,000 hours of video footage. This inspection made him concerned that the CCC might resort to retaliation tactics against those who voice critical concerns.

The Association of Cannabis Testing Laboratories’ executive director, Dan Delaney, supported Kahn’s claims, stating that this experience is not unique. Delaney explained that licensees in the industry are apprehensive about contesting the CCC’s intent or actions due to the commission’s power, leading to a fear of retaliation. He emphasised that the root of the problem lies in structural issues within the regulatory framework.

Responding to the allegations, the CCC confirmed that it has ongoing enforcement matters concerning MCR Labs. However, a CCC spokesperson disclosed that an unannounced inspection was also carried out at another Independent Testing Lab (ITL) before the MCR Labs inspection, indicating that similar investigations were conducted. Nevertheless, the CCC refrained from commenting on other investigations mentioned during the hearing that remain in progress.

The legislative panel conducting the hearing was focused on two bills, S.58 and H.106, which seek to establish an internal special audit unit within the Cannabis Control Commission. The proposed unit aims to address concerns like these and improve transparency and accountability within the cannabis industry’s regulatory processes.

Industry-Wide Concerns: Lab Fraud and Public Health Issues

Lab fraud and its potential impact on public health have emerged as significant concerns within Massachusetts’ cannabis industry. Cannabis testing laboratories are essential for ensuring the safety and quality of cannabis products available to consumers. These labs analyse samples to determine potency, identify contaminants, and assess overall product safety. However, recent allegations of lab fraud have raised serious doubts about the reliability of testing results and the safety of products being sold.

In the cannabis market, lab fraud is the term for dishonest practices in which testing facilities manipulate or fabricate test findings to give false information about the calibre and safety of goods. The effects of this dishonest activity on customers and respectable companies in the sector may be extensive. For consumers to make educated judgments about the cannabis products they buy, accurate testing findings are essential. False test results could result in unintended consumption of hazardous compounds or inefficient goods.

Michael Kahn, CEO of MCR Labs, courageously voiced his concerns about lab fraud to lawmakers during a recent hearing on cannabis industry reforms. His testimony shed light on the potential misuse of investigations by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) to retaliate against licensees who raise critical concerns about the regulatory process. Kahn’s testimony underscored the need for transparency and fairness in regulatory enforcement actions, emphasising that licensees should be able to express concerns without fearing reprisals from the CCC.

In response to these challenges, proposed bills S.58 and H.106 aim to establish an internal special audit unit within the CCC. Such an audit unit could act as an impartial body to investigate allegations of fraud or misconduct without biases or conflicts of interest. If established and empowered effectively, this unit could significantly enhance the credibility and integrity of the regulatory process. By strengthening the oversight of cannabis testing laboratories and implementing robust whistleblower protections, Massachusetts can work collaboratively with industry stakeholders, lawmakers, and regulatory authorities to create a safer, more transparent, and responsible cannabis industry that prioritises consumer safety and industry integrity.

Allegations of Retaliation: Unfocused and Extensive Inspections

Allegations of retaliation against MCR Labs and other industry stakeholders have raised serious concerns about the Cannabis Control Commission’s (CCC) response to critical feedback. After MCR Labs’ CEO Michael Kahn spoke out about lab fraud, the CCC conducted an allegedly unfocused and extensive six-hour inspection at their facility. This perceived retaliation led to concerns that investigations may be misused to silence and harass licensees who raise concerns about the regulatory process.

The issue extends beyond MCR Labs, as Dan Delaney, the executive director of the Association of Cannabis Testing Laboratories, testified that licensees fear potential retaliation if they challenge the CCC’s actions. This fear stifles open dialogue and undermines the integrity of the regulatory process.

To address these concerns, the CCC should establish clear inspection guidelines and protocols to ensure transparency and fairness. Inspections should be conducted with specific objectives and in adherence to best practices, respecting the dignity and professionalism expected from regulatory bodies.

Additionally, implementing channels for confidential reporting and robust whistleblower protections can encourage licensees and employees to come forward with vital information without fearing reprisals. By fostering an open dialogue and collaboration environment, the CCC can work with industry stakeholders to improve the regulatory framework and prioritise consumer safety and the success of legitimate cannabis businesses in Massachusetts.

Bottom Line

The allegations of retaliation by a Massachusetts cannabis testing laboratory against the Cannabis Control Commission raise serious concerns about the integrity and transparency of the regulatory process within the state’s cannabis industry. The CEO’s testimony and the subsequent inspection at the lab highlight the need for a fair and impartial regulatory framework that encourages open dialogue and addresses concerns without fear of reprisals. Establishing an internal special audit unit, as proposed in bills S.58 and H.106, could improve accountability and ensure consumer safety in the cannabis market. By addressing these issues, Massachusetts can strive to build a responsible and trustworthy cannabis industry that prioritises the well-being of consumers and legitimate businesses.

Source: https://cannabis.net/blog/news/snitches-get-stitches-in-the-marijuana-industry-did-the-massachusetts-ccc-strongarm-a-labtestin

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A Tipping Point for Cannabis: President Trump Champions CBD & Cannabis Science on Truth Social

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When the President of the United States shares a video about the life changing potential of hemp derived CBD on his personal social media platform, it is more than news, it is a cultural shift.

For decades our government lied to us about cannabis. It demonized the plant, waged war on its users, and filled prisons while allowing pharmaceutical companies to flood the nation with addictive and deadly drugs. For over a century we have been fighting uphill, not just for legalization, but for truth, for science, and for the right to heal ourselves naturally.

Now in 2025, the most powerful political figure on Earth is using his own voice and platform to talk about the endocannabinoid system and the science backed benefits of CBD. That is monumental. It is validation for everyone who has fought, been arrested, been silenced, and been dismissed for telling this truth. The President’s video post is already being described as a pivotal moment in cannabis history, and President Trump CBD Cannabis Science Truth Social is trending across platforms as advocates celebrate the breakthrough.


The Science Behind the Endocannabinoid System

The video begins by introducing something most people, including many doctors, still know little about, the endocannabinoid system. Discovered in the 1990s, the ECS is a network of receptors and signaling molecules that works as the body’s master regulator, coordinating communication between major systems like the nervous, immune, cardiovascular, and digestive systems.

The roots of this discovery go back much further. CBD was first isolated in 1940 by American chemist Roger Adams, but it was Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli organic chemist, who fully elucidated the chemical structure of CBD and identified its stereochemistry in the 1960s. His pioneering work not only opened the door to modern cannabinoid science but also earned him the title “Godfather of Cannabis Research.” It was this foundation that led to the identification of the endocannabinoid system itself decades later, revealing how cannabinoids interact with our physiology on a fundamental level.

The ECS is now widely recognized as a vital part of human biology, with extensive research supported by the National Institutes of Health. When functioning properly, the ECS acts like the conductor of an orchestra, ensuring every section plays in harmony. As we age, the system weakens. That imbalance is linked to inflammation, chronic pain, cognitive decline, sleep problems, and many other conditions associated with aging.

Mainstream medicine often addresses these issues with pharmaceutical band aids, dangerous and addictive drugs that treat symptoms rather than root causes. Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise help, but they only partially support the ECS and do so slowly over time.


Hemp Derived CBD: A Game Changer for Aging

Here is where the science gets exciting. As the video explains, the ECS can be restored much more quickly with hemp derived CBD. Strengthening this system naturally helps the body regain balance, reducing pain, improving sleep, lowering stress, slowing disease progression, and even extending healthy lifespan.

It is not theoretical. One in five seniors is already using CBD to manage pain, arthritis, cancer symptoms, sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s, and more. Despite decades of research and acknowledgment from institutions like the National Institutes of Health, most physicians receive no training on the ECS. There are still no FDA standards for CBD products on the market. If that were the case for any other class of medicine, it would be considered malpractice.

The World Health Organization has confirmed CBD’s excellent safety profile and non addictive nature in its critical review report. The result is that millions of older Americans are suffering unnecessarily when a safe and natural solution exists.

Hemp derived CBD is a powerful first step in restoring balance to the endocannabinoid system, but it is only part of the picture. Research shows that full spectrum cannabis extracts, which include a broader range of cannabinoids and terpenes, can work even more effectively. Complete concentrated cannabis oil, containing the full spectrum of natural endocannabinoids, may deliver the most profound results for certain patients. Expanding access to these therapies will be essential if we want to unlock the full healing potential of this plant.


The Economic and Social Impact

The video cites a powerful figure. A PricewaterhouseCoopers analysis estimates that fully integrating cannabis into the healthcare system could save the United States nearly 64 billion dollars annually. These savings reflect reduced pharmaceutical dependency, fewer hospitalizations, improved chronic disease outcomes, and enhanced quality of life for aging Americans. You can read more about PwC’s research on healthcare innovation here.

It is a financial argument, but it is also a moral one. Why should our elders endure pain, anxiety, and cognitive decline when nature has given us tools to help them live longer, happier, and healthier lives?


A Call to Action: Finish What the Farm Bill Started

The message concludes by crediting the 2018 Farm Bill, championed by President Trump, for legalizing hemp and laying the groundwork for today’s CBD market. The Farm Bill was just the first step.

Now the call is for bold next moves.

  • Educate doctors about the endocannabinoid system
  • Include CBD under Medicare coverage
  • Provide clear federal standards for CBD quality and dosing

These steps would constitute the most significant senior health reform in modern history, one that would transform aging and cement a powerful legacy for any administration that makes it happen.


What This Means for Future Cannabis Medicine

For those of us who have been in the cannabis community for decades, this is not just another news story. It is a signal that our movement is winning. A conversation that was once criminalized and censored is now being amplified by the President of the United States on his own platform.

It means the science is undeniable. It means the truth can no longer be buried. It means the wall of prohibition is cracking, not just legally, but culturally, scientifically, and politically.

It also means that everything we have been fighting for at 420 Magazine since 1993, education, access, healing, and justice, is finally moving full steam ahead. The President Trump CBD Cannabis Science Truth Social moment is proof that science and policy are finally converging.

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New Mexico cannabis operator fined, loses license for alleged BioTrack fraud

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New Mexico regulators fined a cannabis operator nearly $300,000 and revoked its license after the company allegedly created fake reports in the state’s traceability software.

The New Mexico Cannabis Control Division (CCD) accused marijuana manufacturer and retailer Golden Roots of 11 violations, according to Albuquerque Business First.

Golden Roots operates the The Cannabis Revolution Dispensary.

The majority of the violations are related to the Albuquerque company’s improper use of BioTrack, which has been New Mexico’s track-and-trace vendor since 2015.

The CCD alleges Golden Roots reported marijuana production only two months after it had received its vertically integrated license, according to Albuquerque Business First.

Because cannabis takes longer than two months to be cultivated, the CCD was suspicious of the report.

After inspecting the company’s premises, the CCD alleged Golden Roots reported cultivation, transportation and sales in BioTrack but wasn’t able to provide officers who inspected the site evidence that the operator was cultivating cannabis.

In April, the CCD revoked Golden Roots’ license and issued a $10,000 fine, according to the news outlet.

The company requested a hearing, which the regulator scheduled for Sept. 1.

At the hearing, the CCD testified that the company’s dried-cannabis weights in BioTrack were suspicious because they didn’t seem to accurately reflect how much weight marijuana loses as it dries.

Company employees also poorly accounted for why they were making adjustments in the system of up to 24 pounds of cannabis, making comments such as “bad” or “mistake” in the software, Albuquerque Business First reported.

Golden Roots was fined $298,972.05 – the amount regulators allege the company made selling products that weren’t properly accounted for in BioTrack.

The CCD has been cracking down on cannabis operators accused of selling products procured from out-of-state or not grown legally:

Golden Roots was the first alleged rulebreaker in New Mexico to be asked to pay a large fine.

Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/new-mexico-cannabis-operator-fined-loses-license-for-alleged-biotrack-fraud/

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Marijuana companies suing US attorney general in federal prohibition challenge

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Four marijuana companies, including a multistate operator, have filed a lawsuit against U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in which they allege the federal MJ prohibition under the Controlled Substances Act is no longer constitutional.

According to the complaint, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, retailer Canna Provisions, Treevit delivery service CEO Gyasi Sellers, cultivator Wiseacre Farm and MSO Verano Holdings Corp. are all harmed by “the federal government’s unconstitutional ban on cultivating, manufacturing, distributing, or possessing intrastate marijuana.”

Verano is headquartered in Chicago but has operations in Massachusetts; the other three operators are based in Massachusetts.

The lawsuit seeks a ruling that the “Controlled Substances Act is unconstitutional as applied to the intrastate cultivation, manufacture, possession, and distribution of marijuana pursuant to state law.”

The companies want the case to go before the U.S. Supreme Court.

They hired prominent law firm Boies Schiller Flexner to represent them.

The New York-based firm’s principal is David Boies, whose former clients include Microsoft, former presidential candidate Al Gore and Elizabeth Holmes’ disgraced startup Theranos.

Similar challenges to the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) have failed.

One such challenge led to a landmark Supreme Court decision in 2005.

In Gonzalez vs. Raich, the highest court in the United States ruled in a 6-3 decision that the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution gave Congress the power to outlaw marijuana federally, even though state laws allow the cultivation and sale of cannabis.

In the 18 years since that ruling, 23 states and the District of Columbia have legalized adult-use marijuana and the federal government has allowed a multibillion-dollar cannabis industry to thrive.

Since both Congress and the U.S. Department of Justice, currently headed by Garland, have declined to intervene in state-licensed marijuana markets, the key facts that led to the Supreme Court’s 2005 ruling “no longer apply,” Boies said in a statement Thursday.

“The Supreme Court has since made clear that the federal government lacks the authority to regulate purely intrastate commerce,” Boies said.

“Moreover, the facts on which those precedents are based are no longer true.”

Verano President Darren Weiss said in a statement the company is “prepared to bring this case all the way to the Supreme Court in order to align federal law with how Congress has acted for years.”

While the Biden administration’s push to reschedule marijuana would help solve marijuana operators’ federal tax woes, neither rescheduling nor modest Congressional reforms such as the SAFER Banking Act “solve the fundamental issue,” Weiss added.

“The application of the CSA to lawful state-run cannabis business is an unconstitutional overreach on state sovereignty that has led to decades of harm, failed businesses, lost jobs, and unsafe working conditions.”

Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/marijuana-companies-suing-us-attorney-general-to-overturn-federal-prohibition/

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