Operators press OMMA for lab standardization, Metrc transparency and QA lab update
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Summary
Laboratory owners, processors and patients asked OMMA to standardize yeast/mold testing methods, open Metrc seed‑to‑sale data for public review, and report on the QA lab meant to reduce inter‑lab variability.
Industry representatives and patients used the OMMA public comment hearing to press for clearer, standardized laboratory rules and greater transparency in seed‑to‑sale data.
Brandon Mosley of Baseline Laboratories criticized reliance on genetic assays for yeast and mold testing, saying different qPCR platforms produce inconsistent results. He urged a return to culture‑based colony counts or other standardized methods to reduce inter‑lab variance.
"It's so difficult that it's common knowledge that you can potentially take product to certain laboratories and get a different result than you can at other laboratories," Mosley said, arguing that standardization is needed to protect patient safety and market fairness.
Jeff Havard of Havard Industries and Moe Marambigge (patient and Havard employee) urged OMMA to support making Metrc (the state seed‑to‑sale tracking system) data publicly accessible so third‑party analysts can audit trends and COAs. Havard framed the request as one to increase accountability and reduce the potential for manipulated results.
Justin Wood cited a statement by OBN/OBNDD alleging "85,000,000 pounds" missing from inventory and said that number — widely reported in local media — has generated public concern; he presented it as an example of why transparent Metrc access is needed. The claim was made by a speaker at the hearing and was not independently verified during the session.
Commenters asked OMMA for an update on the QA lab established to harmonize lab results and to publish QA findings and methodology. No rule was adopted at the hearing; OMMA will provide written responses to the public comments.
