The Cole Memo

1. Inspiration for This Article
2. IDFPR Drops Details about Cannabis Testing Lab on 4/20
3. IDOA Teases Details at Cannabis Symposium
4. IDOA Provides Cole Memo with Status Update
   1. Message to the State
   2. Response from the State
5. Follow Up Article

Inspiration for This Article

On December 10, 2021, the Chicago Sun-Times published a series of articles about cannabis testing in Illinois. On February 2nd, 2022, I released a conversation that I had with the lead journalists behind the Sun-Times commissioned lab testing, Tom Schuba and Stephanie Zimmerman.

During the conversation, they explain their research which was driven by the question, “What’s in your weed?” They discovered high failure rates for mold and bacteria in pre-rolled joints. The investigation included testing cannabis products independently, revealing that eight out of nine pre-rolls failed microbiological tests, although no heavy metals, pesticides, or mycotoxins were found. They also discussed the varying state regulations on cannabis, emphasizing the inconsistency across states like Illinois and Michigan.

In the series of articles, the Sun-Times reported “the [Illinois] agriculture department says it is planning, though won’t say when, to create its own state lab to provide “much-needed capacity” to independently test or verify test results.”

Over the years, I’ve had several opportunities to engage with the state on this issue, including a tour of the state-based lab during its early development stages. In this article, I’ll share the responses I’ve received from the state over time and provide the latest update on the status of their cannabis testing lab.

IDFPR Drops Details about Cannabis Testing Lab on 4/20

On April 20th, 2023, I attended the Cannabis Innovation Lab summit, hosted by GrownIn.com and 1871. During a panel discussion featuring Vaughn Bentley, a representative of the IDFPR, I had the opportunity to ask a question. Vaughn had mentioned the cannabis testing lab earlier in the discussion, which ultimately prompted my inquiry.

You can watch the interaction here or read it below.

Cole: I just had a follow-up question inspired by something you mentioned in another question, with regard to the Illinois Department of Agriculture lab—are you saying that third-party testers would no longer be involved, or are they still part of the process? I’m just curious because that’s new.

Vaughn Bentley: Yes, third-party testers will still be involved. They are still going to be the back-bone when it comes to a testing product. The state lab ensures that we have a neutral third party, the state, who can come in and verify that the labs are functioning correctly. While we haven’t seen any issues, other states have encountered problems with their labs. Additionally, if the state comes across something that may present a challenge or a public safety risk, we can turn to a neutral third party for testing to ensure we’re getting the most accurate results.

IDOA Teases Details at Cannabis Symposium

In 2023, I attended the Cannabis Symposium at Southern Illinois University, where David Lakeman, Manager of the Division of Cannabis Regulation at the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), gave a presentation. During his talk, David mentioned that Illinois would have “one of the first state-run cannabis testing laboratories in the nation.” After the presentation, which you can watch here, I had the opportunity to ask David more about the lab.

You can watch the interaction here or read it below.

Cole: You mentioned the testing lab during your presentation and you mentioned that it was an additional backstop—can you clarify what that means? When is this Cannabis Testing Lab going to be used?

David Lakeman: Right now we’re in the process of building the lab, so we’re developing the exact processes and procedures, determining what staff will be involved, and what equipment we need. We’re in the very early stages of that process, so determining exactly how and when it will be used is a future question we’re working toward. However, in terms of ensuring that we are a partner to the independent testing laboratories, the existing industry, and the new sectors of the industry, this capability is something not just Illinois is looking at, but also a number of other states, including Massachusetts, Colorado, and others. Establishing state-run labs helps address emergency regulatory needs, additional testing questions, and in general, builds competencies and experience at a state level, which is crucial when addressing policy questions.

Cole: I know it’s really early on, but just as a hypothetical scenario—would this lab be involved if there were concerns about batches, like in the past? For instance, if the state heard about those things, maybe they might they step in and conduct tests—

David Lakeman: Potentially, yes.

Cole: —as a sort of audit on the independent labs?

David Lakeman: No, I want to be clear we’re not talking about audits here, right now. What I’m talking about is if there’s an issue that’s come up, we need to immediately test it. So, we’re going to go pick that up and we’re going to come test it immediately because an independent lab in the area may not be open. You know, we want to make sure that with state employees we can do that and get those things tested immediately and address any potential health or safety issues as soon as they’re reported to us, which may not always be an option for us in the future. It has been to this point, but we can’t always rely on that, and we want to make sure that the state is able to provide those capabilities.

Cole: There were concerns about vitamin E in the past, so would it maybe just hypothetically be something like that? You heard about something off with a product, and it’s like, okay, we’re going to pull this batch number from this location and we’re going to perform tests on it to see what’s up?

David Lakeman: Again, we try to stay away from hypotheticals, but in general, something like that—if we get a complaint, if there’s an issue—that will allow us to act expeditiously to ensure that health and safety are being protected.

You can view an interview I captured with David Lakeman, the Cannabis Division Manager, here.

IDOA Provides Cole Memo with Status Update

With reports from my trusted sources indicating that the IDOA’s cannabis testing lab was nearing completion, I decided that it was the right time to follow up with the Division of Cannabis Regulation for a status update.

Message to the State

This is the message that I sent to the state.

Hello ,

I hope you are doing well. I am looking for information regarding the state-based cannabis testing lab currently under construction.

Could you provide an update on the purpose and status of the lab?

I am particularly interested in understanding the current progress, future plans for the lab, and any other relevant details you might have.

Thank you,

Cole

Sent August 8th, 2024

Response from the State

This is the response that I received from the State.

The Division of Cannabis Regulation Bureau of Cannabis Testing Laboratory is currently in the final stages of construction. We are very excited for its completion, which is currently estimated for late 2024. The lab will have the ability to perform a wide variety of tests on cannabis products to ensure the safety of cannabis and accuracy of label information. The lab will focus on potency testing as the first offering with the goal of adding all state mandated testing requirements within the first year.

Received August 14th, 2024

Follow Up Article

I hope to share more information in a future article. I hope you found value in this article.

If so, please consider supporting my work by sharing this article or by directly contributing a dollar or two below!

#247 – What could rescheduling mean for cannabis policy? – The Cole Memo

I’ll be joined by a surprise guest to recap the latest developments in cannabis policy and what they could mean for both businesses and consumers. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/22/e246/

1. #247 – What could rescheduling mean for cannabis policy? 54:03
2. #246 – Cannabis Is Legal in Illinois, So Why Are People Still Being Arrested 40:14
3. #245 – Live From the Oval Office: Trump Directs AG to Expedite Cannabis Rescheduling Process 39:06
4. #244 – Talking Cannabis Rescheduling With Its Harshest Critics 44:25
5. #243 – Social Equity, Transporters, Rescheduling, and the Future of Hemp With Ali Jubelirer 01:01:29