By Melissa Salazar
On February 27, 2015 the New Mexico Department of Health officially
adopted regulations requiring the testing of each batch of medical
cannabis before being sold to patients.
So is testing mandatory?
The simple answer is: Not yet.
Although the rules have been implemented,
very few producers are testing and the DOH
has not provided specific information as to
when the rules will be enforced.
The new rules require that potencies (THC &
CBD) be measured for each batch of cannabis
and cannabis-derived product. In addition,
each batch must meet standards with
regard to contamination from Microbes (Aerobic
Bacteria, E. coli, Salmonella, Enterobacter,
Yeasts & Mold), Mycotoxins, and Solvents.
Even though the DOH is not enforcing testing
at this time, a few producers are testing and
some are even testing each batch, but the
percentage is small. Our laboratory “Scepter
Lab” is the only licensed lab in New Mexico
that is currently offering testing. Out of 23
licensed producers we have tested for 9 since
the rules have been adopted. Of the 9 producers
who regularly test their products, only 4
are located in Albuquerque. In addition to the
9 producers, we regularly test for 3 manufacturers.
Does this mean that tested medicine
is always safe or untested medicine is always
unsafe? Not necessarily, but it is always better
to know what you are buying. Bacteria and
mold are regularly found as contaminates in
cannabis materials and some can be danger
ous to those who are immune-compromised.
Active ingredients vary widely in tinctures and
concentrates, as the chart below will show,
and only testing will provide information so
that proper dosage can be determined.
Many producers continue to publish test results
generated from batches grown years ago.
Potencies vary widely from plant-to-plant and
from batch-to batch so current batch tests
are desirable. The sale of untested medicine
leaves patients in the dark and subject to misrepresentation
and health risks and producers
subject to liability.
What are the results?
Scepter has been testing since early
December and has conducted approximately
1000 potency tests, nearly 2000 separate
microbial panels and 100 mycotoxin screenings.
Potency testing has been conducted on
flowers, BHO waxes, shatters, Rick Simpson Oil,
alcohol tinctures, glycerin tinctures, soda pop,
cotton candy, gummy bears, brownies, lemon
squares, butter, cooking oil, suppositories,
salves, ointments and lotions. Potency data
varies widely, even among the same strain
grown by the same producer at a different
time. BHO concentrates vary depending upon
the quality of the starting material. Microbial
testing often reveals significant contamination
even though the number of microbes does not
exceed the standard for failure. Mycotoxin
screening has disclosed a small but significant
number of failures but, to date, only one producer
in the state has regularly requested this
type of testing.
Scepter has compiled the following
charts summarizing data from tests performed
in our laboratory during 2015:
Scepter Lab now tests for patients who have
PPL’s (Personal Production Licenses) and we
advocate for patients and their right to tested
medical cannabis. We are offering one free potency test per year to each patient at the
same testing rate as we give to producers who
test in bulk.
Patients can call Scepter Lab at 505-
216-9484 to schedule a time for a testing appointment
and rates.
(This article was prepared for Kurple by Kathleen
O’Dea of Scepter Lab. Kathleen holds
a M.S. in Microbiology/Biochemistry from the
University of Arizona and has conducted
research in the area of bacterial toxins, immunology,
wound-healing and plant nutrition.
Kathleen is also an experienced regulatory
attorney, having worked as an Assistant Attorney
General, lead legal counsel at the Public
Regulatory Commission and Director of Boards
& Commissions at the Regulation & Licensing
Department. Scepter Lab is the only operating
laboratory approved by the New Mexico
Department of Health to conduct cannabis
testing.
newmexico@bhangchocolate.com
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