Michigan Bill Would Create State-Run Marijuana Reference Lab and Expand CRA Testing Authority

Filed as Senate Bill 704 and sent to the Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee, the measure adds two targeted but significant responsibilities to the state’s marijuana oversight system. The bill would require the CRA to establish and operate a state-run marijuana reference laboratory, a facility dedicated to analytical testing, method development, and regulatory verification. While Michigan already relies on licensed safety compliance labs for product testing, the new reference lab would serve as a centralized state facility capable of validating test results, reviewing methodology, and supporting enforcement efforts across the market.

SB 704 also adds language that explicitly authorizes the CRA to collect, transport, and possess marijuana for research and testing tied to investigations and the development of testing methods. The addition clarifies that regulators may handle cannabis directly when conducting compliance reviews, refining laboratory procedures, or supporting enforcement actions.

The rest of the statute remains unchanged, making the bill a narrowly focused update aimed at strengthening the state’s ability to oversee product testing and ensure laboratory accuracy. The proposal now awaits consideration in the Regulatory Affairs Committee, where lawmakers will decide whether to advance the measure for a full Senate vote.