Legalization has brought about many benefits to the weed community. From wider access to product innovation, there are plenty of upsides to regulated pot. So why are some people still lacking trust in legal cannabis?
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There are plenty of reasons why a consumer may be skeptical. High-profile product recalls could be a factor. One of the main selling points of regulated cannabis is that it goes through rigorous testing to ensure it’s free from banned pesticides, mold, or other contaminants. If contaminated weed reaches the market, it can erode trust.
While these cases are few and far between, they’re often highly publicized. This may lead to those on the fence believing their dispensary bud is no better than what they can get from an illicit dealer.
There’s also the issue of potency inflation. Some testing facilities have been accused of inflating THC numbers, in part because many consumers seek out the strongest products available. A recent study of regulated cannabis flower in Colorado showed the majority of samples had less THC than what was listed on the package. In a larger analysis, roughly 30 percent of the samples were inflated.
It is possible to explain some discrepancies. First, cannabinoid and terpene content in cannabis flower degrades over time. This can lead to packaged products being slightly less potent by the time they’re consumed, especially if they’ve been sitting on shelves for extended periods.
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Also, cannabis plants may have different test results depending on which part is analyzed. The very top bud in a prime cola could test higher for THC than a bud pulled from a lower branch. Some states have implemented rules requiring more representative sampling to help address this issue, but inconsistencies across many markets remain.
These issues fuel debate over whether legal weed is worth it. The illicit market is often cheaper, and some consumers believe there is an imbalance in quality between the two.
It is important to note that, despite some mistrust, most licensed operators are doing their best to provide consumers with safe and reliable products. There’s also the fact that many states require cannabis be purchased from a regulated source and remain in its child-safe packaging to be compliant. In other words, possessing cannabis obtained outside the licensed system can still carry legal consequences, including fines or other penalties.
The legal cannabis market is still working out the kinks, but many industry operators are working to boost trust and ensure their products are the best they can be. While healthy skepticism is always warranted, consumers should weigh all sides of the debate before taking a side.
