Although the black market still operates like a real market with supply, demand and equilibrium, there are certain benefits of buying something in a legal market.
When black market prices range anywhere from $15 to $30 for a gram, it’s usually based on the cost to transport marijuana and quality. In the medical marijuana industry, prices will tend to zero in around a set price as quality and availability become more standardized.
However, as with any fresh industry, some aspects get a little sticky. Quality is one of those aspects in the marijuana industry.
The quality of food and drugs is typically regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, but since marijuana isn’t federally recognized, there is no such regulation for medical marijuana.
Luckily, there have yet to be reports of any strains causing widespread sickness, but that doesn’t mean medical marijuana dispensaries aren’t looking out for the quality of their product. That’s where testing facilities come in.
Marijuana testing facilities are yet another branch of the industry that ensure its success. Like grow operations and medical marijuana doctors, testing facilities are one of the pieces of the puzzle that contribute to a healthy industry and healthy patients.
These testing facilities measure the amount of THC and CBD in various strains of medical marijuana, as well as testing for contamination of mold or pesticides.
Since Oregon legalized marijuana, testing has been law. In March, the Capital Press reported that the Oregon Liquor Control Commission issued its first recall after a strain was revealed to have traces of pesticide above the legal limit.
The problem was caught by one of the state-licensed testing facilities, but the issue arose from a late notification after the product had been shipped.
Ironically, the biggest story surrounding marijuana that doesn’t meet industry standards comes from the federal government itself.
Sue Sisley, a Phoenix scientist studying the effects of marijuana in treating PSTD in war veterans, recently railed against the federal government for providing substandard marijuana. After having the marijuana independently tests, she found it to have levels of THC below industry standards and contain mold.
As Sisley leads the way in getting marijuana descheduled under the FDA, her study requires marijuana with levels of THC similar to that a patient would be prescribed and (obviously) mold-free.
No such testing law exists in Arizona, which means dispensaries are free to sell marijuana at any levels of THC they claim. However, that doesn’t seem to be an issue because most dispensaries care about the quality of cannabis they sell to their customers and have it tested for THC levels.
According to the Phoenix New Times, though, most dispensaries testing for contamination is uncommon.
That doesn’t mean dispensaries are trying to sell you moldy marijuana. With the amount of product a single dispensary pulls in, they can afford to be picky, and that means making sure they sell the best bud. It’s still a market after all.
But if you’re concerned, ask your dispensary who tests their marijuana the next time you pick up. They’ll likely have a good answer.
This article appears in May 11-17, 2017.
Thanks , Nick
There are standards of testing to marijuana that are being adopted in the pacific states. Basically the whole PAC 12 is a MMJ legal but Utah. Heck legalize hemp make it a exportable raw and finished products, the Mormons will jump aboard.
As marijuana market is now there is some very good quality product @ reasonable prices. I can still get a 1/4 pound of Mexican shag weed for $250.00 thats around $2.00 a gram. By the time all the crap is removed say doubled $4.00 a gram old smelly dry and basically big bowl burn. Who know whats in it.
Then you have the dispensary stuff which is always good to a degree. Prepackaged helps maintain freshness and quality as well as maintain product. The place I go dont have a on the shelf inventory sitting long enough to become diminished in ways.
However the Vap & oil industry needs to be looked at a lot better. Taking a line from Cousin Vinny the law of physics cease to exist in my home. This is true I can go to one of 4 dispensaries now and get the buy one get one free 300mg that is not labeled on percentages the leaf extraction done with solvent is like inhaling kerosene nice.
But the real trick is I get what I am told is 90% pure THC with a little flavor in 300 milligram cartridges. I go to Washington and here to my dispensary and the 250 mg pure oils I get fill up both 300mg cartridges that are one in house grown product locally grown and produced. YES THIS IS TRUE IN MY HOME I CAN MORE THE DOUBLE THE AMOUNT OF LIQUID JUST BECAUSE IT IS IN MY HOME. I am blessed huh!
The AZDHS/MMj has oversight on testing for mold and pesticides and far as quality or percentages of cannabinols or types. I do believe that AZDHS/MMJ should have a lot better look at this vap pull in some standards on weights and measures of products.
Quality cannot be tested into a product. It either exists or it doesn’t by the time the testing occurs. Time for this industry to look at cannabis specific GMPs. Testing is important- but it certainly isn’t the solution to the problem!
Focus I can’t agree more.
The question here is what is the product a flower, or a processed plant with additives refined oil ? Do you think as a consumer that since it is manufactured. That every bit of the finished product can be measured and tested as to strength and purity? Then that information is clearly printed 40%>60% so on.
I find it interesting that so many think the vap cartridge flavor is because of strain. It is the flavor added the unflavored might have trace but not discernible or be effective terpenes are added to the refined oil.