Investigation Uncovers Cannabis Safety Concerns
A recent study conducted by the Safe Leaf Society, a consumer watchdog group, has revealed troubling levels of microbial contamination and discrepancies in THC potency labeling within cannabis products sold in New Jersey dispensaries. The findings raise red flags regarding public health risks and the effectiveness of the state’s regulatory enforcement.
How the Study Was Conducted
The Safe Leaf Society purchased and tested 25 pre-rolled cannabis products from 17 dispensaries across New Jersey. These products were analyzed in independent, accredited laboratories to determine their microbial content and cannabinoid potency. The results exposed inconsistencies that could impact consumer safety.
Major Findings
Microbial Contamination
The study found that roughly 28% of the pre-rolls exceeded the microbial limits set by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC). Seven of the 25 samples contained yeast and mold levels higher than the allowed 100,000 colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g). Even more concerning, five of these seven products were labeled as having no detectable pathogens, suggesting misleading or inaccurate product labeling.
THC Potency Discrepancies
Eight pre-rolls from six different licensed cannabis brands failed to meet NJ-CRC’s acceptable variance standards for THC potency. Some products contained significantly less THC than what was advertised on the label, with some samples containing as little as half of the claimed THC content. This mislabeling issue has sparked concerns, particularly for medical patients relying on precise dosages.
Advocates Speak Out
Andrea Raible, co-founder of the Safe Leaf Society, voiced her concerns over the findings. “Selling mislabeled cannabis is no different from a pharmacy dispensing the wrong medication or a restaurant serving tainted food,” Raible stated. As someone with asthma and allergies to mold and yeast, she stressed the potential dangers of contaminated cannabis products, which could lead to serious health complications.
Michael Boone, another co-founder of the organization and a professor at Stockton University specializing in cannabis business management, stressed the importance of strict oversight. “The industry needs to be held to the same safety and accuracy standards as food and pharmaceuticals,” Boone warned, emphasizing that consumer trust could be at risk if the issues go unaddressed.
Response from Regulators
Following the report, NJ-CRC Acting Executive Director Chris Riggs confirmed that the commission is taking the matter seriously. “We are currently investigating these claims, and we will enforce regulatory action wherever necessary,” Riggs stated. He also pointed out that the NJ-CRC has already rolled out new testing guidelines aimed at increasing scrutiny on cannabis laboratories.
New Testing Standards
To improve product safety and ensure accurate labeling, the NJ-CRC has introduced updated regulations, including:
- Reduced Batch Sizes: The maximum batch size for cannabis testing has been reduced from 100 pounds to 33.07 pounds, ensuring better quality control.
- Enhanced Contaminant Screening: Products are now subjected to stricter tests for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, bacteria, and foreign substances.
- More Comprehensive Cannabinoid Profiling: Labels must now include a broader range of cannabinoids, including THCA, CBDA, CBG, CBGA, and CBN, to provide more transparency for consumers.
Concerns About Industry Practices
The investigation has also highlighted concerns over “lab shopping,” a practice where cannabis producers seek out testing labs known to provide more favorable results. This issue raises doubts about the reliability of lab reports and the overall integrity of the legal cannabis industry in New Jersey. Without stricter oversight, potentially unsafe products could continue to reach consumers, undermining trust in dispensaries and regulators alike.