New Cannabis Testing and Sampling Initiative Launched in Missouri

In a July 3, 2025, news release, the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services announced the statewide cannabis testing and sampling initiative had been launched on July 1 by the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) (1). The initiative is pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.110(12), which outlines various regulations in the legal cannabis industry and aims to promote product safety, accurate labeling, and consistent testing.

The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory was chosen as the designated testing laboratory, though other licensed facilities reportedly could be used for testing. Additionally, this laboratory will help promote best practices, standards, and ensure compliance. Overall, this is anticipated to build consumer trust and strengthen the integrity of the state’s market. Other states have been enacting similar steps to establish laboratories that verify cannabis testing by private laboratories, the news release explained.

“This reference lab will be a pivotal step forward in the evolution of reliable, science-based cannabis testing protocols,” stated Amy Moore, director of DCR, in the press release. “We are grateful for all the expertise and collaboration from many state and national partners, especially from the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory, that helped launch this initiative for Missouri.”

During unannounced inspections, DCR staff will collect samples from licensed cultivation and manufacturing facilities. Licensees can allow the sampled products to continue to sale in accordance with applicable rules, unless otherwise notified.

For more information on the initiative, the press release directs readers to Episode 7 of DCR Out Loud, the DCR podcast, published on April 18, 2025 (2). In this episode, guest speaker Ryan Bernard, testing and research unit supervisor, summarizes how 19 CSR 100-1.110 applies to the testing: “It outlines the amount of product that you need to sample based on the processing lot and from there it will outline the related testing that's required. It also gives the testing licensees an opportunity to work with manufacturers and cultivators for an opportunity for remediation in the event that there is a failure, except for metals.” Bernard also explains that a product may be tested as many times as needed as a research and development sample, but it must pass the final panel demonstrating it to be free of the specified contaminants.

He also notes the common misconception that testing is done to prevent products from reaching the market. “The reality of the situation is testing is trying to ensure the product is safe for human consumption,” he states.

References

1. Missouri Department of Health and Human Services. Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation announces launch of cannabis sampling and testing initiative https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MODHSS/bulletins/3e7e03c (accessed July 8, 2025).
2. McKenna, Tara. Episode 7, DCR Out Loud, April 18, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzqtr-QOsnA&t=726s (accessed July 8, 2025).