The NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) reviewed data showing fishy THC inflation and mold issues, and they fined several companies for other violations.

THC Inflation and Yeast and Mold Investigations Data

NJ-CRC Acting Executive Director Christopher Riggs noted they are continuing to investigate THCA inflation and yeast and mold issues.

“One lab is increasing their THC values a little bit more than the other labs,” he argued.

“It seems when we made the announcement that we were looking into such things and having an investigation, that some of the lab levels and the THC values that were reported started to drop,” Riggs noted.

“We’re seeing a little bit more after we made the announcement that we’re looking into these things with the labs to make sure they’re reporting accurate results…,” he explained.

“We need to have accurate testing for consumer safety, and so consumers know what they’re getting is a safe product,” Riggs declared. “3 months in a row, we had a lab that reported no failure for total yeast and mold. That’s a trend that we look at.”

He said a few labs do most of the tests, and they happen to have the lowest failure rates.

This is known as lab shopping.

“Some labs are probably accurately reporting their results. And some probably aren’t. And we’re going to continue our investigation to ensure consumers have safe lab-tested products,” Riggs explained.

The NJ-CRC’s investigation began after Heady NJ published stories about advocates and researchers alarmed about THC inflation and yeast and mold concerns.

High Rollers Lounge Fined for Selling Soft Drinks

NJ-CRC Chief Counsel Dave Tuason said the High Rollers dispensary and lounge of Atlantic City sold beverages like coffee, had a soda gun, and sold food, which is forbidden.

Consumption lounges are not permitted to serve food or beverages, and that is the law. It’s not optimal,” Commissioner Krista Nash said. “Until the law is change we have to uphold the rules and regs.”

She recommended they approve a penalty of $4,000 for a total of which the NJ-CRC approved unanimously.

Commissioner Amelia Mapp said they should have known better.

Zen Leaf Mt Holly Fined for Not IDing Enough

Tuason said the Multi-State Operator (MSO) owned Zen Leaf Mount Holly dispensary allowed consumers to enter without checking IDs.

Nash wanted to fine them $2000, and the NJ-CRC approved it unanimousl

Hashery Fined for Not IDing at a Party

Tuason explained that Hashery LLC dispensary of Hackensack didn’t check IDs for people to be 21 and over at an event where people were smoking weed in their parking lot in a tent. They also had an unapproved RV.

“Staff recommends an enforcement actions” he said.

“Was that verified?” Nash said.

Tuason said it was reported second-hand to one of their compliance officers who don’t attend meetings.

“The tent that was set up in the parking lot was wide open for anyone to walk into,” NJCRC Chair Dianna Houenou said. “The business does claim they have spoken with their attorney…”

She said businesses should ask their compliance officer if they can do something.

“I’m a little perplexed why the business thought it would be to have a tent wide open set up for consumption,” Houenou added. “This is not the first on-site consumption violation we’ve been presented with…”

In general, entrepreneurs often seek forgiveness versus permission.

The NJ-CRC approved a $1,000 fine on them unanimously.

Improper Advertising Fines for 2 Dispensaries

Tuason said the Bud it Up dispensary of Englishtown advertised in a place where too many kids could have seen it.

(Heady NJ’s audience of mostly Millennials and Gen Xers doesn’t violate their advertising rules.)

Houenou said they operated a food establishment, which she did not like.

Tuason also said Social Leaf dispensary of South Toms Rivers was advertising on the Jersey Shore boardwalk, which is similar not allowed.

Houenou seemed offended that their promotional sign was by a basketball court.

Mapp said they should be fined $500, which the NJ-CRC approved.

Canna Boy Tree House Fined for Sampling

Tuason accused Canna Boy Tree House dispensary of South Orange of offering samples to potential consumers, which is forbidden.

Nash wanted to fine them $500 which they approved unanimously.