Michigan Senate Votes 34 to 1 to Create State-Run Marijuana Testing Lab, Expand Regulatory Authority

The Michigan Senate has approved legislation to create a state-run marijuana reference lab and expand regulatory testing authority, passing Senate Bill 704 by a vote of 34 to 1.

Introduced by State Senator Samir Singh (D), the measure would give the Cannabis Regulatory Agency clearer authority to conduct its own testing and research, while also requiring the creation of a state-run marijuana reference laboratory.

The proposed lab would function as a centralized facility for analytical testing, method development and regulatory verification. While Michigan currently relies on licensed safety compliance labs to test marijuana products, the new facility would allow the state to independently validate results, review testing methods and support enforcement actions when discrepancies arise.

In addition to establishing the lab, the bill explicitly authorizes the Cannabis Regulatory Agency to collect, transport and possess marijuana for research and investigative purposes. This clarification would allow regulators to directly handle cannabis when conducting compliance reviews, developing improved testing procedures or investigating potential violations.

The legislation leaves the broader statute unchanged, focusing specifically on tightening the state’s ability to monitor product safety and ensure consistency across licensed testing facilities.

With Senate approval secured, the bill now moves to the House, where lawmakers will consider whether to advance the proposal further. If enacted, the changes would mark a notable shift toward increased state involvement in marijuana testing oversight, giving regulators new tools to verify accuracy and enforce standards across Michigan’s legal market.