ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — The New York State Office of Cannabis Management announced efforts to fine and ban a Long Island-based lab, citing serious violations that put public health at risk. The agency served a notice against Lexachrom Laboratory after an investigation found that they failed to maintain data integrity or report issues in time.
The investigation followed a recall where cannabis products passed testing at Lexachrom but later failed for high levels of pesticides. Lexachrom has since forfeited its permits and may have closed, though three individuals are listed as currently employed by the company on LinkedIn, including CEO and Lead Technical Director Alex Woodmass.
Still, OCM wants to officially ban the company from the weed industry for up to three years and penalize them to the tune of $2 million. The agency alleged that the lab’s violations endangered public health, compromised lab standards, and undermined the integrity of cannabis testing.
Felicia Reid, acting executive director of OCM, said they’re taking decisive action. “When a lab fails to follow regulatory safety and reporting standards, it violates public trust and puts the health of New Yorkers at risk,” Reid said. “OCM doesn’t play when it comes to these kinds of violations, and this agency will continue to take clear-eyed action to make sure that all licensees take the integrity of this industry seriously.”
Stephen Geskey, OCM’s director of labs, compliance and licensing, said that lab testing represents a cornerstone of legal marijuana in New York. When one lab fails, Geskey said it endangers consumers, creates doubt in safety standards, and disrupts the entire market.
When OCM finds a problem that could harm consumers, it can issue an administrative recall to remove defective or unsafe products from store shelves. They’ve already initiated several recalls in 2025, including from East End Flower Farm over unreliable Lexachrom testing.
The OCM investigation into Lexachrom is ongoing, according to the agency, and they haven’t received any reports so far of people getting sick from the recalled products.
The agency said you can return any recalled product to the dispensary where your bought it, even if package is open. For medical concerns related to cannabis, call your health care provider or the Poison Center at (800) 222-1222.
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