Approximately 70% of Mississippi's medical marijuana items remain under scrutiny due to potential regulatory non-compliance, causing a standstill impacting dispensaries and users alike. The Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) suspended sales of products tested by Rapid Analytics following suspicions raised by an anonymous tip. Allegations suggested the lab wasn't properly conducting pesticide tests for cannabis goods. As a result, all recent sample products underwent retesting by another company contracted by MSDH, focusing on pesticide levels. Greg Flynn from MSDH confirmed the investigation's focus on pesticides and outlined the process for releasing products once they meet regulatory standards.
The implications of this hold are significant. The Herbalist, a newly opened Pascagoula dispensary, faced a loss of 60% of its medical marijuana inventory due to the halt. Despite this setback, they swiftly ensured safe products for their clients, mitigating the impact on both consumers and their business. Their dedication to offering a variety of marijuana flowers with varying potencies has supported patients in managing health without traditional pharmaceuticals.
As retesting continues, there's uncertainty about the timeline for completion. MSDH hasn't specified when the process will conclude, leaving dispensaries and consumers waiting for the resolution of this compliance issue.
