The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) has reported a decline in the number of high-THC cannabis flower products available in its catalog. This decrease comes after the launch of a temporary THC testing program earlier this year. Let’s delve into the details:
The Testing Program
On January 4, 2024, the OCS initiated a temporary THC testing program. Under this program, the provincial cannabis wholesaler selects high-THC cultivars entering its warehouse for secondary testing. The goal is twofold: to verify specific label claims and to address broader concerns about highly inflated THC levels on cannabis product labels.
How It Works
- Secondary Testing: High-THC products undergo secondary testing to ensure their THC levels align with what is stated on their labels. Any inconsistencies may lead to further scrutiny, including potential re-labeling or return-to-vendor.
- Re-Labeling: Since the program’s inception, several products carried out by the OCS have been re-labeled with lower THC ranges. This adjustment reflects a commitment to accurate labeling and consumer safety.
- Acceptable Variance: Products within an acceptable range of variance (±15% from the label claim) are released for sale. For example, a product labeled at 20% THC could fall within approximately 17–23% THC due to this variance.
- Disputes and Further Testing: Producers whose products fall outside the acceptable range have five days to dispute the results. If disputed, the OCS sends the product back to the same third-party lab for additional testing. If it fails again, the producer bears the cost of the return.
Industry Concerns
The issue of high-THC products, particularly cannabis flowers, remains contentious. While research typically shows THC percentages in most cannabis flowers to be in the high teens to low twenties, some products on the market advertise well over 30 percent THC—a statistically improbable but not impossible claim. Industry stakeholders, including labs, producers, consumers, and retailers, have called for accurate THC labeling. The OCS’s testing program aims to address these concerns and foster a vibrant cannabis marketplace.
In summary, the OCS’s temporary THC testing program seeks to gather information, evaluate industry reports, and promote testing and sampling standards. By doing so, it contributes to a more transparent and reliable cannabis market.