On November 1, New York’s Office of Cannabis Management sent an email to cannabis cultivators and processors who were awarded conditional licenses stating that the state had relaxed its testing requirements for unprocessed cannabis products, like cannabis flower and
pre-rolls.
The newly relaxed guidelines would require cultivators and processors to continue testing for total viable aerobic bacteria count, total yeast, and mold count, but remove any limits that would prevent the products from being sold. Instead, the OCM cautioned provisional cultivators and processors that it will “monitor these laboratory testing results and licensees may be required to conduct further testing where results indicate concerns.” The OCM also indicated that the responsibility for product quality and safety would fall on the licensees.
Along with information concerning the state’s relaxed restrictions, the email contained a table detailing the updated testing guidelines, along with a timetable as to when additional testing requirements will be implemented by the state. The OCM informed conditional licensees that
they can transport samples for testing and outlined the regulations for doing so.
While the move to relax testing restrictions may benefit the new adult-use market in the short-term, it has raised concerns over the quality of products that will be available. New York is reportedly weeks away from launching adult-use sales, and the move appears to be an attempt to increase the available supply of legal cannabis for the state. With a lack of limitations on potentially dangerous contaminants, however, NY could be setting a dangerous precedent.
Resources:
1- https://www.documentcloud.org/
