Requirements for Medical Marijuana TestingMedical marijuana treatment centers (MMTCs) need to be absolutely sure they’re providing their patients with the highest-quality cannabis. Impurities or inferior strains may yield poor results or even negative side effects. For quality assurance and to remain in compliance with state laws, it’s pivotal that you submit your product for medical marijuana testing.

Why Medical Marijuana Testing Is Necessary

It all comes down to quality. Even if you always get your supply from the same grower, you still need to test every batch. Why? Cannabis is a crop much the same way as corn or tomatoes. Depending on harvesting conditions, the yield may not be the same even if the growers do their best to adhere to the same cultivation method. Too many variables are in play that can affect cultivars quality.

Furthermore, medical marijuana was only recently legalized in November 2016 with the passing of bill SB 8A signed by Florida Governor Rick Scott. Medical marijuana in the Sunshine State is still in its infancy, and many doctors and MMTCs are still learning which strains, concentrations, and dosages are ideal for individual patients.

Legal Requirements

Since MMTCs can never be certain of what’s in a strain in their latest batch, they need to submit it for analysis. Unless the supplier can submit proof with a certificate of analysis, it’s not enough to just take the supplier’s word for it. MMTCs can be found legally liable if patients use cannabis products found to contain high levels of toxins.

Aside from testing for pesticides and other impurities, lab analyses are also performed to detect traces of the cannabinoid THC. Under Florida law, some medical users may only use forms of cannabis with THC traces below the legal 0.3% limit. Even in small amounts, the psychoactive cannabinoid compound can cause adverse effects among sensitive users.

Is Medical Marijuana Quality Testing Mandated by Law?

Currently, MMTCs are not required by state law to test their products. However, this may change as current laws on the books are constantly revised and amended. The state of Arizona, for example, is currently proposing Senate Bill 1420, which would make medical marijuana testing mandatory by 2019. This would require all cannabis products for medical use be tested for potency, mold, pesticides, etc. Florida lawmakers will not be far behind.

Marijuana Quality Control: Better Safe Than Sorry

Even if testing is not required at this time under state law, MMTCs are still highly recommended to submit samples for affirming marijuana quality control. In California, for example, two leukemia patients contracted a lung infection after using medical marijuana. One of the patients died as a result. Testing of the marijuana showed traces of a rare fungus. While the patients’ illness could not be definitively linked to the marijuana use, it does raise eyebrows.

As a clinic, fostering trust among your patients is a primary goal. When you can verify that the supplied marijuana is clinically proven safe, it eliminates any room for doubt.

We Are a Trusted Marijuana Testing Laboratory

Even if it never becomes law, we believe MMTCs should always err on the side of caution. Your patients trust you, and you need to trust the quality of the marijuana you’re prescribing them.  Our marijuana testing laboratory utilizes state-of-the-art equipment that detects even the most minute traces of cannabinoids, mold, pesticides, metals, mycotoxins, solvents, and other harmful substances. Furthermore, our MMTC consulting services provide expert counseling on navigating around complex Florida cannabis laws and statutes. Give Modern Canna a call today to see how we can assist you.

Additional Medical Cannabis Testing Resources:

  1. Miami New Times, What’s in Your Weed?
    https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/whats-in-your-weed-touring-floridas-first-marijuana-testing-lab-9999158
  2. Weed Maps, Why Does Cannabis Need to Be Tested, https://weedmaps.com/learn/lab-testing/does-cannabis-need-to-be-tested/