LANSING and BAY CITY, Mich. — Viridis Laboratories is the world’s first cannabis testing laboratory system to earn approval for its unique and effective potency testing method through the AOAC Research Institute Reviewed and Recognized (R²) program.

Viridis labs in Lansing and Bay City both underwent an extensive process that involved several rounds of reporting and review, along with rigorous testing from a third-party laboratory and third-party scientific review panel in order to be the first-ever company to complete the R² program.

In another major development, Viridis labs in Lansing and Bay City have also been named as AOAC Research Institute approved independent testing laboratories. These AOAC approved laboratories assist the AOAC in their method approval processes. Globally, only two other cannabis testing labs have achieved this level of excellence and distinction.

“We are proud to announce that Viridis Laboratories is the first company to complete our rigorous R² program that verifies that their cannabis potency testing method provides accurate and reliable analytical results,” said Scott Coates, AOAC Research Institute Senior Director. “Viridis has demonstrated a high degree of scientific and analytical excellence.”

The AOAC Research Institute is a division of the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC INTERNATIONAL, ”AOAC” ), and is an independent third-party organization that sets standards for testing methods for food safety and other products impacting public health, including cannabis.

The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) requires laboratories to use methods approved by AOAC. When the state wrote its administrative rules, only test kit manufacturers were able to receive AOAC certification for methods. Now private testing companies can seek approval for their analytical methods through the R² program, and Viridis is the first such company to complete it.

“At Viridis, we’re proud to provide the most accurate and highest quality analytical results in the cannabis testing market as further demonstrated by the AOAC approval and certification of our potency testing method.” said Viridis CEO Greg Michaud. “The AOAC approval of our facilities as independent testing labs is continued validation that we adhere to the highest standards in cannabis testing based in science and best practices so patients and adult-use consumers can be confident their cannabis products are consistently safe and effective.”

Viridis labs additionally have the highest accreditation awarded to cannabis testing laboratories from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation and they are the only labs in the state of Michigan with a Patient Focused Certification through Americans for Safe Access.