Michigan Sen. Kurt VanderWall last week called on the state Marijuana Regulatory Agency to be more proactive and tougher on testing product following the recent license suspension of Iron Laboratories for allegedly violating testing standards.
Last week the Walled Lake-based safety compliance facility had its license suspended. The MRA alleged in a complaint that the company did not accurately record test results that showed multiple different products failed to meet state testing requirements.
“The agency did exactly what they needed to do,” Mr. VanderWall (R-Ludington) said Friday of the MRA’s immediate suspension of the license of Iron Laboratories.
He said in the case of Iron Laboratories the MRA was quick and proactive and the agency needs to make sure it is being proactive in all cases statewide.
“We need to make sure of the safety and the quality of the product,” Mr. VanderWall said.
He said his critique is not a knock on the MRA but is simply a call to remain vigilant and proactive as the agency works to ramp up inspections and enforce the state’s marijuana laws.
When asked if any new legislation to improve enforcement was needed Mr. VanderWall said “any new legislation right now would be premature.”
As chair of the Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee, Mr. VanderWall said members are working closely with the MRA to ensure they are providing the appropriate level of enforcement. He said the agency has been invited to periodically update the committee on its activities.
A spokesperson for the MRA declined comment Friday.
According to the MRA, the lab violated state rules on testing by, among other violations, reported inaccurate test results of product samples regarding levels of pesticides.
This story was published by Gongwer News Service.