California is scrambling to test cannabis for pesticides after a report revealed regulators failed to keep contaminated products out of stores, causing consumer concern and industry panic.
Paige St. John reports for The Los Angeles Times.
In short:
- California officials are rushing to test cannabis products for pesticides following a report showing toxic chemicals in vapes and pre-rolls.
- Private labs flagged contaminated products, leading to recalls, but state tests only checked for one chemical despite evidence of broader contamination.
- Industry leaders launched their own testing programs due to inadequate state safety checks and a bill mandating random tests was significantly weakened.
Key quote:
“We continue to have example after example of the abysmal regulation. Increasingly, our government continues to give us and the consumers less and less reason to be in the legal market. They must be held accountable for it.”
— Jonatan Cvetko, executive director of the United Cannabis Business Assn.
Why this matters:
The legalization of cannabis in many states has spurred a booming industry, but it has also exposed gaps in regulatory oversight. Unlike pharmaceuticals, which undergo rigorous testing, cannabis products often hit the market with minimal inspection. This has led to instances where consumers inadvertently expose themselves to pesticides, heavy metals, mold and other toxins.
