The recent concerns center on one of Mississippi’s largest medical cannabis testing facilities, Rapid Analytics, and the products certified through their facility. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has imposed an administrative hold on numerous medical cannabis products amid allegations that they were not properly tested for pesticides.
Administrative Hold on Cannabis Products
The products affected are those tested by Rapid Analytics in Natchez, which is one of only two licensed testing facilities in the state. The other facility, Steep Hill Mississippi located in Jackson, continues to test products for dispensaries.
MSDH informed Rapid Analytics of the allegations the Wednesday following Christmas. A meeting took place between the two parties to review the testing procedures in question.
A representative from Rapid Analytics asserted that the allegations of improper testing are unfounded and stemmed from an anonymous phone call. The company reported that the hold affects approximately 70 percent of the medical cannabis products available in the state. To ensure consumer confidence, Rapid Analytics intends to retest all cannabis samples, even though this is not mandated.
Background on Medical Cannabis Regulation
Since the legalization of medical cannabis for specific conditions, the MSDH oversees the program, which governs the development, testing, and distribution of such products. The Health Department requires that all products be rigorously tested before dispensaries can acquire and sell them. Medical marijuana products first became available in January 2023.
“The specific circumstances leading to the hold remain under investigation by MSDH, but the retesting aims to confirm results pertaining to pesticide usage and the presence of mycotoxins,” MSDH stated in a press release. Thankfully, the department noted that no illnesses have been reported in connection with the affected products.
Impact on Mississippi Dispensaries
The administrative hold prevents dispensaries from selling any cannabis products tested by Rapid Analytics until further notice. Currently, approximately 9,814 unaffected products remain available in dispensaries, amounting to about 20 percent of the total market. Most of Mississippi’s dispensaries are affected by the hold, with only 10 facilities relying on Steep Hill for testing.
MSDH officials are managing the retesting process, which is being performed in licensed cannabis facilities using approved methods. The agency asserts that retesting is prioritized based on product type and category, starting with flower and bud as these serve as the basis for many other products. As batches are verified, MSDH will lift holds, allowing products to return to the market.
“Through the state’s seed-to-sale tracking system, the agency can effectively isolate batch and lot numbers linked to this hold, facilitating expedited retesting. This tracking system is pivotal for regulatory compliance and product safety,” said Laura Goodson, Director of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program.
Industry Perspectives
Mike Watkins, Executive Director of the Mississippi Independent Cannabis Association, indicated that all stakeholders in the cannabis sector are taking this situation seriously. “Given the scale of the issue, we want to avoid rushing through the process,” he stated. “It is vital to ensure that all products are tested and safe, reinforcing the integrity of our legally regulated market.”
Watkins mentioned that the state has engaged with the growers associated with the affected products but, due to the ongoing investigation, many are unable to comment publicly. He emphasized the need for additional testing facilities, such as Alchemy Analytics in Meridian and Magnolia Tech Labs in North Mississippi, which are currently undergoing certification.
“Our current focus is on collaborating with patients and dispensaries to supply them with alternative products while the preferred items are under retesting,” Watkins concluded.
Eligibility for Medical Marijuana
Individuals suffering from various ailments, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, and chronic pain, are eligible for a medical marijuana card in Mississippi.
Earlier this month, Steep Hill raised alarms regarding the presence of harmful toxins in products sold in Mississippi gas stations. While these hemp-based products are permissible under the 2018 Farm Bill, they must contain less than 0.3 percent THC. However, testing revealed THC levels ranging from 1 to 15 percent, along with heavy metals and pesticides in some samples. State lawmakers are actively working on legislation to address these alarming findings.
