The Cannabis Industry's Regulatory Issues

Lab shopping and testing inaccuracies in cannabis may be fixed long-term by federal supervision and regulation.

FREMONT, CA: A lack of federal legalization presents major regulatory issues when comparing the US cannabis market to the rest of the world or the state-by-state market. Industrial players will be better prepared to deal with a federally legal market once it becomes a reality if the industry discusses and addresses prevailing problems.

A major concern is the inconsistency of cannabis product testing and regulation. It's no secret that cannabis testing labs pick and choose based on their preferences and requirements, regardless of their accuracy. The situation is even more challenging for non-THC products, like CBD, Delta-8, and hemp, since few states require testing.

Retailers: Industrialists must carry the products consumers prefer to stay competitive, but lab shopping is a short-term solution. States like California have already established federally regulated cannabis testing programs to combat lab shopping. Working with manufacturers and brands who test their products in reputable labs is important whenever possible. A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) indicates that a third party has approved the lab and product. Testing products in-house whenever possible ensures consumer satisfaction. Get a laboratory's secondary confirmation before purchasing inventory from new suppliers to ensure the best product quality. For additional accuracy assurance, authorities can check with the issuing lab to ensure the results are the same in their records as on the CoA.

Manufacturers: A cannabis plant's life cycle begins with cultivators and ends with manufacturing, determining its final product. It is crucial to use batch methods for precision and uniformity of THC percentage among crops - care and consistency are essential. When choosing vendors, remember quality. For manufacturers, this means working with trusted and experienced growers and seeking a second opinion from outside labs where necessary. Growers must stay on top of best-growing practices, train employees thoroughly, and establish Standard Operating Procedures to consistently ensure best practices are followed. Working towards GMPs is a longer-term solution. They will be able to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and begin preparing their business for federal legalization, as the USDA and FDA will most likely require businesses to conform to these standards when federal legalization occurs.

Labs: Regarding cannabis testing ethics, cannabis labs play a key role. Ensure work is double-checked and carefully monitored for accuracy throughout daily operations. Make employee education and training a priority, and verify testing operation's validity with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA). Some labs may fear losing customers to labs willing to do lab shopping, but unethical testing has much more severe long-term consequences, especially as regulations evolve. Many states offer anonymous tiplines for reporting misconduct in the lab testing industry, and states are taking it much more seriously these days.

Consumers: It is essential to purchasing safe and accurate cannabis products if you are a cannabis consumer. Look for a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) when purchasing a trusted brand; these documents confirm that an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory has tested the product for safety. Be aware of the reporting date of any certificate of analysis you receive. Some disreputable businesses will reuse old certificates from previous years. When you are at a dispensary, research the brands and do not be afraid to ask questions – many dispensaries now provide online menus. Labs that participate in unethical testing processes will continue to be exposed as legalization efforts continue and federal legalization approaches. There may be no long-term solution to cannabis lab shopping and testing inaccuracy aside from federal oversight and regulation. Still, only time will tell the lasting effects of lab shopping on the cannabis industry.