MSDH Halts 70% of Medical Cannabis Due to Possible Pesticide Contamination

– The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has put an administrative hold on a large number of medical cannabis products after allegations that the products were not properly tested for pesticides. This decision mainly impacts Rapid Analytics, one of the state’s largest medical cannabis testers.
– Rapid Analytics denies the claims of improper testing, stating that the accusations came from an anonymous phone call. The company plans to retest all cannabis samples, impacting approximately 70% of the medical cannabis product on the market in Mississippi. Despite this, MSDH continues to investigate and oversee the retesting, prioritizing products based on type and category.
– The hold on products tested by Rapid Analytics is causing concern among dispensaries and patients. It has affected most Mississippi dispensaries, with only 10 facilities in the state that use Steep Hill, the other testing facility, remaining unaffected. The current situation emphasizes the need for additional testing facilities in the state.

Mississippi’s Medical Cannabis Products on Hold Following Pesticide Testing Allegations

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has placed an administrative hold on numerous medical cannabis products due to allegations of insufficient pesticide testing. The products affected were tested by Rapid Analytics, one of Mississippi’s largest medical cannabis testers. Rapid Analytics denies these allegations, stating they originated from an anonymous phone call.

Rapid Analytics, based in Natchez, is one of two testing facilities in the state. The other facility, Steep Hill Mississippi in Jackson, continues testing for dispensaries. MSDH notified Rapid Analytics of the issue shortly after Christmas, prompting a review of the company’s testing procedures.

Approximately 70% of the medical cannabis market in Mississippi is impacted by this hold. Rapid Analytics has committed to retesting all cannabis samples to reassure patients and dispensaries, even though it’s not required. Despite this setback, no health-related incidents have been reported in relation to the affected products.

The halt prevents dispensaries from selling any cannabis products tested by Rapid Analytics until further notice. However, about 20% of all packaged products, or roughly 9,814 unaffected packages, remain available for sale in dispensaries. Most Mississippi dispensaries are affected by the hold, leaving only 10 facilities that utilize Steep Hill for testing.

Retesting is in progress at licensed medical cannabis facilities using approved methods, overseen by MSDH officials. The retesting is prioritized based on product type and category. As batches are cleared, they will be reintroduced to the market.

Legal Medical Cannabis in Mississippi

Medical marijuana products were legalized in January 2023 for specific ailments. Since then, MSDH has managed the program, overseeing product development, testing, and distribution. The department certifies growers and dispensaries, requiring products to be tested before being sold.

Laura Goodson, Director of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program, highlighted the value of their tracking system during such incidents. It allows for batch and lot isolation associated with the administrative hold, expediting the retesting process.

Mike Watkins, Executive Director for the Mississippi Independent Cannabis Association, assured that all involved parties are taking the issue seriously. “Our focus now has been on working with patients and dispensaries to get new products to them that they can use, if the ones they prefer are being held due for retesting,” said Watkins.

Patients suffering from various conditions such as cancer, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, muscular dystrophy, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, ALS, Crohn’s, Alzheimer’s, and PTSD, among others, are eligible for a medical marijuana card.

Earlier this month, Steep Hill reported finding potentially fatal toxins in products sold in gas stations across Mississippi. The hemp-based products, legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, are allowed to contain up to 0.3 percent THC. Steep Hill’s testing found THC levels between 1 and 15 percent in these products.

State lawmakers are currently working on a bill to address the issue.
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