Is Your Weed Safe?
As cannabis use becomes more mainstream, the industry faces many challenges—not just from the regulations, but from how those regulations vary from state to state. While cannabis is now legal in many states for recreational use, it remains illegal at the federal level. This awkward moment in history is impacting the road to safe, regulated cannabis. A road that is very much still a work in progress. In fact, one of the biggest challenges for consumers is understanding exactly what they’re buying, how it was sourced, and whether it’s truly safe. Checkout Jeeter Live Resin
Health Risks and the Power of Weed
Cannabis consumption, especially with stronger and more potent modern strains of flower, can carry some health risks. Some experts warn that more frequent and higher-potency cannabis use can affect brain function and mental health, much like alcohol. But unlike consuming alcohol, those who partake in cannabis are often left to navigate a foggy regulatory landscape.
Sydney Lupkin, an NPR reporter who’s investigated the cannabis industry, points out that the main concerns for regulators are contaminants—things like pesticides, mold, bacteria, and heavy metals, which can all be harmful to consumers. Some contaminants may lead to immediate health issues like nausea and vomiting, while others can be more insidious, potentially increasing the risk of serious long-term health problems, including cancer or neurological damage. To be fair to cannabis, this isn’t a new problem; the safety of consumer products is always challenging, especially when something new is brought to market. The safety of cannabis is constantly being re-evaluated, with regulators and consumers alike working to identify and mitigate risks. As a general rule, cannabis is considered safe, and as time passes, safety will continue to improve.
However, navigating the quality of cannabis is trickier than it sounds. Since cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, states must develop their own standards—and not every state is on the same page when it comes to specifics of regulation and testing.
The Patchwork of State Regulations
At Arizona State University, in 2022 a group led by Professor Maxwell Leung, published “Comparison of State-Level Regulations for Cannabis Contaminants and Implications for Public Health”. This study documented many of the vast differences in how states regulate cannabis. At the time of the study, more than 600 contaminants were regulated across the states where cannabis was legal. However, each state regulated only a fraction of that—somewhere between 60 and 120 contaminants, leaving a huge gap in consumer protections. In addition, in some cases, pesticides or other harmful chemicals are missed altogether, as some states may not require testing for them.
This variation means that in one state, a product might be pulled from the shelves due to a dangerous pesticide, while in another, that same pesticide may not even be flagged. So even though consumers are buying from legal, regulated dispensaries, they can’t always be certain of the safety of what they’re purchasing.
Some might wonder why cannabis isn’t regulated like other crops, such as corn. After all, if we can regulate pesticides, mold, and other contaminants for widely consumed plants, why can’t we do the same for cannabis? The difference lies in the fact that cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, meaning states are left to create their own regulations. Unlike corn, which is federally regulated by agencies like the USDA and the FDA, cannabis lacks a unified, national regulatory framework, leaving each state to determine its own standards. This patchwork system creates inconsistencies in how cannabis is tested and what contaminants are monitored.
The Black Market and the Need for Transparency
The murky regulatory environment is compounded by the persistence of the black market. Despite cannabis being legal in many states, it remains illegal federally, creating a logistical nightmare for regulated cannabis products. As a result, some of the product that ends up on shelves at local dispensaries may not even be properly sourced.
Experts have pointed out that the lack of transparency and accountability in the black market remains one of the biggest issues. Many underground cannabis producers are not bound by the same standards as legal growers, meaning their products are often cultivated in unsanitary conditions, sometimes with banned pesticides. And even when illegal products do make it to storefronts, they can still end up being sold as legal weed.
The head of NORML (the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), Paul Armentano, summed it up by saying that any unregulated market is inherently risky—whether you’re buying alcohol, broccoli, or weed.
The truth is, that weed is not alone in its struggles for safety. According to an article in the New York Post: “In total, there have been more than 740 food and beverage recalls this year — more than double the number reported in 2023 and nearly triple the total from 2022.” (Link to source: “Frito-Lay potato chips being recalled due to ‘risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction’”). Similarly, the automotive sector has seen a substantial number of recalls. In 2023, nearly 35 million vehicles were recalled in the United States (from Barron’s “Tesla Stock Is Wobbling. What to Know About Its Latest Moves.”)
If flying is safer than driving then who knows, weed is probably safer than potato chips?
Looking Ahead: Will Regulations Catch Up?
The good news is that the cannabis industry is working toward a more uniform system. Similar to the transition from alcohol prohibition in the 1930s, it’s expected that the legal cannabis market will eventually push out the black market. But like alcohol in its early days, the road to safer, more regulated cannabis is likely to be slow.
Lupkin points out that California, the largest legal cannabis market in the world, saw over 60 recalls in 2024. Recalls of cannabis products—whether it’s Baby Jeeters, Jeeter pre-rolls , edibles, or Jeeter Carts products—have increased significantly mostly due to more rigorous testing. Maine, a state with a newer cannabis program, recently issued its first cannabis recall due to mold contamination.
Though researchers are still assessing how effective these measures are, the increasing number of recalls suggests that the legal market is, at least, moving in the right direction. For consumers buying from regulated dispensaries, there’s a lower risk of encountering harmful contaminants, but navigating the market still requires a discerning eye. Experts seem to agree that cannabis safety is improving. That said, well-established industries such as supermarkets and auto manufacturers still experience recalls. Perfection remains elusive.
What can Consumers do in the Meantime?
When buying cannabis, consumers should use this framework:
- Look for third-party lab testing – Ensure that products have been tested for pesticides, mold, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
- Clear product labeling – Look for detailed labels that list ingredients, THCa, THC and CBD content, and any other relevant information.
- Transparency about sourcing – A reputable supplier should be open about where their cannabis is grown and how it’s processed.
- Certifications and compliance – Check for any state-issued certifications or seals of approval indicating the product meets safety standards.
- Customer reviews and reputation – A quick look at customer feedback can reveal a lot about the quality and reliability of a dispensary.
- Return or exchange policies – Make sure the dispensary offers customer-friendly policies if the product doesn’t meet your expectations.
- Experienced staff – Knowledgeable budtenders who can answer questions and offer guidance based on your needs can be a huge asset.
Final Thoughts
As the legal cannabis market continues to mature, it’s likely that consumers will eventually find it easier to know which products are safe to buy. But until then, education and vigilance are key. Whether you’re shopping at a dispensary or considering online alternatives, understanding where your cannabis comes from—what’s in it and who’s selling it—remains crucial. By staying informed and doing your research, you can help ensure that your cannabis experience is as safe as it is enjoyable.