A distinct shortage of Colorado labs equipped to test adult-use cannabis for contaminants such as bacteria and mold could produce major opportunities for Green Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTCBB:GTSO).
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Marijuana Enforcement Division (MDE) regulate testing in the state. That state gave the green light to the first laboratory certified to begin testing cannabis for contaminants last month. Once enough retail labs are certified, retail marijuana products will start being tested like any other food product. At that point, the state will require the labs to test for E. coli, Salmonella, and three types of mold.
ABC affiliate 7NEWS Denver reported in March that the MDE could not provide a timeline for when containment testing will be mandatory, but said it hopes to start the process soon.
In order to capitalize on the rising demand in Colorado for cannabis testing services, GTSO is seeking out a new permanent location for the Class 5 clean room it acquired last month. The clean room is a germ- and pest-free environment where GTSO can reliably test cannabis products for contamination, potency and breeding, among other measurable attributes.
“One certified lab is hardly going to be enough to satisfy the demands of Colorado’s cannabis industry,” said GTSO CEO Wallace W. Browne. “Wait times for lab reviews and processing are going to stretch on and on, and costs will rise. Our mission will be to help ease that burden on retailers.”
By establishing a working lab in Colorado capable of testing and demonstrating cutting-edge cannabis products, GTSO expects to help the growing number of cannabis professionals in the U.S. refine their offerings and guarantee product purity and consistency to their customers. The clean room was acquired without a commitment for lease, which was a key consideration for making the deal.