The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has revoked the license of Rapid Analytics, one of the state’s three medical-cannabis testing labs, following an investigation that uncovered significant regulatory deviations. The announcement was made in a statement on Thursday.
In December, MSDH placed products tested at the Natchez-based lab on hold after another laboratory identified toxins in samples that had previously been cleared by Rapid Analytics. MSDH emphasized the importance of compliance in medical cannabis testing, stating, “Rapid Analytics’ disregard for regulatory compliance poses a threat to public health and welfare.” The license revocation is set to take effect on March 13, 2024.
Impact on Testing Capacity
Rapid Analytics had been responsible for testing approximately 70% of the state’s medical cannabis products. With its license now revoked, Mississippi has two remaining testing labs: Steep Hill Mississippi in Jackson and Alchemy Analytics in Meridian. Alchemy was established earlier this year in response to the situation surrounding Rapid Analytics. According to MSDH’s Director of External Affairs, a third lab is expected to open soon.
Concerns were first raised about Rapid Analytics when both it and Steep Hill tested the same cannabis sample, yet only Steep Hill reported impurities. This discrepancy prompted an administrative hold on various medical-cannabis products tested by Rapid Analytics. The source of the initial tip leading to the investigation has not been disclosed.
“Since the initial suspension in December, it’s taken tests about twice to three times as long as before,” remarked Hardy Case, a consultant for 74 Suns in Canton. He noted that the delay in testing continues to affect the market, as other labs await approval to operate.
Future Prospects and Industry Concerns
Rapid Analytics has a 20-day window to appeal the MSDH’s decision. While Case expressed uncertainty about the reasons for the revocation, he highlighted that the investigation’s findings will be disclosed after the appeals process concludes. “This is unprecedented for a new lab in a developing industry to lose its license,” he commented.
Case had anticipated that the state would have at least six active testing labs by now and urged MSDH to expedite the process for new facilities. He suggested that the state could invest to attract additional testing labs or explore sending products out-of-state for testing to streamline approvals. The significant revenue generated by Mississippi’s medical-cannabis program, exceeding $37 million from 2022 to 2023, indicates the industry’s potential.
“Thousands of Mississippians are now employed and reliant on the cannabis industry,” he noted, emphasizing the need for efficient access to testing facilities to support patients and businesses involved in the sector.
The Mississippi Free Press attempted to contact Rapid Analytics for comment but did not receive a response by the publication’s deadline.
