EVIO Expands California Cannabis Testing Operations, Acquires Leaf Detective
EVIO is pleased to announce that it has executed an asset purchase agreement to acquire 100% of California-based testing lab, Leaf Detective, LLC.
Leaf Detective, Humboldt County’s first licensed cannabis testing facility, is an independently owned and operated testing facility dedicated to providing accurate results in a timely manner. The lab specializes in analytical laboratory testing for medical marijuana dispensaries, cannabis manufacturers, producers and consumers.
Due to California’s July 1 testing deadline mandating licensed retailers to sell only lab tested product, the industry is predicting a shortage of testing services and delays in getting approval to sell the products. This strategic acquisition is part of EVIO’s efforts to further expand into the state to meet increasing demand for analytical testing services.
“Leaf Detective holds one of only 28 licenses issued by the Bureau of Cannabis Control to testing facilities. Upon completion of this acquisition, we will upgrade the facility to meet new testing standards and plan to be operational by end of third quarter,” said William Waldrop, CEO of EVIO Inc. “Our goal is to continue to improve consumer safety and increase shareholder value by capturing additional market share.”
A recent report from industry research firm, BDS Analytics, estimates that California cannabis sales will reach $3.7 billion by the end of 2018 and predicts an increase to $5.1 billion in 2019. Leaf Detective is located in the Emerald Triangle region, the largest cannabis-producing region in the United States, giving EVIO increased exposure to clientele.
