Utica's cannabis industry gets a boost with new testing facility. What you need to know
MCR Labs' new cannabis testing facility in Utica is now open to adult-use licensees, medical operators, and home growers.
Marketing and Communication Manager Alexandra Gomes encouraged curious consumers to swing by and learn more.
First-time home growers might not think to screen their plants, Gomes noted. But, doing so is an important step to ensure the cannabis is free of lead, asbestos, or pesticides, she emphasized.
As the first independent testing lab licensed by the state of Massachusetts the new Broad Street site marks the companies launch into New York’s cannabis community.
According to a statement, analytical chemists and cannabis testing experts at MCR Labs assess the potency and safety of cannabis products. They also perform product development research and offer plant health services for manufacturers and home growers.
“We saw a need for solid science and data to aid cultivators, processors, patients, and consumers in New York,” MCR Labs CEO Michael Kahn said, in a statement. “We are very excited to carry out our mission of advancing public safety in the Empire State.”
Establishing trust across New England
MCR Labs has facilities in Framingham, MA and Gardiner, ME.
Gomes mentioned that last July the Massachusetts lab celebrated its 10th anniversary.
“It’s been a wild 10 years as the facility has grown and evolved right alongside the state’s cannabis industry," Gomes said. "We’ve strived to be a true partner to cultivators, producers, and the community at large, rather than another regulatory hurdle. Our main focus is providing accurate results that help producers create better products and keep consumers safe.”
She pointed out the work MCR Labs accomplished over the past decade: advocating for home grower rights, developing and offering free contaminant screens during the COVID-19 pandemic, and encouraging a fair market for consumers.
“By becoming deeply involved with the community, offering free educational events and resources, we’ve cultivated a deep trust within the New England cannabis space,” said Gomes. “We expect a similar outcome from our Utica laboratory, as supporting the New York cannabis community is our top priority.”
When fighting stigmas associated with cannabis use Gomes said "knowledge is the best weapon." While each body responds differently she said understanding the science behind the drug leads to both a healthier practice and relationship with the substance.
Tapping into the New York market
New York legalized adult-use cannabis by passing the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) in 2021. The legislation created a new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) governed by a Cannabis Control Board to oversee and implement the law.
“We started considering expansion in New York back in 2022,” Gomes recalled. “While the industry roll-out has been slower than expected, we see a lot of potential for the New York industry. There are many talented cultivators and producers, as well as a huge community of consumers ready to participate in the market. We want to be a part of building a sustainable cannabis industry here.”
To learn more, visit http://ny.mcrlabs.com or connect with the Utica team by email at hello@mcrlabsny.com.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: MCR Labs opens new cannabis testing facility in Utica
