Immediate Threat to Public Health
According to the CCC, Assured established a “pattern of failing to accurately report Total Yeast and Mold test results” — including omitting or downplaying microbial contamination levels — in a manner that poses an “immediate and serious threat” to consumer health and safety. The lab reportedly tested roughly 25% of the state’s cannabis from April 2024 to April 2025 yet flagged only 0.05% of those samples as contaminated — dramatically lower than the 4.5% failure rate recorded industry‑wide.
Key Violations Uncovered
The CCC’s review, based on data submitted via Metrc and the lab’s internal records, uncovered several key issues:
7,183 samples showed microbial levels above zero but were reported as “non-detect” or zero.
544 samples tested above the legal 10,000 CFU/g limit yet were not reported to regulators.
160 samples underwent retesting after initial failures, with subsequent certificates inaccurately stating non-detect results.
These omissions directly contravene Massachusetts law, which mandates that labs report contamination failures within 72 hours.
Regulatory Response
In issuing the summary suspension, CCC Executive Director Travis Ahern emphasized that Assured’s actions “undermine the Commission’s confidence” and threaten the regulated cannabis system’s integrity. The lab is permitted to complete analysis of in‑progress samples before the July 4 suspension takes effect; any remaining inventory must be returned or destroyed.
Industry Context and Company Stance
Assured is now one of 15 labs licensed in Massachusetts and employs 33 staff members. A spokesperson expressed that the company “stands by what we do,” declining further comments.
Assured is also among eight labs previously named in a lawsuit by competitor MCR Labs, which alleges practices including THC potency inflation and failure to report safety violations. The CCC’s findings echo some of those allegations.
This action reflects a broader trend: similar lab suspensions have occurred this year in Arizona and California, as regulators nationwide intensify scrutiny of cannabis testing integrity
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Next Steps:
The suspension becomes effective on July 4, 2025, and remains in place unless overturned by a hearing or court.
Assured has 21 days to request a hearing.
During the suspension, any ongoing tests must finalize, and remaining samples returned or destroyed under CCC supervision.
Massachusetts regulators stress their commitment to ensuring that cannabis products are tested accurately and that consumers and patients are protected through strict enforcement of lab reporting standards.
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