Viridis Labs Barred from Michigan’s Cannabis Industry

The Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) has announced a landmark settlement, permanently banning three former law enforcement officials from participating in Michigan’s cannabis market. The agreement mandates the immediate closure of Viridis Laboratories and its sister facility, Viridis North, after years of regulatory disputes over allegations of fraudulent testing.

The majority owners of the labs—former Michigan State Police forensic director Greg Michaud, forensic scientist Todd Welch, and former toxicologist Dr. Michele Glinn—have been prohibited for life from holding any role in the state’s cannabis industry. This decisive action concludes a protracted legal and administrative battle, affirming the CRA’s authority to enforce scientific integrity and consumer protection within the market.

A Pattern of Non-Compliance and Regulatory Conflict

Since its founding in 2018, Viridis Laboratories—which once claimed its founders’ law enforcement backgrounds provided superior credibility—drew intense scrutiny from regulators and competitors. The labs were accused of employing unapproved testing methods, inflating THC levels, and downplaying the presence of harmful contaminants, directly undermining the state’s rigorous safety standards.

The conflict escalated in 2021 when the CRA ordered the largest recall in Michigan history, removing an estimated $229 million worth of products from shelves due to unreliable test results from Viridis. A subsequent administrative law judge’s ruling in March found that the company repeatedly violated state rules by failing to follow its own protocols, misidentifying mold, and maintaining inadequate records. Despite these findings, Viridis continued to operate while challenging the CRA in court, with its lawsuits being repeatedly dismissed.

The Precedent Set by the Settlement

The settlement marks a critical moment for regulatory oversight in Michigan’s cannabis industry. By admitting to all violations detailed in six formal complaints and dropping its remaining legal challenges, Viridis has acknowledged a “sustained, deliberate pattern of noncompliance” that, according to CRA Executive Director Brian Hanna, “shook confidence in the entire regulated cannabis system.”

This resolution sends a clear message that scientific integrity is the non-negotiable foundation of the cannabis market. For legal professionals and industry stakeholders, this case highlights the severe consequences of regulatory non-compliance and the importance of adhering to stringent safety protocols. As the industry continues to evolve, this settlement will serve as a powerful precedent for future enforcement actions, emphasizing that ethics and transparency are paramount to a business’s continued operation and legal standing.

Aggressive Defense in any Courtroom

For anyone facing charges –  Attorney Michael Komorn of Komorn Law PLLC brings extensive experience in criminal defense in any Michigan court, including Federal Court. Call the office to to hire us. 248-357-2550

We represent clients throughout the

State of Michigan and Northern Ohio.

Here are some court contacts we frequently handle cases.

Oakland County

If you are facing any legal charges in Oakland County and need to hire an attorney, call our Office (248) 357-2550. If you need to contact the court, here is the information:

• Telephone Number: (248) 858-0344
• Address: 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Department 404, Pontiac, MI 48341-0404
• Website: Oakland County 6th Judicial Circuit Court

Macomb County

If you are facing any legal charges in Macomb County and need to hire an attorney, call our Office (248) 357-2550. If you need to contact the court, here is the information:

• Telephone Number: (586) 469-5150
• Address: 40 N. Main Street, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
• Website: Macomb County 16th Judicial Circuit Court

Wayne County

If you are facing any legal charges in Wayne County and need to hire an attorney, call our Office (248) 357-2550. If you need to contact the court, here is the information for the Third Circuit Court (Wayne County):

• Telephone Number (Civil/Family): (313) 224-5510
• Telephone Number (Criminal): (313) 224-5261 or (313) 224-2503
• Address (Civil/Family): 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
• Address (Criminal): 1441 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226
• Website: https://www.3rdcc.org/

Kent County

If you are facing any legal charges in Kent County and need to hire an attorney, call our Office (248) 357-2550. If you need to contact the court, here is the information:

• Telephone Number: (616) 632-5220
• Address: 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
• Website: Kent County

Traverse County

If you are facing any legal charges in Traverse County and need to hire an attorney, call our Office (248) 357-2550. If you need to contact the court, here is the information for the 13th Circuit Court (which includes Traverse County):

• Telephone Number: (231) 922-4701
• Address: 328 Washington Street, Suite 300, Traverse City, MI 49684
• Website: Traverse City 13h Circuit Court

Monroe County

If you are facing any legal charges in Monroe County and need to hire an attorney, call our Office (248) 357-2550. If you need to contact the court, here is the information:

• Telephone Number: (734) 240-7020
• Address: 106 E First Street, Monroe, MI 48161
• Website: Monroe County 38th Circuit Court