A recent study from the University of Colorado Boulder has revealed that almost half of the marijuana products tested in Colorado had incorrect THC levels listed on their labels. The research, published in Scientific Reports, shows that most of the products contain less THC than what’s claimed on their packaging.
THC is the primary ingredient in marijuana responsible for its psychoactive effects. Consumers often rely on the listed THC percentage to guide their purchasing decisions. Much like how alcohol drinkers compare beers by alcohol content, cannabis users choose strains based on potency.
Greg Giordano, one of the study’s lead researchers, noted that accurate data is essential not only for consumers but also for researchers studying the effects and safety of cannabis. Without knowing what’s really in these products, evaluating health risks becomes much harder.
The study involved discreet purchases from 52 dispensaries in Colorado between November 2022 and October 2023. Researchers gathered 277 different samples of concentrate and flower products, which were then analyzed by MedPharm Research, a certified marijuana testing facility.
Of the flower samples tested, 44% had THC levels that were off by 15% or more. Most of the time, the reported numbers were higher than the actual content. Concentrates, such as those used in vape pens, tended to have more accurate labels but still often exaggerated the THC levels.
Some in the cannabis industry have questioned the findings. Paul Jacobson, president of the multi-state cannabis brand Rove, pointed out that test results can vary depending on the lab. He also noted that the uneven distribution of THC in cannabis buds makes testing tricky. Jacobson believes the discrepancies don’t necessarily pose a health risk, arguing that the products are still potent overall.
Mason Tvert, speaking for the industry group Colorado Leads, said the lack of federal oversight in cannabis testing means results can be inconsistent. He also explained that market demand plays a role: since higher THC sells better, producers might be selecting the most potent parts of the plant for testing.
The state’s Marijuana Enforcement Division has acknowledged the study and stated it plans to review the findings and discuss them with industry stakeholders soon.
Advocates have long warned about the risks of high-potency marijuana, particularly its potential impact on teens. Although modern cannabis may not be as potent as some labels claim, it’s still far stronger than the marijuana commonly available in the 1980s, which averaged around 8% THC.
The new study aligns with earlier informal testing conducted by Justin Singer, a cannabis edibles producer. His findings also showed frequent overstatements in THC content. Singer praised the university’s more thorough approach and said the findings highlight weaknesses in the current testing regulations, which may also overlook harmful substances like mold or pesticides.
As the discrepancies between product labels and package contents are ironed out, brands are likely to grow as consumer trust deepens. This industry growth could result in more business opportunities for firms that offer the same services as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) to players within the marijuana industry.
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