BROOKHAVEN — Local marijuana dispensaries are fortunate to still have cannabis products available this week, despite issues causing a significant quarantine of stock. Testing complications at a Mississippi facility have led to 50 to 80 percent of products at The Cannabis Company and Magnolia Greens Dispensary being temporarily removed from shelves.
According to a report from Heather Harrison with Mississippi Free Press, an anonymous tip to the Mississippi Department of Health has prompted this quarantine. Rapid Analytics Cannabis, a testing facility in Natchez, allegedly failed to follow proper pesticide testing procedures, resulting in an administrative hold from the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP). Dr. Dennis Sanders of Magnolia Greens stated that the hold should not impact products already sold.
Re-testing and Sales Impact
Products from Rapid Analytics will require re-testing before being reintroduced to the market. The MMCP emphasized their commitment to maintaining high quality standards while addressing the situation promptly. “The Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program is taking swift action to ensure products meet the necessary guidelines,” the program stated. “Patients should remain in contact with their dispensaries regarding product availability.”
Dr. Sanders noted that most dispensaries in Mississippi are facing similar quarantines, with Magnolia Greens, located at 101 Whitebrook Drive in Brookhaven, managing to offer products tested by Sleep Hill. “While the products from Rapid Analytics are set aside, we still have inventory from other facilities that meet safety standards,” he explained.
The Cannabis Company, situated at 939 Brookway Boulevard Suite L, is also navigating the administrative hold. Owner Mitch Parker reported that around 75 percent of their inventory is currently quarantined. He expressed concerns over the unknown outcomes of the re-testing process and its implications for their operations. “We are isolating quarantined products and exploring options to maintain our inventory with products from other testing facilities,” Parker stated.
Business Outlook and Patient Growth
Despite the current challenges, The Cannabis Company opened its doors in January 2023 and has seen steady growth in patient numbers. Parker noted, “Our patient counts are increasing, and we are grateful for the community support. Our focus remains on providing quality service to meet patient needs.”
On a related note, the hold will not affect Good Day Farm’s Brookhaven location, which permanently closed at the end of November. Meanwhile, Sanders indicated that Magnolia Greens is also witnessing gradual business growth. “We expected initial slowdowns but are optimistic about an increase in patient registrations and product availability in the coming year,” he noted.
Looking ahead, both dispensaries hope for legislative changes that could enhance patient access and benefits, fostering an improved future for the Mississippi cannabis market.
