Recent laboratory testing has identified contamination issues in medical marijuana products available in Oklahoma dispensaries, according to kfor.com.
According to reports from Havard Industries laboratory, 70% of pre-rolled joints purchased from four randomly selected dispensaries tested positive for mold and yeast. Additionally, two samples contained salmonella. These findings mirror similar results from tests conducted last summer, suggesting an ongoing problem within the state’s medical marijuana industry.
Shaun Branch, owner of Eden Rose Dispensary, expressed frustration about contaminated products reaching consumers despite existing regulations. “Mold is a big problem,” Branch noted, pointing to several potential causes for the contamination issues.
Branch suggested Oklahoma’s relatively low testing thresholds compared to other states could be one factor. He also raised concerns about possible contamination from laboratory equipment and the potential for products from illegal growing operations to infiltrate the legal market.
The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority has stated that it monitors microbial testing and only allows products marked as “test passed” to reach dispensary shelves. However, Branch believes additional safeguards are necessary.
“I would like to see random testing on products to make sure that it’s not just brought into the testing lab, that someone actually went somewhere and picked up a piece and tested it,” Branch recommended, suggesting this would provide more authentic quality control.
For consumers concerned about product safety, Branch advised staying alert when using medical marijuana products. He cautioned users to trust their senses and discontinue use of any product that smells or tastes unusual, warning that consuming contaminated products could potentially worsen health conditions rather than alleviating them.
One customer emphasized his own careful approach to selecting products. “I have to have every box checked off to the green,” noting that he considers quality, taste, and appearance when making purchases.
The contamination issues come as Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry continues to evolve five years after implementation. While Branch acknowledges improvements in the industry since he opened his dispensary, he maintains that more stringent quality control measures are needed to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program.
Despite ongoing challenges, Branch expressed optimism about the industry’s trajectory, stating that the medical marijuana market in Oklahoma continues moving in a positive direction as regulations and oversight continue to develop.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading Salmonella lawyer said, “Infections from Salmonella and other pathogens are not always foodborne but unfortunately can still cause severe illness.”
