Michigan Cannabis Market Hit by Triple Vape Recalls and Viridis Labs Closure

Published: 13 August 2025

Updated: 12 September 2025

Michigan’s cannabis market is undergoing one of its most turbulent months since legalization. In just over three weeks, regulators have recalled tens of thousands of vape cartridges from three major suppliers and permanently shuttered Viridis Laboratories, once the state’s largest and most controversial testing company.

The first recall came on August 12, when the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) ordered the removal of more than 26,000 vape products linked to Warren-based Sky Cannabis. Regulators suspected the cartridges, sold under the Motor City Cannacarts and RIPZ brands, contained medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, a substance banned in Michigan cannabis vapes since late 2024. Products were traced to 210 dispensaries across the state since November 1, 2024.

Less than two weeks later, on August 27, regulators announced another enforcement action: the recall of 5,765 Kushy Punch “Pineapple Jealousy” cartridges produced by Exclusive Brands. The items had been sold through a network of retailers, including Exclusive’s own shops in Kalamazoo and Lowell as well as independent dispensaries in Jackson and Big Rapids. Like the Sky Cannabis products, these cartridges also tested positive for MCT oil.

On September 2, regulators disclosed a third case. Working with House Brands Distro (IVP Holding), the CRA announced a voluntary recall of Top Smoke Go Kartz “Runtz” 1-gram cartridges produced on February 25. Roughly 5,800 units were sold, with 3,800 still on dispensary shelves statewide. The CRA did not specify the banned chemical found in the products but instructed retailers to post recall notices and assist customers. Consumers who purchased the Runtz cartridges after February 25 were urged to verify product tags through the state’s tracking system, safely dispose of recalled items, and consult a health care provider if they experience symptoms.

MCT oil is widely used in food and dietary supplements, but inhalation can irritate the lungs and is suspected of contributing to respiratory illnesses. Its use in cannabis vaping was prohibited in Michigan following a round of regulatory reforms last year. Alongside MCT oil, the CRA lists certain pesticides and fungicides—including bifenthrin, bifenazate, and trifloxystrobin—among prohibited substances. Consumers have been urged to verify purchase information through state tracking systems and either return or dispose of affected products. Adverse reactions should be reported through the CRA’s online form or at (517) 284-8599. Licensed cannabis businesses must notify regulators of adverse reactions within one business day.

The rapid succession of recalls underscores both the progress and the fragility of Michigan’s regulatory framework. Cannabis businesses complain that the rules are shifting faster than the industry can adapt, while regulators insist the measures are essential to safeguard public health. For patients and recreational users, the recalls have raised new questions about the reliability of products that had already passed testing before reaching store shelves.

The turmoil extends beyond the vape market. On August 20, the CRA revoked the licenses of Viridis Laboratories, which for years dominated cannabis testing in Michigan. At its peak, the firm handled as much as 70% of all samples in the state. Regulators accused the company of systematically inflating THC potency results and failing to comply with standards. The Lansing facility was closed immediately; the Bay City site must cease operations by late September. Viridis’s majority owners - three former state police scientists - were permanently banned from the industry.

The downfall of Viridis marks the end of a long-running dispute between the company and state officials. In 2021, regulators issued what was then the largest cannabis recall in Michigan history after reviewing Viridis’s test results. Competitors accused the lab of distorting the market by reporting artificially high THC levels, pressuring other labs to cut corners. By 2024, one of those competitors, PSI Labs, had shut its doors.

In settling with regulators this month, Viridis dropped all lawsuits against the state. Minority investors are attempting to reorganize the Bay City lab under new management, though it remains uncertain whether the CRA will allow operations to resume. Looking ahead, the state has announced plans to establish its own reference laboratory by 2026, intended to provide an independent benchmark for testing and enforcement.

Taken together, the vape recalls and the Viridis shutdown illustrate a pivotal moment in Michigan’s cannabis oversight. The industry continues to expand rapidly, but regulators are signaling that growth will not come at the expense of safety. For businesses, this means more scrutiny, higher compliance costs, and potential brand damage when banned substances are detected. For consumers, repeat recalls are reshaping purchasing decisions, with some opting to switch brands or avoid vapes altogether. The expectation is a market that delivers not just variety but also reliability.