In a state that recently legalized cannabis, ironing out the kinks has been a challenge. Since California’s first legal cannabis stores opened on January 1, 2018, it’s been up to the state’s regulators to shut down black market stores in an effort to curb illegal cannabis activity in the highly regulated new market. Now the Associated Press reported that nearly 20 percent of California’s legal products have failed lab testing reports. However, those closest to the industry believe that the standards for testing are unrealistic and difficult for all companies to achieve.
The AP reports: “The testing has been especially tough on edibles, or cannabis-infused cookies, candies and tinctures. About one-third have been blocked from store shelves.
In much smaller numbers, testing companies licensed by the state are finding unacceptable levels of pesticides, solvents and bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella, according to data provided to The Associated Press by the state Bureau of Cannabis Control. In the first two months, nearly 11,000 samples were tested and almost 2,000 failed.”
A state hearing in August brought many voices to the conversation, who reiterated that the state’s rules should be broadened. Testing for companies is also a very expensive piece of the production process, often ranging up to $10,000.
Read the full article about California testing here.
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