In a recent Qredible Live broadcast, industry veteran Darwin Millard, Technical Director at Cannabis Safety and Quality (CSQ), joined CEO Brian Fitzpatrick to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing the cannabis industry today: the urgent need for unified cannabis testing standards. 

With 18 years of experience as a mechanical engineer specializing in mechanical-based extraction methodologies, Millard brings valuable insights into why standardized testing is crucial for consumer safety and industry growth.

The Current State of Cannabis Testing: A Fragmented Landscape

The cannabis industry currently faces a significant challenge due to the lack of federal regulation. As Millard explains, "The safety and quality standards from state to state really span the entire gambit." Some states require only basic label content and standard operating procedures, while others, like Florida and New York, mandate full CGMP certification and HACCP programs.

Real-World Consequences of Inadequate Standards

A tragic incident highlighted the importance of unified testing standards. A California man died from a rare fungal infection believed to be caused by contaminated medical marijuana used during chemotherapy. Further testing of 20 medical marijuana samples from different parts of California revealed that most were tainted with dangerous bacteria and fungi, underscoring the critical nature of this issue. This case particularly demonstrates the life-or-death importance of proper testing standards, especially for medical cannabis patients who may have compromised immune systems.

The Multi-State Operator Challenge

One of the most significant challenges facing the industry is the complexity multi-state operators face when dealing with varying requirements across different jurisdictions. As Millard points out, "Multi-state operators have to wrestle with different labeling requirements... that means you have fully different quality assurance and control programs for different markets." This inconsistency not only complicates operations but also increases costs and risks, as companies must maintain separate quality control programs to ensure compliance with each state's unique regulations.

Moving Toward a Solution

While federal legalization remains pending, industry experts like Millard advocate for adopting comprehensive standards even without federal mandate. The cannabis industry can look to established regulations in other industries for guidance. As Millard notes, "If it's a food, there are established regulations for that on the federal level... 21 CFR 117, for instance, that is those good manufacturing practices for food – like why didn't we just implement those for cannabinoid products?"

Building Industry Consensus

According to Millard, progress requires "a coming together and a meeting of the minds of all these various trade associations." He suggests consolidating industry voices to more effectively advocate on Capitol Hill. As the industry matures, collaboration between stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and testing facilities will be crucial for implementing science-based cannabis testing standards that ensure consumer safety and build trust in cannabis products across all markets.