Massachusetts OKs two testing labs, clears one rec marijuana hurdle

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Massachusetts regulators on Thursday approved two labs to test recreational marijuana, a critical step to starting sales in a program delayed from a July 1 launch target.

CDX Analytics in Salem and MCR Labs in Framingham were issued provisional licenses by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, according to state documents. Both have been involved in the state’s medical marijuana program.

In addition, regulators approved provisional licenses to two additional retail stores: Northeast Alternatives in Fall River and Alternative Therapies in Salem, bringing the number of stores to eight. Cultivate Holdings in Leicester won a provisional processor license. 

A number of steps, which could take weeks, still need to be completed before recreational MJ sales begin, according to a report in the Boston Business Journal:
  • The commission must inspect both testing labs.
  • Recreational marijuana products must be tested for potency and contaminants before products are sold.
  • Retail stores that have provisional approval must have passed inspection.
  • The state’s seed-to-sale tracking system must be in operation.

Massachusetts is expected to be a strong market once the program launches.

Marijuana Business Factbook 2018 projected that rec MJ sales could hit $150 million-$250 million this year, although the figures could be affected by a late start.