Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
The state proposed new standards Friday for measuring contaminants in medical marijuana, paving the way for widening access to the drug.
The new protocols, to take effect next spring, would revise existing limits on the amount of heavy metals, solvents, and hydrocarbons allowed in medical marijuana sold in licensed dispensaries.
The proposal would allow higher levels of most contaminants, but also require labels making it clear the product is safe only up to a certain amount.
Existing requirements have been criticized as too stringent. So the department granted waivers to the four marijuana dispensaries that have begun operating in the state, permitting them to sell the drug with higher-than-allowed contaminant levels, but in limited quantities.
Once the new protocols are adopted, the state intends to end the waivers and permit registered patients to buy as much as 10 ounces every two months, said Scott Zoback, health department spokesman.
The state will accept public comment until Dec. 17. The final protocols will be released by public health authorities in January, to take effect March 31.
"This public process and these protocols, we believe, will lead to expanded lab capacity and ensure increased safe access for patients," Zoback said.
Industry representatives and advocates welcomed the proposal but said they may challenge some of the details.
Nichole Snow, executive director of the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance, an advocacy group, said the proposed limits on arsenic and hydrocarbons are still so strict they would make it impossible to sell marijuana flowers or concentrate, although other products would be allowed. But, she said, "We're very happy that the state is allowing this comment period."
Kevin Gilnack, executive director of the Commonwealth Dispensary Association, a trade group of medical marijuana stores, said in a statement, "This marks the first time the department has released its recommendations in draft form and has provided for a comment period. This is an important new process that ensures we develop protocols that protect patient safety without limiting access."
Michael Kahn, founder and president of MCR Labs, a marijuana-testing company, called the proposed protocols "a step in the right direction." The state, he said, "is signaling they're flexible. Based on new data, they're willing to change."
The new standards shift the state's approach to testing, as regulators seek firmer footing in an evolving industry.
Because they did not know how much marijuana people would consume, regulators had previously based the limits on worst-case scenarios, said Marc Nascarella, director of environmental toxicology at the Department of Public Health.
Now, with new data about medical marijuana use around the country, the state has based contaminant limits on expected dosage – and will require labeling to indicate the appropriate amount. The concept is similar to that of an over-the-counter painkiller such as Tylenol, which is considered safe in recommended doses but potentially harmful in greater quantities.
Nearly 15,000 people in Massachusetts have received certification permitting them to use marijuana for medical purposes, such as pain relief.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: New Standards Would Allow More Contaminants In Marijuana
Author: Felice J. Freyer
Contact: Contact Page
Photo Credit: Gosia Wozniacka/The Associated Press
Website: The Boston Globe
The new protocols, to take effect next spring, would revise existing limits on the amount of heavy metals, solvents, and hydrocarbons allowed in medical marijuana sold in licensed dispensaries.
The proposal would allow higher levels of most contaminants, but also require labels making it clear the product is safe only up to a certain amount.
Existing requirements have been criticized as too stringent. So the department granted waivers to the four marijuana dispensaries that have begun operating in the state, permitting them to sell the drug with higher-than-allowed contaminant levels, but in limited quantities.
Once the new protocols are adopted, the state intends to end the waivers and permit registered patients to buy as much as 10 ounces every two months, said Scott Zoback, health department spokesman.
The state will accept public comment until Dec. 17. The final protocols will be released by public health authorities in January, to take effect March 31.
"This public process and these protocols, we believe, will lead to expanded lab capacity and ensure increased safe access for patients," Zoback said.
Industry representatives and advocates welcomed the proposal but said they may challenge some of the details.
Nichole Snow, executive director of the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance, an advocacy group, said the proposed limits on arsenic and hydrocarbons are still so strict they would make it impossible to sell marijuana flowers or concentrate, although other products would be allowed. But, she said, "We're very happy that the state is allowing this comment period."
Kevin Gilnack, executive director of the Commonwealth Dispensary Association, a trade group of medical marijuana stores, said in a statement, "This marks the first time the department has released its recommendations in draft form and has provided for a comment period. This is an important new process that ensures we develop protocols that protect patient safety without limiting access."
Michael Kahn, founder and president of MCR Labs, a marijuana-testing company, called the proposed protocols "a step in the right direction." The state, he said, "is signaling they're flexible. Based on new data, they're willing to change."
The new standards shift the state's approach to testing, as regulators seek firmer footing in an evolving industry.
Because they did not know how much marijuana people would consume, regulators had previously based the limits on worst-case scenarios, said Marc Nascarella, director of environmental toxicology at the Department of Public Health.
Now, with new data about medical marijuana use around the country, the state has based contaminant limits on expected dosage – and will require labeling to indicate the appropriate amount. The concept is similar to that of an over-the-counter painkiller such as Tylenol, which is considered safe in recommended doses but potentially harmful in greater quantities.
Nearly 15,000 people in Massachusetts have received certification permitting them to use marijuana for medical purposes, such as pain relief.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: New Standards Would Allow More Contaminants In Marijuana
Author: Felice J. Freyer
Contact: Contact Page
Photo Credit: Gosia Wozniacka/The Associated Press
Website: The Boston Globe
