Cannabis Flower Potency Audit in Massachusetts Finds 13% of Products Test Outside Acceptable THC Variation

An audit of cannabis flower potency by Massachusetts regulators found about 13% of tested products fell outside of the acceptable range of THC variation allowed on labels. The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) audit included 63 flower products from 62 producers off the shelves of retail and medical dispensaries and established that an accurate label is within 75% to 125% of the potency shown on the label. 

The audit found 13 samples fell outside of that acceptable range, while 43 products neared the acceptable range, and just seven within 2% of the labeled potency. The producers of the 13 products outside of the acceptable range will be required to take follow up actions including, recalling and repurposing, which would require new testing; recalling and relabeling with the audit result; retesting; or destroying the product.  

In a statement, CCC Executive Director Travis Ahern said the “audit represents the continuing work of our internal testing task force” which was “created to focus on testing issues as part of our mission to oversee a safe, equitable cannabis marketplace.”  

“The audit will also help us calibrate future audits as we move toward random testing for contaminants of concern, including pesticides, heavy metals, yeast and mold, and bacteria.” — Ahern in a press release 

CCC Chair Chris Harding added that accurate product labeling is “a matter of health and safety for medical marijuana patients who rely on potency for accurate dosing.” 

“This audit represents a step forward in our efforts to enhance our oversight to maintain trust in the adult-use and medical marijuana markets,” Harding said.   

The products that were determined to be noncompliant have been placed on administrative holds to prevent further product sales. Dispensaries may choose to remove or destroy the affected products.