A recent study by Havard Industries, an Oklahoma-based cannabis testing lab, has revealed alarming levels of mould and yeast in pre-rolls sold in the state. This discovery raises serious concerns about consumer safety and the efficacy of current regulatory measures. This article delves into the details of the study, the implications for public health, and the challenges faced by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) in maintaining the quality and safety of cannabis products.

The Study Findings

Alarming Contamination Levels

Havard Industries tested 15 cannabis pre-rolls from three different dispensaries in Oklahoma for microbial levels. The results were startling: 14 of the 15 samples exceeded the OMMA’s threshold of 10,000 colony-forming units for mould and yeast. This means that nearly 93% of the tested pre-rolls were contaminated.

“We found that 14 of the 15 samples did fail for mould and yeast and exceeded the upper limit on average of 23% over the limit for flower samples. The one sample that passed tested at 57% of the limit,” stated Jeffery Havard, director and owner of the lab.

Implications for Consumer Safety

Health Risks

The presence of mould and yeast in cannabis products poses significant health risks, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems or respiratory conditions. Inhaling mould spores can lead to a range of health issues, from allergic reactions to serious lung infections.

Lee Rhodes, OMMA’s chief science officer, emphasised the importance of microbial testing in ensuring consumer safety. “So that we can add that extra layer of reassurance for the public that independent testing is double checking the testing that’s out there,” Rhodes said.

Regulatory Challenges

Inconsistent Testing Protocols

One of the primary challenges highlighted by the study is the inconsistency in microbial testing protocols for single and multiple harvest batches. According to Rhodes, if pre-rolls are made from a single batch where the flowers or buds have already been tested for microbials, they do not undergo further microbial testing. In contrast, multiple harvest batches are subjected to more rigorous testing.

Havard pointed out that the study focused on final form testing, which occurs after the initial microbial tests have been conducted. This approach revealed that somewhere between the flower state and the final pre-roll form, significant microbial contamination was introduced.

Need for Enhanced Regulation

Rhodes acknowledged the need for more stringent testing rules irrespective of the product origin. The OMMA is in the process of setting up its own quality assurance lab to better monitor and enforce testing standards. “In 2023, the marijuana authority was authorised to run its own quality assurance lab and is in the process of setting it up,” Rhodes said.

Broader Context

Historical Recalls

This is not the first time that cannabis pre-rolls have tested positive for contaminants in Oklahoma. Similar issues have led to recalls in Oklahoma and other states like Colorado. These recurring problems underline the necessity for robust regulatory frameworks and consistent testing protocols to protect consumers.

Consumer Awareness

Havard emphasised the importance of consumer awareness in mitigating risks associated with contaminated cannabis products. “I think that we are just kind of seeing that there’s a problem here and that we’re just trying to address it and make it public knowledge of the issues that we’re seeing,” he said. Both Havard and Rhodes recommend that consumers check test results when purchasing cannabis products from dispensaries.

Source:
KOSU