The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) has observed a decline in the availability of high-THC cannabis flower products in its catalogue. This trend emerged after the OCS implemented a temporary THC testing program earlier this year. The program, launched on January 4, 2024, aims to address concerns about inaccurate THC label claims on legal cannabis products.
The Testing Program
Under the OCS’s testing program, high-THC cultivars entering the provincial cannabis wholesaler’s warehouse undergo secondary testing. If the secondary results deviate from the THC levels stated on the product label, further scrutiny ensues. Some products have even been re-labeled with lower THC ranges since the program’s inception.
The High-THC Controversy
High-THC products, particularly cannabis flowers, have sparked controversy within the cannabis industry. While research typically indicates that THC percentages in most cannabis flower fall within the high teens to low twenties, some products on the market claim THC levels well over 30 percent. Although statistically improbable, these claims persist.
The OCS’s Goals
The OCS’s temporary THC testing program serves two purposes:
- Specific Label Claims: The program checks against specific label claims to ensure accuracy.
- Larger Industry Concerns: It evaluates broader claims and concerns related to inflated THC levels on product labels, especially for cannabis flowers.
Testing Process
The OCS covers the cost of testing, which is conducted by a third-party lab. Products within an acceptable variance (±15% from the label claim) are released for sale. For instance, a product labeled at 20% THC could fall within the range of approximately 17–23% THC. Producers whose products fall outside this range have five days to dispute the results. If disputed, the OCS sends the product back for additional testing. If it fails again, the producer bears the cost of the return.
The OCS aims to leverage data from this initiative to engage government and industry partners, ultimately supporting the development of standardized testing and sampling practices in the cannabis marketplace1
Conclusion
As the cannabis industry grapples with accurate labeling, the OCS’s testing program represents a step toward transparency and consumer confidence. By addressing high-THC claims, the OCS seeks to ensure that legal cannabis products meet their advertised specifications.