Hi friends,
As we wind down the year, I had plans to share predictions for the cannabis industry in 2025. But something happened this week that shifted my focus—and honestly, it’s too important not to talk about.
Let’s dive into the not-so-glamorous side of legal cannabis testing loopholes and how you can protect yourself by choosing clean cannabis or even growing your own at home.
The Truth About Cannabis Testing in California
If you live in California, you know the deal—legal cannabis is taxed at 25%. In return, dispensaries offer products with Certificates of Analysis (COAs), which verify lab testing.
Correction: In the podcast, I mistakenly said COA stands for Certificate of Authenticity. It actually stands for Certificate of Analysis.
Even with these tests, contaminated cannabis often slips through. This is concerning, but not necessarily life-threatening—unless you're immunocompromised or have respiratory issues.
Key issues include:
Incomplete Testing: Labs may miss contaminants like drywall dust or mold spores if they aren’t on the testing list.
Selective Sampling: Growers choose the cleanest buds for testing, which can misrepresent the entire batch.
Many brands do things the right way, but testing loopholes in cannabis are real—and as consumers, we can push for better standards.
What the LA Times Revealed About Contaminated Cannabis
Earlier this year, the LA Times and Weed Week published an investigation revealing that nearly 50% of tested cannabis products contained pesticides. However, because the article is behind a paywall, few people saw it.
A standout moment came when Jetty Extracts—a respected cannabis brand—acknowledged the issue. They pledged to improve practices, even though the contaminants in question were not banned under current regulations.
This kind of transparency is rare, and it’s exactly the leadership the industry needs.
How Consumers Can Protect Themselves
Until regulations catch up, here are practical ways to stay safe:
Vote With Your Dollars
Support clean cannabis brands that prioritize rigorous testing. Brands that openly share COAs and update their practices are worth the extra dollars.
Ask the Right Questions at Dispensaries
Talk to your budtender about craft cannabis farms or small-scale growers. Ask for lab-tested, pesticide-free cannabis and inquire about the sourcing process.
Growing Your Own Cannabis – A Step Toward Clean Product
This year, I’m starting a small home grow with just two plants. I’ll document the entire process to help you start your own clean cannabis grow. It’s easier than you think and ensures full control over what you consume.
A Note on Perspective
A winemaker once told me, “If you think your wine is just crushed grapes, think again.” The same holds true for cannabis. Pesticides and mold spores are part of agriculture, but that doesn’t mean we can’t demand better practices.
The Bigger Picture: Growing Conditions and Regional Challenges
Cannabis, like many crops, thrives in specific climates. Regions like Northern California offer near-perfect conditions for cannabis cultivation—rich soil, ideal temperatures, and low humidity. In contrast, some areas face challenges such as high humidity, poor soil quality, or extreme temperatures, making large-scale cannabis cultivation more difficult.
Because cannabis can’t legally be transported across state lines, states with less favorable growing conditions are often limited to local production. This creates disparities in quality, even within the legal market.
Allowing interstate commerce could change this dynamic, giving consumers access to better products grown in optimal environments. Until then, local sourcing and small craft growers can help fill the gap.
A New Chapter in 2025
As we head into 2025, I’m optimistic about progress in the industry. Change is slow, but it’s happening. Let’s keep the conversation going and stay informed.
I’ll be sharing updates on my home grow cannabis project soon. Stay tuned, and let’s learn together.
Happy New Year,
Catherine Goldberg
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any health-related treatments, including the use of cannabis.
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