Playing the Zig Zag Card

Viridis Laboratories has faced allegations of inflating THC levels and downplaying cannabis risks. A Michigan judge found that the company, run by ex-police officers, misled the public by exaggerating test results and violating state testing regulations.

An administrative law judge determined that Viridis repeatedly broke state rules by using unapproved testing methods and failing to document procedures, despite regulatory warnings. The company, founded in 2018 by former Michigan State Police officials, quickly became the largest cannabis testing lab in the state. However, regulators soon raised concerns about inflated THC levels and unscientific practices.

One striking example of misconduct involved technicians misidentifying visible mold as “mite poop” and approving the sample. Inspectors also found that Viridis used improper magnification levels when screening flower for contaminants. The company’s failure to follow proper procedures ultimately led to Michigan’s largest-ever cannabis recall in 2021. More than 400 dispensaries had to pull an estimated $229 million worth of products from shelves, disrupting the entire state’s cannabis supply chain.

Viridis responded with a lawsuit, claiming the state unfairly targeted the company. However, the judge ruled there was no strong evidence of bias. The Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) had valid reasons for investigating, including unusually high THC results, reports of moldy products passing inspection, and unreliable microbial testing. One notable finding was that Viridis’s Lansing lab reported 89% fewer Aspergillus failures than other labs, raising concerns about its accuracy.

Despite legal troubles and backlash from the cannabis industry, Viridis remains a significant player in Michigan’s cannabis market

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