New Jersey cannabis products often fail safety standards

A consumer advocacy group has raised concerns about cannabis safety standards in New Jersey. They found that many cannabis products sold at dispensaries did not meet state safety requirements. Nearly 30% of the products tested were contaminated with harmful microbes. This issue is part of a broader problem known as "lab shopping," where cultivators seek out labs that are less strict in testing. The advocacy group, Safe Leaf, collaborated with a testing lab to examine cannabis from 17 different manufacturers. Their findings highlight discrepancies in the labeling of THC levels as well. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission is aware of these issues. In response, they are revising testing regulations and plan to set up a new lab to ensure better compliance. In the past, cannabis was tested by state labs. However, as the market grew and regulations changed, oversight shifted to private testing labs. This has led to issues, such as a recall of products contaminated with human hair and insects last July. Experts like Chris Goldstein from NORML highlight that lab shopping is a significant problem across the country. Similar testing disputes have occurred in other states like New York and Michigan. Safe Leaf's directors plan to continue their efforts to improve product safety. They believe that consumer involvement is essential for ensuring a trustworthy cannabis market. They hope to promote safety and quality in the industry, emphasizing that clean, safe cannabis can provide significant benefits to users.