The cannabis market continues to evolve, and more is being discovered about the plant every day. Industry operators and regulators have worked hard to create products that are safe for consumption. But a new concern has labs raising the red flag: mysterious and unnatural compounds popping up in some test results.
As first reported by MJBizDaily, a so-called “soup” of “unknown compounds never before found in cannabis” is being identified in certain cannabis products. The weird and unidentifiable contents are thought to be byproducts of the process used to make delta-8 and other synthesized cannabinoids.
RELATED: This new cannabinoid is making waves – but is it safe?
“These are chemical side reactions,” chemist and lab consultant Susan Audino told MJBizDaily. “You can’t make one thing without something else being formed as well.”
One laboratory representative told the outlet that upwards of 60 unknown compounds are appearing in test results. At this point in time, the puzzling ingredients are not banned, and cannabis brands are not required to list them on their labels. Most states only require testing for potency and heavy metals and/or other restricted ingredients.
“The last thing we want is people getting sick or dying…”
The “soup” compounds are troubling, especially since the long-term effects of ingestion are unknown. Even if lawmakers decided to take action, legislation could take months or even years to implement.
“It’s scary that (this space) is not regulated enough to warn consumers of that s***,” one consumer told GreenState on condition of anonymity.
Matt Olson, a cannabis consumer in the Midwest, began using hemp-derived cannabinoids thanks to their wide availability. Upon learning about the unknown byproducts, he decided to abstain.
“Excitement for a legal product certainly blinded me to do any research into possible side effects or health risks. I will discontinue use until I can dive deeper into it,” Olson told GreenState.
RELATED: ‘Legal’ weed products are causing grave concern
Consumer Joshua Sanders expressed concern that the mysterious byproducts could have a negative impact on the cannabis industry as a whole. He called for brands to step up and work harder to identify the compounds and study whether they’re fit for consumption.
“The last thing we want is people getting sick or dying from these things and getting moved ten steps back,” Sanders said. “These companies need to be held accountable. It’s great that we have all these products that cater to any THC user, as in all markets, people are going to try to cut corners, and we need to make sure everyone is safe.”
Roger Brown, president of ACS Laboratory, said there are ways for people to protect themselves from so-called “bad actors” in the industry.
“In both unregulated and regulated marketplaces, consumers should exercise caution by purchasing only those products that are accompanied by a fully disclosed Certificate of Analysis (COA),” Brown said via email. “Much like the food industry, products should not be sold without the ingredient profile and the quantification of the contents on the label.”
Brown lamented that labs are often left helpless when it comes to unknown byproducts because regulators do not require their identification, and brands choose not to address them.
“ACS Laboratory can only test what the client requests or the regulators require,” he noted.
The discovery of mystery cannabis compounds in some products is indeed concerning, but at this point, not much can be done. Until there is wider regulation in place, consumers will have to proceed at their own risk. While some may decide the legal high is worth the uncertain results, others will decide to opt-out.
