Massachusetts Authorities Criticize Cannabis Potency Oversight Amid Inflation Concerns

Massachusetts cannabis regulators are under scrutiny as law enforcement officials criticize their handling of THC potency inflation in the state's cannabis market. Matt Gutwill, president of the New England Narcotic Officers Enforcement Association, has accused the regulators of inadequate oversight, claiming that THC levels in some products are inflated by nearly 300%. This issue has been a point of contention for years, with industry observers alleging that testing labs succumb to market pressures, leading to questionable results

Unlike other states such as California, Massachusetts does not implement random testing, which has led to product recalls elsewhere. Gutwill's criticism is directed at the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), which he claims is failing to enforce regulations adequately. However, the CCC has taken steps, including the suspension of Assured Testing Laboratories' permit over the summer. Assured, which tested a significant portion of the state's cannabis, faced allegations of 'dry-labbing' and had a remarkably low fail rate for yeast and mold compared to the state average

Despite these actions, the CCC acknowledges the ongoing issue of potency inflation. Commissioner Kimberly Roy has expressed the desire to establish a 'reference laboratory' to verify testing results, a step hindered by funding constraints. Meanwhile, the CCC plans to introduce a secret shopper program to purchase products from retail shelves for independent testing. This initiative aims to address the concerns raised by Gutwill and others regarding the reliability of current testing practices

Shannon O’Brien, chair of the CCC, has admitted that previous claims of a secret shopper program were inaccurate, further highlighting gaps in enforcement. O'Brien, who recently returned to her role after a controversial removal, emphasized the importance of such a program to ensure compliance and consumer protection. As the CCC moves forward with these initiatives, stakeholders in the Massachusetts cannabis industry are watching closely to see how these measures will impact market integrity and consumer trust