Mississippi Health Officials Issue Retesting Order for Medical Cannabis Products

LOS ANGELES- In a significant move to ensure public safety, Mississippi health officials have mandated the retesting of approximately 70% of the medical cannabis products available in the state. This decision comes in response to an anonymous tip alleging the contamination of these products with pesticides.

The state Department of Health, acting on the information reported by the Magnolia Tribune, has placed an administrative hold on the majority of medical cannabis goods. These products were initially tested by Rapid Analytics, one of only two cannabis testing laboratories in Mississippi. Despite the lab’s assertion that the claims are “baseless” and their testing methods are sound, the state has opted to err on the side of caution.

The hold, initiated on December 21 and later detailed further, has prompted a thorough re-examination. According to a Department of Health press release, the retesting aims to “validate results related to the use of pesticides and presence of mycotoxins.” It’s important to note that there have been no reported illnesses among medical cannabis patients related to these products.

Laura Goodson, director of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program, highlighted the role of the state’s seed-to-sale tracking system in this process. This system allows for precise identification of the affected batch and lot numbers, facilitating swift retesting and ensuring regulatory compliance and product safety.

While the investigation into the circumstances of the hold continues, the Tribune has noted that around 20% of the state’s medical cannabis inventory, tested by Steep Hill Mississippi, remains available for sale. This situation underscores the growing need for additional cannabis testing facilities in Mississippi, especially given the state’s expansive supply chain encompassing 391 companies, including nearly 200 dispensaries and over 130 cultivation facilities.

According to Mike Watkins, executive director of the Mississippi Independent Cannabis Association, there are currently at least two labs with pending license applications. However, only 10 dispensaries in the state remain unaffected by the retesting order and the subsequent product hold. This development not only highlights the challenges in the burgeoning cannabis industry but also underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of medical cannabis products.