METRC Just Took Down a Local Testing Lab—and That’s a Problem for Everyone

We’re heartbroken to share some news that affects us and a lot of other small cannabis brands across New York. One of the few women-owned, New York–based cannabis testing labs—Keystone State Testing—has announced they’re closing their doors effective immediately.

This hits hard.

Keystone was more than a lab. They were a trusted partner. They employed people in Vestal, NY. They held one of the highest levels of lab accreditation in the country (ISO 17025). They tested cannabis with care, accuracy, and real scientific integrity. And they were one of the only labs in the state doing it without cutting corners.

But they couldn’t survive New York State’s disastrous rollout of METRC.

What’s METRC and Why Should You Care?

If you’ve never heard of it, METRC is a tracking system the state uses to follow cannabis from seed to sale. In theory, it’s supposed to keep things transparent and safe. But in practice—especially in New York—it’s been a mess. Labs can’t move product. Brands can’t get tested batches released. Dispensaries don’t get what they ordered. Customers like you get empty shelves.

The system is broken. And now, Keystone is gone because of it.

What This Means for Silly Nice

We’ve got products sitting in limbo that were tested by Keystone and cleared—but can’t move because of state-level METRC confusion and software delays. That means some of our flower, vapes, hash, and infused products are stuck in the system instead of on dispensary shelves where they belong.

We’re doing everything we can to reroute batches, work with other labs, and keep our drops on schedule. But when a lab you trust shuts down overnight, it sets everything back. Not just for us—but for dozens of other New York brands trying to do things right.

Real People Are Hurt by This

This isn’t just a cannabis story. It’s a small business story. A community story. Good-paying upstate jobs gone. Women-owned business gone. Science-based leadership gone. Not because they did anything wrong—but because the system failed them.

We have nothing but respect for the Keystone team. They moved with integrity and precision every step of the way. And we’re hoping they find a way back, stronger than ever.

What You Can Do

If you’re trying to pick up Silly Nice this weekend before the snowstorm, we recommend placing your order early. Some stores may not have full stock due to these lab disruptions. Use our dispensary locator or browse our menuto find what’s nearby or available for delivery.

If your favorite dispensary is low or out, let them know you’re looking for Silly Nice. We’re restocking fast—but with labs shutting down and METRC slowing everything down, every bit of support helps.

We’re Still Here. Still Nice.

We started Silly Nice to bring something fresh, honest, and high-quality to New York’s cannabis market. That hasn’t changed. We’ll keep showing up, pivoting when we have to, and staying loud when something isn’t right.

Because when a trusted lab like Keystone goes down, and small brands suffer because of it, somebody’s gotta say it.

We got you.

Stay warm, stay safe, and stay nice.