Medical Cannabis Products in Mississippi Being Retested for Pesticides and Mycotoxins

On December 21st, 2023, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), announced a hold on certain medical cannabis products sold in the state (1). According to an initial announcement, the hold affected a significant number of products, though only a portion of the products that are available throughout the state are affected (1). “As retesting yields results that are within regulatory standards, administrative holds will be lifted with products being made available again through licensed medical cannabis dispensaries,” the announcement stated (1). “Patients should stay in contact with their dispensary to see what products are available.”

The announcement also stated that retesting is being done as fast as possible, though a timeline for completion was not given (1).

In a December 27th update to the original announcement, the MSDH provided more details, explaining that the retesting is being conducted for pesticides and mycotoxins (1). No illnesses have been reported in connection with the products (1).

"Through the state's seed to sale tracking system, the agency can isolate the batch and lot numbers associated with this administrative hold and expedite the retesting,” stated Laura Goodson, Director of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program (1). “The tracking system is an invaluable tool to assist with regulatory compliance and overall product safety.”

According to the update, the retesting is being completed by facilities approved by MSDH and retesting is being ordered based on the type of product (1). “For example, cannabis flower/bud will be tested first because it serves as the base for many of the products, followed by concentrates and infused products,” the update explained (1). “As batches of products are cleared, they will be removed from the hold, and be back on the market.”

The medical cannabis products in question were reportedly removed from shelves due to an anonymous tip concerning the testing of pesticides and mycotoxins by a testing facility that tests 70% of the products in the state (2). The specifics regarding the hold are being investigated by the MSDH (1).

References

1. UPDATE as of 12.27.23 to “Statement on Medical Cannabis Hold 12.21.23” https://www.mmcp.ms.gov/ (accessed Jan 3, 2024).
2. Adams, B. Mississippi officials maintain hold on most medical cannabis products https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminadams/2023/12/29/mississippi-officials-maintain-hold-on-most-medical-cannabis-products/?sh=5f909c65268a (accessed Jan 3, 2024).