Cannabis Testing Data from New Mexico
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 dangerous to those who are immune-compromised. Active ingredients vary widely in tinctures and concentrates, as the chart on (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:
(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.
Patients can call Scepter Lab at 505-216-9484 to schedule a time for a testing appointment and rates.
