Colorado legalized cannabis a decade ago, with Washington quickly following suit. Years later, California came online, triggering what many dubbed the Green Rush. Now, only a few states without any form of legalized weed remain, and “garden gummies” are more normalized than ever.
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Cannabis commissions and lawmakers embarked into unknown territory as voters and politicians enacted reform. After working out the kinks, the wheels and cogs are starting to hum, and some safety measures are beginning to show their worth. Now, bad actors are rising to the top, but one advocacy group has the answer to keeping consumers safe.
Cannabis recalls are mounting
Every state has its cannabis industry challenges, but recalls and dirty weed are popping up all over. Board-certified emergency physician Dr. Leigh Vinocur believes these bad apples may spoil access for the whole bunch.
“Many physicians are hesitant to recommend cannabis, even when they believe it could offer relief to their patients, due to concerns about the safety of the cannabis products available,” said Dr. Leigh Vinocur, board-certified emergency physician and recognized television medical expert, in a press release.
Missouri has issued multiple massive recalls for over 100,000 products manufactured with untested cannabis and hemp. Dozens of shake trim and flower batches may have been cultivated with banned pesticides in New Mexico. Meanwhile, California company West Coast Cure products have tested positive for a banned insecticide over the summer.
Everyone deserves clean weed, and patient advocacy group Americans for Safe Access (ASA) has taken that into its own hands with the new banger, What’s in Your Cannabis? A Patient & Consumer Guide to Navigating Cannabis Safety.
“Patients and consumers deserve access to safe, reliable cannabis products, but the reality is that not all products undergo rigorous safety testing. While recalls are a sign of a healthy regulatory system, they are a good reminder of cannabis safety issues, even in regulated markets,” ASA president Steph Sherer said in the press release.
Consumers have the power with new weed guide
The cannabis consumer safety guide covers the gamut, ensuring consumers are prepared to identify potential red flags while shopping in the regulated market. Over 30 pages dive into health considerations like drug interactions, how to navigate cannabis medicine, the pharmacodynamics of pot, pharmacokinetics, and more.
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Those who choose to consume cannabis should understand the possible side effects, what it means to “green out,” the potentialities of getting cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, and more. Now, after all of these recalls are public, learning about safety concerns is just as important as the health implications.
“This guide is indispensable for anyone using or considering cannabis for therapeutic purposes, offering detailed, practical advice to enhance safety and informed decision-making,” Sherer said.
Easy-to-read infographics break down complex compounds found in each product, like the cannabinoids in flower and solvents used to make extracts. It also explains symptoms and signs that indicate someone consumed contaminated products. If they do, the guide explains how each product (gray mold, heavy metals, pesticides) might impact the body.
The guide offers safety checklists and dosage guidelines so consumers can put the knowledge into action. Consumers, advocates, medical professionals, and everyone can download the report for free today.
“It will be an invaluable resource to empower patients to make informed decisions and will serve as a vital tool for my colleagues,” Dr. Vinocur concluded.
