that the new regulations have caused some labs to struggle to meet the requirements, leading to a decrease in the number of labs able to test cannabis flower
California’s Regulated Weed Potency on the Decline, New Regulations Blamed
According to a recent report from Bay Area news source SFGate, the median potency of regulated weed in California has been steadily dropping over the past six months. And the decline is not slowing down, with a 7% decrease in just the past three months. This coincides with the implementation of new state regulations governing how the potency of cannabis flower is determined by testing labs.
Data from Headset Shows Significant Drop in Potency
Information from cannabis market data analytics firm Headset, shared with SFGate, reveals that the median potency of cannabis flower tested in California was 30.7% in December. However, by March 1, the median potency had declined to about 28.5%, a decrease of about 7% in just three months. This data is based on over 90,000 potency test results from the state.
Potency a Point of Contention in California’s Cannabis Industry
The reported potency of cannabis has long been a contentious issue in California’s cannabis industry. Higher levels of THC in lab testing results make cannabis flower more desirable to consumers and thus more valuable. As a result, reported median potency levels have steadily risen in the state, with some retail offerings listing THC potency exceeding 30% or even higher.
New Regulations for Standardized Testing Method Implemented
The drop in median potency coincides with the implementation of new regulations for a standardized cannabinoids test method and standardized operating procedures for testing dried cannabis flower and non-infused pre-rolls. These rules were adopted by the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) in 2022, after legislation mandating the regulations was passed by state lawmakers the year before.
DCC Aims to Address Concerns of Potency Inflation and “Lab Shopping”
According to DCC officials, the new regulations were passed in response to concerns of cannabis potency inflation and reports of “lab shopping” by businesses in the industry. This refers to the practice of seeking out labs that will produce higher test results, rather than accurately reflecting the potency of the product.
DCC Director: “Greater Integrity in the Market, Accurate Information for Consumers”
In a statement from the regulatory agency, DCC Director Nicole Elliott explained the reasoning behind the new regulations: “One of the challenges we face in regulating an industry that is not federally recognized, is the lack of standardized, and validated methods for testing. Individual, licensed laboratories use different methods which may produce inconsistent results and inaccurate data on cannabis cannabinoid content. DCC is working to change that so there is greater integrity in the market, accurate information for consumers, and confidence among stakeholders.”
Compliance Struggles Lead to Shutdown of Flower Testing at Some Labs
When the new rules for testing cannabis flower potency went into effect at the beginning of the year, the DCC reported that only 18 labs had taken the steps to be compliant. This led to a shutdown of flower testing at the remaining labs. However, the number of compliant labs has since increased by nearly half, with 26 labs now demonstrating compliance, according to the latest data from the department.
New Regulations Cause Struggle for Some Labs
Zach Eisenberg, a vice president at San Francisco licensed testing lab Anresco Laboratories, stated that the new regulations have caused some labs to struggle to meet the requirements. This has led to a decrease in the number of labs able to test cannabis flower.
