Why the cannabis industry needs more rigorous testing

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.

With the increasing demand for legal cannabis and the growing involvement of different states, the need for comprehensive and rigorous testing solutions has become critical. Considering that many people use cannabis products for medicinal purposes, they shouldn’t have to worry about getting sick from consuming disease-infested cannabis products.

This concern is especially true for consumers with autoimmune diseases, as the ill effects of consuming contaminated hemp are deadly. While there may be federal criteria for pathogen testing requirements, that cannot happen yet as cannabis is not legal at the wild level. To that end, the Tasks urged state regulators, lawmakers and maintenance companies to protect consumer health through more rigorous testing.

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When you look at the environmental conditions required for cannabis growth—light, heat, soil, and humidity—the same conditions allow for fertile growth of pathogens as well. These pathogens are so present that even if cannabis growers follow all necessary hygiene protocols, contamination is still very likely.

Because of this, cannabis companies need to be very proactive and overly vigilant when it comes to testing, rather than reacting. There is currently a very alarming lack of testing regulations in several states, and given the competitiveness of the cannabis industry, many companies have been formed in a short space of time.

Unfortunately, many of these cannabis companies are unscrupulous players who entered the industry thanks to lax testing regulations. Many of the companies were created to make a quick buck at the expense of consumer health. To break this vicious circle, stricter enforcement measures and regulations need to be put in place.

What many cannabis companies don’t realize is that while loose testing regulations might help them make money in the short term, they will do more harm in the long run. The long-term effects of this loose testing regime will have significant economic consequences and damage to the industry. Mainly death or injury to patients and customers. Should there be recalls of cannabis products as a result of the cases mentioned, this could be the beginning of the end.

Should recalls occur, the media will overlook them, and opponents of cannabis legalization will have a reason to back up their claims. In order to win the hearts of the public and the minds of the opposition, the need for a safe product is paramount. Therefore, cannabis is labeled as a risky herb.

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A closer look reveals the irony in the game. While feelings of federal cannabis regulation increase the risk of cannabis contamination, recalls can be used by the opposition to justify their claims of keeping the plant illegal. Regardless, federal legalization of cannabis will come sooner rather than later. When this happens, federal agents will be able to regulate and effectively test cannabis, effectively requiring cGMP

Violations of any test regulations are no longer overlooked and businesses are closed due to negligence. To avoid a collapse of the cannabis industry, cannabis companies must employ extensive and rigorous testing regulations of their own. If not, the outcome is dangerous, and if companies decide to wait for federal cannabis legalization before taking a step, the industry could decline before then.

Current examination regulations

In truth, the current structure of cannabis testing regulations does not exist and the implications have yet to be seen. Barely a few months ago, a Michigan judge overturned a recall from Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA). This decision puts contaminated cannabis products back on the shelf. A product tested for high Aspergillus and mold levels. This is the usual case of greed and the power of money ruling over consumer health and safety.

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The lack of testing regulations, even in a well-established cannabis market, is glaring. For example, testing for Aspergillus was not part of Colorado’s testing regulations. Aspergillus, which causes aspergillosis when inhaled, can be very deadly, especially for people with immune complications and diseases. Until now, many states still miss trace amounts of various pathogens (including Aspergillus) when present in cannabis samples.

While you might think that trace amounts are insignificant, accumulation in heavy users who have smoked for a very long time is likely. Constant inhalation of trace amounts of pathogens can lead to various lung diseases and lung problems in the long term. To that end, MSOs and government regulators must raise testing standards higher, demanding more aggressive and rigorous testing protocols.

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These companies and regulators can bring about tremendous changes in the industry to adequately protect consumer well-being and health. Just following the current loose testing regime should not be one of them. Testing shortcuts should be a thing of the past and better demand for an effective testing framework for adult use and medical cannabis products should be introduced.

Currently, several states adhere to cGMP for medicinal cannabis, but not for adult use. For many who effortlessly seek cannabis legalization, potentially harming consumers goes against their goals. Cannabis, when pure, offers clinical and therapeutic values ​​to both medicinal and recreational users. Cannabis companies should ensure that consumer health is not compromised by their cannabis product.

In order to produce pure and unadulterated products, companies should follow best practices. It does this by conducting testing at every stage of the supply chain and not just on the final product. We recommend using the latest testing solutions and methods when testing these products for faster and more efficient results. Many companies don’t have access to these advanced testing devices, so they use the archaic petri dish method. A method that is slow and fairly inefficient tends to overwhelm companies and cause them to fail to adequately test their products.

Conclusion

While the regulatory structure currently seems insufficient to protect consumer health, better solutions are already available. The missing piece is for all regulators and cannabis companies to see testing in a new light.

Testing is a very important aspect of production. With proper testing regulations, consumer health can be protected and a thriving, strong, and trusted cannabis industry can be created.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.