Anresco and Infinite Labs Withdraw Lawsuit Against Competitors, Plan to Refile
In a surprising turn of events, Anresco Laboratories and Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs have withdrawn their lawsuit against 13 competing cannabis testing labs, accusing them of manipulating marijuana testing results to attract customers and boost business. According to court documents, the dismissal was filed without prejudice on August 3 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. However, the two California-based labs have indicated that a new lawsuit is forthcoming.
Lawsuit Withdrawal and Plans to Refile
Josh Swider, co-founder and CEO of San Diego-headquartered Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs, confirmed the withdrawal and emphasized that the allegations still stand. In a statement via email, Swider said, “We stand by the allegations and merits in the complaint filed in federal court. However, with further analysis, and as each of the defendants is aware, we anticipate filing a new complaint very soon.”
While the initial lawsuit has been dropped, it is clear that Infinite Chemical and Anresco Laboratories are preparing to continue their legal battle. Swider added that further comments will be provided once the new lawsuit is officially filed.
The Allegations: Inflated Potency and Ignored Contaminants
The original lawsuit, filed on June 24, accused 13 independent testing labs of inflating cannabis potency results and disregarding the presence of contaminants in their certificates of analysis (COAs). These manipulations, according to the plaintiffs, put consumer health at risk by allowing contaminated and inaccurately labeled cannabis products to reach the market.
The controversy has added fuel to ongoing concerns about the integrity of California’s cannabis testing system, with labs, retailers, and regulators often at odds over how to ensure consumer safety. The allegations also follow a broader crisis in the state’s cannabis industry, as regulators continue to deal with reports of illegal pesticide contamination in products.
Cannabis Product Recalls and Pesticide Controversy
Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs and Anresco Laboratories have been at the forefront of uncovering pesticide contamination in California’s cannabis market. Both labs were among the first to detect illegal pesticides, including chlorfenapyr, in various cannabis products. Chlorfenapyr, a greenhouse pesticide banned in cannabis cultivation, has been found in products intended for sale in California’s regulated marijuana market.
Swider’s lab has gained national attention for its role in raising these concerns. Following complaints to California’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and Governor Gavin Newsom, investigations by WeedWeek and The Los Angeles Times revealed widespread contamination issues within the state’s cannabis supply chain. This led the DCC to issue several product recalls, citing the presence of illegal pesticides.
The recall situation has created tension within the industry, with cannabis brands, retailers, and testing labs questioning the effectiveness of current regulations. As the world’s largest legal marijuana market, California is now facing a crisis of confidence among consumers and businesses.
Defendants Respond: Standing by Their Results
The 13 labs named in the lawsuit have been quick to push back against the allegations. Myron Ronay, CEO of Long Beach-based BelCosta Labs, one of the defendants, disputed the claims made by Anresco and Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs. In an interview with MJBizDaily, Ronay defended his lab’s testing procedures, stating, “They didn’t test the same products we tested; I stand by all our results.”
Ronay also criticized the plaintiffs for acting as though they were the de facto regulators of the cannabis industry, saying, “Ultimately, they’re not the arbitrators of the California cannabis industry. The DCC is – and they’re actually doing investigations – pulling products off the shelves and testing product.”
Spencer Wong, CEO of Pasadena-based Encore Labs, another defendant, echoed similar sentiments, questioning the motives behind the lawsuit. Wong pointed out that much of the lawsuit was based on the plaintiffs’ own testing results, rather than findings from the DCC. “Is it just a publicity thing for them?” Wong asked. “The DCC didn’t come out and say there’s gaps in the testing.”
Wong added that Encore Labs is prepared to defend itself in state court if the case is refiled, stating, “There’s no evidence. They’re just allegations at this point.”
A Brewing Legal Battle
As Anresco Laboratories and Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs prepare to refile their lawsuit, the cannabis testing industry is bracing for a lengthy legal battle. The case could have significant implications for the future of cannabis regulation in California, especially as questions continue to arise about the accuracy and integrity of testing methods.
The controversy highlights the challenges facing California’s regulated cannabis market, where ensuring product safety and consumer confidence is critical. With product recalls continuing and allegations of testing manipulation swirling, it remains to be seen how the industry will resolve these deep-rooted issues.
For now, all eyes are on the next legal move by Anresco and Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs as they push forward with their efforts to expose what they claim are dangerous practices within the cannabis testing sector.
