Scientists in Mississippi have revealed that over-the-counter marijuana products contain THC levels significantly exceeding the state’s permissible limits established under the 2018 Farm Bill. Steep Hill Cannabis Lab, the first licensed medical marijuana testing facility in Mississippi, conducted an analysis of Delta-9 cannabis products, including edible gummies, vapes, and pre-rolls. Cliff Osbon, co-founder of Steep Hill, stated that some products tested had Delta-9 THC concentrations between 12-14 percent, whereas the Farm Bill stipulates a maximum of 0.3 percent.
Regulatory Concerns and Public Safety
“This is a lot higher levels than we expected,” Osbon noted in an interview with the Clarion Ledger. He emphasized that some edibles were available in strengths and quantities exceeding what is permitted for individuals with a medical marijuana card in Mississippi. Osbon purchased these products from local gas stations and convenience stores.
Although the focus was on products from Rankin County, Osbon indicated that similar items are likely sold throughout Mississippi and other states. He added, “We believe that our actions may help shed light on this potential public safety issue.” The analysis also found the presence of eight pesticides, with some detected at up to 20 times the allowable limits for medical cannabis.
Legislation and Future Regulations
Since the legalization of medical marijuana in Mississippi in April, the state has joined the ranks of 41 states, along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, with established medical marijuana programs. Moreover, 23 states have fully decriminalized cannabis. Osbon highlighted that none of the tested products were part of the state’s legal medical marijuana program, noting that pesticide levels in legal cannabis did not approach those found in the convenience store products.
House Republican Representative Lee Yancey, chair of the Drug Policy Committee, expressed the need for immediate regulation of these products. “Any bill that comes forward would require them to be tested to ensure there’s no excessive THC or pesticides,” Yancey stated. He stressed the importance of public safety, asserting that consumers deserve assurance regarding the products they purchase.
Yancey outlined several potential regulatory measures, including banning certain products, requiring compliance with federal regulations for CBD products, implementing stricter age restrictions, and mandating that these products be sold only through licensed medical cannabis dispensaries. He voiced particular concern over easy access to these products by middle and high school students.
“This is just a wake-up call for all of us,” Yancey concluded. He reported that school principals had alerted him to students purchasing CBD vapes at convenience stores, which has raised alarms about their safety and legality.
For further details on Mississippi’s medical marijuana legislation, visit the Mississippi state government website.
