CannaSafe Promotes Riley And Expands During COVID

By Warren Bobrow

When it comes to cannabis, it’s the highly regulated and rigorous testing that sets the legal market apart from its underground counterpart. Testing provides consumers with accurate THC and cannabinoid concentration levels, as well as confirms the absence of pesticides, heavy metals and dangerous cutting agents. 

Since 2016, CannaSafe has been at the forefront of cannabis testing in California – easily the world’s largest cannabis market – ensuring that products are compliant and safe for consumer consumption. Aaron Riley has steered the company as president for the past four years, but this week the company announced that he would step up as CEO of the company. The move comes after a mutually agreed upon buyout of the company’s previous business partners, according to a company press release. 

As president, Aaron grew CannaSafe from a three-person lab with a 100-square-foot facility to over 150 employees and a newly built 25,000 sq ft headquarters. The company currently tests 30% of the total California cannabis market and counts among its clientele some of the state’s top brands, including Papa & Barkley, Stiiizy, Dosist and Lord Jones.

Now, as CEO, Riley plans to take CannaSafe national, opening three new testing facilities in Oregon, Florida and Illinois – all expected to be operational by the end of the summer. Since it is federally illegal to ship products containing THC across state lines, CannaSafe’s California lab has been unable to accept out-of-state business, despite demand. With cannabis deemed essential and sales still brisk during the COVID-19 pandemic, CannaSafe is looking to bring online additional laboratories to ensure consumer safety through the legal cannabis supply chain.

“We’ve had numerous inquiries from brands in these states to utilize CannaSafe’s services, and we’re excited to provide our expertise and best-in-class services in these new markets,” said Riley. “Furthermore, cannabis testing is more important now than ever during these unprecedented times considering the steep spike in cannabis sales. By opening additional laboratories, we are doing our best to persevere despite the circumstances and bring assurance to users.”

There’s real concern that cannabis shortages could cause people to turn to unlicensed dealers – creating a dangerous situation at an already bad time. Untested and often laced with contaminants, illegal cannabis products can be harmful when smoked or ingested. The last thing anyone needs right now is a trip to the hospital with a compromised immune system or exposure to toxins.

CannaSafe’s new testing locations will bring high-quality, comprehensive testing services to the hundreds of brands growing in Oregon, Florida and Illinois, ensuring their products are compliant with their state regulations. 

Riley continued, “These are extremely tough times for society and we at CannaSafe are committed to supporting the cannabis supply chain and providing safe and high-quality products to cannabis users.”