California regulators have indefinitely suspended the license of BelCosta Labs, a prominent cannabis testing facility based in Long Beach, citing serious violations that pose potential risks to public health and safety.
In an April 10 letter obtained by MJBizDaily, the state’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) ordered BelCosta to halt all operations immediately. The suspension follows allegations that the lab inflated THC potency figures, failed to detect harmful mold, and mishandled product testing data. The DCC also raised concerns over unqualified staff and violations in chain-of-custody protocols.
“BelCosta Labs Long Beach, LLC is directed to immediately cease conducting all activities,” wrote DCC Deputy Director Evelyn Schaeffer in the letter addressed to the lab’s co-owners, Myron Ronay and Matthew Dechter.
BelCosta executives have pushed back, arguing they’ve been unfairly targeted. “We don’t believe we were anything close to a public health or safety concern,” said Nate Winokur, vice president of strategy and operations. CEO Myron Ronay added that legal action may follow if the suspension is not lifted.
Among the seven violations listed, the DCC accused the lab of reporting inflated THC levels—two samples were claimed to have 24.5% potency, but DCC testing showed only 17.4% and 14.7%. California law allows for a 10% variance, but one of the discrepancies exceeded 40%.
Other infractions included releasing cannabis that failed safety tests due to pathogenic mold, failing to report results promptly, and allowing unqualified staff to conduct or support testing. The lab’s use of a receptionist to access Metrc, the state’s cannabis tracking software, was also flagged.
BelCosta, which has operated for over eight years and employs 75 people, published an emergency podcast denying wrongdoing and promising to return. “We really don’t believe this is right,” said Ronay. “We will be back, better than ever.”
The DCC, continuing its crackdown on cannabis testing labs, declined to comment further on the case.
Read the whole article from MJBizDaily here.
