The Michigan Senate has approved legislation to create a state-run marijuana reference lab and expand regulatory testing authority, passing Senate Bill 704 by a vote of 34 to 1.

Introduced by State Senator Samir Singh (D), the measure would give the Cannabis Regulatory Agency clearer authority to conduct its own testing and research, while also requiring the creation of a state-run marijuana reference laboratory.

The proposed lab would function as a centralized facility for analytical testing, method development and regulatory verification. While Michigan currently relies on licensed safety compliance labs to test marijuana products, the new facility would allow the state to independently validate results, review testing methods and support enforcement actions when discrepancies arise.

In addition to establishing the lab, the bill explicitly authorizes the Cannabis Regulatory Agency to collect, transport and possess marijuana for research and investigative purposes. This clarification would allow regulators to directly handle cannabis when conducting compliance reviews, developing improved testing procedures or investigating potential violations.

With Senate approval secured, the bill now moves to the House.