California Shuts Down Cannabis Lab Over Fake Test Results

California Shuts Down Cannabis Testing Lab Over Faked Results and Equipment Tampering

California regulators have canceled the license of Northridge-based California Cannabis Testing Labs (CCTL) after uncovering serious violations, including faked test results and tampering with laboratory equipment. The state Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) determined that the lab posed a threat to public health, potentially allowing contaminated cannabis products to reach consumers.

Violations and License Cancellation

The DCC’s investigation into CCTL, which began in February 2022, revealed 20 alleged violations. These included deliberately falsifying records for pesticides and mycotoxins, retesting samples to artificially inflate THC levels, and manipulating lab equipment to avoid detecting harmful substances like solvents and pesticides. A particularly concerning violation involved a certificate of analysis (COA) signed by the lab’s director, which incorrectly stated that no pesticide chlorfenapyr was detected in a batch of cannabis. Subsequent testing by the state revealed that the product contained nearly 600 times the permissible level of chlorfenapyr, a chemical considered dangerous by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The DCC’s July 24 notice officially canceled CCTL’s provisional license and denied its application for an annual license. This decisive action follows previous incidents where products tested by CCTL were recalled due to contamination concerns, including the presence of mold and pesticides.

Lab’s Response and Future Actions

CCTL has the right to contest the DCC’s findings and has requested an ex parte hearing regarding its license status. However, the DCC plans to oppose this request. The lab’s owners—Roger Chivukula, Krishna Chivukula, and Melissa Mabe—have not publicly commented on the allegations, and attempts to reach them have been unsuccessful.

Impact on Consumers and Industry

The DCC’s decision underscores ongoing concerns within the cannabis industry about the reliability of lab testing, including issues related to the inflation of THC potency and the manipulation of test results. The cancellation of CCTL’s license reflects a broader regulatory effort to ensure that cannabis products sold in California meet safety and quality standards.

The incident has sparked a wider conversation within the industry about the need for stringent oversight and the integrity of testing labs. Josh Swider, co-founder and CEO of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs, emphasized the importance of regulatory enforcement, noting that the DCC’s actions signal a commitment to cracking down on fraudulent practices in the cannabis testing industry.

Recent Product Recalls

The lab’s license cancellation follows multiple recalls of products tested by CCTL, including recalls in March, May, and June of this year for cannabis products contaminated with mold. The most recent recall, issued on July 17, involved vaporizer cartridges found to contain chlorfenapyr, despite CCTL’s reports indicating the chemical was not detected.

The recalls highlight the potential public health risks associated with inaccurate testing and underscore the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers. The DCC’s actions against CCTL are part of a broader effort to clean up the industry and ensure that all products meet the required safety standards.

The closure of California Cannabis Testing Labs marks a significant step in addressing fraud and ensuring product safety in the cannabis industry. As the state continues to refine its regulatory framework, the emphasis on accurate testing and consumer safety remains a top priority. The industry and consumers alike are watching closely as the DCC and other regulatory bodies work to uphold the integrity of cannabis products in the market.