Health Canada has confirmed that this year, its Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch Cannabis Laboratory will begin the random purchase of cannabis products from dispensaries across the state and test them for analysis.
The branch will also be working with law enforcement agencies to test illegal cannabis products for comparative analysis.
The organisation has said the initiative will support Health Canada’s data collection efforts with respect to the composition of cannabis products available on the Canadian market, strengthening its ability to inform the public about health and safety risks associated with cannabis consumption.
Cannabis products will be analysed for THC and CBD levels, specific analytes of interest and chemical or microbiological contaminants, but will not reference brand or license holder names.
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All reports from the analyses will be accessible by the public, government organisations and Canadian law enforcement agencies.
If deficiencies with analysed legal products are found, Health Canada has stated it will take appropriate compliance and enforcement actions to mitigate health and safety risks.
As reported by MJ Biz Daily, Rob O’Brien, CEO and chief science officer of Kelowna, recently raised concerns about THC levels in products – stating an analysis of 46 cannabis flower products showed 9% to 48% lower THC levels than the packaging stated on all of the products.
Speaking to the publication, O’Brien stated that the situation “is damaging, not only to just consumer confidence, but (it) also undermines the quality of the Canadian cannabis industry.”
