Jason Dick on LinkedIn: Data Doesn’t Lie: Addressing Anomalies in MA Lab Testing (2024)

This should be an interesting talk by Yasha Kahn!Ethical labs vs Unethical labs.Operators in MA…who do you test with and why?-Favorable Micro Results? -Favorable THC Results?Or-Solid honest data?Can you believe the MA market still functions on a TAC hunting basis? It is 2024. We all know THC levels do not dictate quality they just drive an artificially inflated price point.I was a head grower in MA growing heavy yields of high THC flower that was honestly…garbage. Terps fuel the effects and what I have seen is rarely high THC and terps come hand in hand. 35% THC and a 1.5% terp profile does not cut it. Same reason dabbing 97% distilate is a terrible experience. Terpless highs are empty and have no medicinal staying power.Sales people in MA still push high TAC as the highest price point and customers fall for it. Onto the next issue:Passing flower with contamination is a major issue along with the abuse of remediation technologies.Facilities shop for favorable micro results.When an ethical lab starts to fail them they immediately pivot to a lab that is known for giving favorable results. Beyond the pivot there are other games being played to pass:-Using remediation technology or adulterating the test sample with chemistries like H202 to neutralize contamination before testing.-Freezing product before testing is another method being used to reduce the active microbial load on harvested flower. Cold temperatures can kill off some of the microbials dropping the contamination level low enough to pass.-Some operators only neutralize the test sample…not the entire batch. MA regulators are so behind on a real secret shopper program that it is not identified and the shelves have many 15 lb batches with mold/microbials above the allowed action limits.-Operators are buying remediation machines and offering product neutralization services. You transfer them failed material and they remediate the material and send it back to you at a rate of $100-200 per lb. What a racket and a joke this is. I call it a “Weed Laundromat.”-Operators are sending in a sample of a batch that passed previously and not representing the actual testing batch. The operator chooses the sample so how would anyone know? The lab doesn’t map the sample for cultivar lineage/DNA so it skates on through as a “passing sample.”-Heavy spraying of the crop with pesticides is a common practice in MA. Last time I checked I don’t see any operators claiming they don’t spray their crop. PA and H202 based sprays are being used a lot and operators would fail without them.How do you feel about this list above?Where do ethics and cultivating cannabis overlap?Are open ended non-speciated micro tests without science backing them increasing shady practices?So many questions. This is just the tip of the iceburg.Happy Saturday.#ethics #mold #microbials #remediation #labshopping #data #anomalies #moneygrab #shortgame #massachusetts #cannabisindustry

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https://lnkd.in/eHErbGN5If you're in cannabis, then you're certainly familiar with Metrc. Check out my conversation with Sam Peterson to learn about the future of Metrc

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In Case You Missed It: Insights from the Industry with Consultant Kim StuckIn this onsite interview from Cannabis Science Conference Spring, Kimberly Stuck, CP-FS, CQA, founder and CEO of Allay Consulting, shares what’s new with regulations, quality assurance, and the future of the #cannabisindustry. During the conference, she moderated the analytical panel, “Quality Assurance and Safety in Cannabis, Psilocybin, and Hemp.” Did you know Kim Stuck also writes the Cannabis Science and Technology blog, Stuck on Compliance?➡️ Watch the interview here: http://ow.ly/VN3I50OI3Qo#cannabiscompliance #cannabisregulation

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June 13th FREE webinar: Discover the key factors in recognizing impairment caused by THC/Cannabis. ⁠⁠This webinar is designed to educate attorneys and investigators on the DRE process and how it applies when Cannabis is the drug perceived to be resulting in impairment.⁠⁠Webinar Highlights:⁠2-step DRE evaluation⁠Scientific studies⁠Court cases⁠Pitfalls to avoid. ⁠⁠Stay up-to-date in this evolving landscape! ⁠⁠Reserve your spot today here! ⁠http://tinyurl.mobi/FVu8⁠#THCWebinar #ImpairmentRecognition⁠

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We asked two of our #cannabismicrobiology experts for their thoughts on possible trends, milestones, and shifts in the industry in the upcoming year. 👇Patrick Bird 💬 “My prediction for 2024 is that cannabis will be rescheduled to Schedule III, opening the door for an increase in research opportunities. I also hope to see Congress pass the SAFER Banking ACT bringing much needed financial relief to the cannabis industry.”Kevin Moore 💬 “With current cannabis markets maturing, state regulatory commissions will shift their focus from laboratory testing to cultivation needs, implementing more GMP guidance and stability/labeling requirements.”Do you have a prediction for the #cannabisindustry in 2024? 🫵 Comment below!

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Wondering how accreditation in the field of sampling can improve your cannabis laboratory? Check out our free Informational piece highlighting the importance of becoming accredited and implementing best practices. https://bit.ly/3ZAAJyS

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🔗 New on Cannabis Man: Alena Rodriguez, MS from S3 Collective sheds light on the dynamic regulatory frameworks in the cannabis industry, state by state. Discover how different regions are adapting and leading with new standards. An essential listen for professionals in the field. #cannabisindustry #regulatoryupdates

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Read our blog: Cannabis Terpenes ExplainedLearn about what they are, where they come from, their effects and more. Read here: bit.ly/45G7cqC

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What was said and done in 1966 impacts today. So does what was said in 1956. And 1936. And 2006. And 1896. By exploring what’s happened in the past, we have a greater ability to make sense of today and plan for tomorrow. Cannabis is unique in many ways, but we can used tried and true methods like historical analysis and comparison to better understand how we’ve arrived at today. #elucidationstrategies#cannabisinnj#cannabiscommunityhttps://lnkd.in/e3rpjUgP

Episode 391 is out! Dive deep into the intricate world of cannabis with Jeremy Berke, Founder of Cultivated News. Explore rescheduling implications, NY's cannabis rollout, and lessons for broader drug policy reforms. Essential listening for anyone in the cannabis industry. Watch or listen to the full episode! 🌱🎧 bit.ly/3PsDE9b#cannabisindustry #cannabisbusiness #policy #policyreform #newyork