Trucenta, a large cannabis company operating processing plants in Hazel Park and Warren, has addressed accusations of misconduct, describing the stance of state regulators as “defamatory and one-sided.”
In a statement issued Friday, Trucenta said it’s committed to “transparency and cooperation” with the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), which is investigating the company.
Last week, the CRA accused Trucenta of committing several violations, including improperly transporting cannabis products, misusing the statewide monitoring system, failing to maintain complete surveillance footage, and attempting to mislead inspectors by switching tags on different marijuana products. The agency’s inspection on April 11 revealed that Trucenta employees switched tags on distillate to deceive inspectors, according to the CRA’s formal complaints.
The agency reported that between April and September 2023, Trucenta issued approximately 100 cannabis samples for testing, with 53 failing due to the presence of heavy metals, solvents, or banned pesticides. In addition, 11 out of 15 tested five-gram packages of distillate contained bifenthrin, a prohibited chemical.
The CRA also claimed that Trucenta did not provide complete surveillance footage as required, citing missing camera angles and significant time gaps.
In its response, Trucenta stressed that the company has tried to comply with regulations and collaborate with the agency. Trucenta said it has been “diligently providing all requested documentation, including video footage,” and engaging with the CRA’s inquiries. However, the company claims it has encountered delays in the CRA’s processing of its submissions.
Trucenta noted that earlier this year it filed five formal complaints against the CRA over concerns about what it termed “disruptive business practices” that were not addressed before the CRA’s recent complaints, according to the company.
“We believe the CRA’s recent actions have been one-sided and defamatory, overlooking our consistent efforts for transparency and cooperation,” Trucenta said in its statement.
The company said it’s committed to maintaining high standards of quality and compliance and expressed confidence in resolving the CRA’s complaints.
The company added that it will address the investigation “with the utmost integrity and professionalism.”
Metro Times could not reach the CRA for comment.
