The popularity of cannabis and cannabinoid products continues to escalate following the legalization of cannabinoid products in the United States since 2012.
Since 2012, ten states (Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, California, Nevada, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, and, in November 2018, by popular referendum, Michigan) and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational cannabis consumption and, except for the District of Columbia and Vermont, acted to implement legislation that also legalizes commercial production. By 2016, 23 states had legalized medical cannabis. Additionally, a number of states, as far back as the 1960s, have decriminalized the possession of small quantities of cannabis for personal use.[8]
By 2020, the majority of the U.S. population can purchase cannabis and cannabinoid products as easily as alcohol.[1] But exposure to contaminants is often overlooked. Limited regulation threatens product safety in the "gold rush" era of a fast-growing cannabis industry. Analytical chemistry and microbiology testing that protectsconsumer safety and prevents unfair practices becomes an added cost that most startups avoid due to the lack of oversight of recreational and medicinal cannabis in the United States.[9] Advanced analytical testing is critical given trade-offs between safety and quality in cannabinoid therapeutics and nutraceuticals. Product or compliance testing determines the chemical makeup and overall quality of the formulation before the sale of products.[1][10]
Cannabis testing is also required in other states, such as California,[16] Oregon,[17] Massachusetts,[18] and Nevada.[19] Washington State added routine pesticide testing and random or investigation-driven heavy metal testing, formerly required only for medical cannabis, to its testing suite for all cannabis on March 2, 2022.[20]
