Maine's recreational cannabis market requires products and plants be tested for mold, yeast, pesticides, fertilizers, heavy metals and more. The medical marijuana industry does not.
Lawmakers heard testimony Monday on two bills that seek to change that, but both face an uphill battle against the industry. Proponents argue the bills will improve the quality of Maine cannabis and protect consumers.
LD 104, proposed bythe state's Office of Cannabis Policy and sponsored by Rep. Marc Malon, D-Biddeford, would require seed-to-sale plant tracking and standardize chemical, mold and heavy metal testing between recreational and medical cannabis. LD 1847, sponsored by Rep. AnneGraham, D-North Yarmouth, seeks to do the same while also adding potency caps on cannabis edibles.
"Whenever I speak with ordinary Mainers, folks not involved in politics and not involved in the cannabis industry, they are stunned to hear that medical cannabis isn't subject to the kinds of testing standards as adult use. If anything, they expect the reverse to be true," Malon said.
Read more at The Portland Press Herald