From September onwards, all medical and recreational cannabis concentrates produced and sold in Colorado must first be tested for mycotoxins.

This is per the orders of Colorado regulators, with officials from the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) confirming that the rules will go into effect from September 15. However, it should be noted that’s concentrated medical and recreational cannabis products will only be tested for mycotoxins if they fail microbial contaminant testing.

Adult-use cannabis has been legal in the state of Colorado since 2012 when it became the first U.S. state to pass such a law. Medical use was permitted on November 7, 2000.

Colorado’s cannabis testing: Letter to industry stakeholders outlines requirements for mycotoxin testing

The letter clearly states that all production batches of retail and medical cannabis concentrates produced either on or after September 15, 2019 must undergo mandatory mycotoxin contamination testing. Anything produced prior to this date will be exempt from the rule. Colorado’s new cannabis testing rule does not apply if the product passed the initial microbial contaminant testing phase.

“Pursuant to 44-11-202 (3)(a)(I) & 44-12‐202(3)(a)(IV) Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.), with a determination that sufficient capacity exists with the certified Testing Facilities, the Marijuana Enforcement Division will implement mandatory Medical Marijuana and Retail Marijuana mycotoxin contaminant testing beginning Sunday, September 15, 2019. As of this date, all Medical Marijuana-Infused Products Manufacturers and Retail Marijuana Products Manufacturing Facilities are required to comply with MED Rules M 1501(C)(4) and/or R 1501(C)(5),” read an excerpt from the letter, which was written by MED Director James Burack.

Burack was appointed as Director in February 2016. Prior to his promotion, he assumed the role of Chief of Investigations. He also used to serve as a military prosecutor and so, his experience dealing with cannabis extends over years.

Colorado’s cannabis testing rules are a matter of public safety, Director says

As an urgent public health matter, producers of cannabis concentrates in Colorado ought to make themselves aware of the dangers associated with Mycotoxins.

Studies have shown that mycotoxins cause a perturbation in the gut. The adverse health effects associated with being exposed to these chemicals include cancer and immune deficiency.

Medical and recreational cannabis concentrate producers are asked to review the M 1500 and R 1500 series of rules contained in 1 CCR 212‐1 and 1 CCR 212‐2 for a complete oversight of Colorado’s new cannabis testing rules.

Processors are asked to find a licensed testing facility that is certified in mycotoxin contaminant testing. Since certification has not been bestowed upon all facilities, it is advisable to refer to the MED for guidance.

You can read more about Colorado’s cannabis testing procedures here.