Labeling & Testing for Medical Cannabis
If you pay attention to any of the cannabis news, you know that the laws, landscape, and major players are constantly changing. The medical marijuana climate in Illinois is no different. The state just recently launched the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program, giving people the option of using medical marijuana in lieu of the dangerous synthetic drugs. A state representative also indicated that changes are coming related to testing and there is also a recreational cannabis bill in the works. Although there are a couple of flaws in their testing and labeling requirements, the state seems to be very aware of these issues and are planning to address gaps in the near future.
Until then, here is what you can expect:
What is on the label?
- Name & address of cultivation center
- Name of cannabis product
- Unique serial #
- Test date and identification of test laboratory
- Pass/fail rating of test results
- Date of manufacture & use by date
- Quantity of cannabis
- Min and max % content of THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA
- List of other ingredients besides cannabis
- Warning statements
How is product quality ensured?
- Every batch of product is tested for microbials (bacteria, yeast, mold, coliforms), mycotoxins, pesticides, residual solvents, and active ingredients (cannabinoids listed above)
- Batches with pesticide failures must be destroyed
- Batches with other failures can be reprocessed to form an extract but still must pass testing
- State performs pre-operational inspections and other unannounced inspections as needed
Strengths
- Lab must be accredited
- State specifies action limits for contaminants
- Significant oversight and control of labeling and testing
- Test results are documented on the label
Flaws
- Moisture content and heavy metals not required to be tested
- Limited cannabinoid profile is required
Source: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/008/00801000sections.html