If you’re finding this announcement in Talking Joints Memo, then you’re probably aware that issues around Independent Testing Labs in Massachusetts aren’t newly contentious. Over the past several years, fines and lawsuits—and lawsuits resulting from fines—have erupted around the topic, along with other drama.
We’ve covered every contour, but we’re not saying that for cool points. Rather, it’s to avoid any possible interpretation of us posting this important notice as marking the start of a reform process. We’re telling readers to buckle up, because a lot of people have been working on these problems and waiting for this process, and it’s going to be painful and informative. Necessary, but painful. And hopefully fruitful.
We plan in interviewing several experts and stakeholders along the way, and also publishing their perspectives. For now, we encourage you to read the draft regulations, and brace for a whole lot of science talk. Below you’ll find the next steps via the Cannabis Control Commission. –TJM Editor Chris Faraone
The Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) at its public meeting on Thursday, Oct. 22, began reviewing draft regulations related to Independent Testing Labs (ITLs) and the testing of cannabis and cannabis products. The draft regulations will be discussed at an upcoming meeting and be open for public comment in early 2027.
Some of the updates include:
- A new section under 935 CMR dedicated entirely to cannabis testing to promote public health and safety;
- Specifying the authorized activities, and operational and laboratory quality assurance requirements of ITLs;
- Detailing requirements for cannabis sample collection, storage, and retention;
- Expanding testing standards and action limits for contaminants of concern; and
- Setting rules for the repurposing, reanalysis, and remediation of cannabis products that failed regulatory compliance testing.
Commissioners will discuss the proposed regulations and associated policy questions at the next public meeting on Nov. 12.
The Commission is undertaking a holistic review of its testing regulations and protocols as part of the implementation process for Ch. 65 of the Acts of 2026 (Ch.65). The draft testing regulations released today incorporated feedback from constituents gathered during an informal public comment period and public hearing held in August, feedback from a previous ITL listening session, as well as the Commission’s existing protocols.
The Commission will accept feedback on the draft testing regulations beginning in January during a larger public comment process for regulatory updates related to Ch. 65.
