Throughout its history, the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) at UC San Diego has built trusted partnerships with state and federal agencies, including the California Department of Cannabis Control. The CMCR Reference Laboratory is one example of this commitment. Funded by the California Department of Cannabis Control, the CMCR Reference Laboratory tests cannabis products purchased from licensed dispensaries across the state. In doing so, this independent, on-campus laboratory plays an essential role in safeguarding consumer safety in California’s cannabis market. The lab also works closely with scientists at the California Department of Cannabis Control to develop innovative methods for measuring the chemical constituents of cannabis products sold to consumers in California. Here, skilled scientists and technicians analyze cannabis products from dispensaries across California for pesticides, solvents, mold, bacteria, and other prohibited contaminants, helping ensure that products available to consumers meet California’s strict safety standards.