Marijuana Product Safety and Testing in Delaware

What Safety And Quality Standards Are In Place For Marijuana Products in Delaware?

Under Delaware’s medical marijuana law, the Delaware Medical Marijuana Act (DMMA), all licensed marijuana cultivators and processors must meet certain safety and quality standards in order to be allowed to cultivate and process marijuana products in the state. These standards include requirements to: (1) obtain certification from an independent laboratory for their products; (2) use Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for production, packaging, and labeling; (3) use clean cultivation and harvesting practices; (4) adhere to product testing and labeling requirements; (5) adhere to product packaging requirements; and (6) maintain detailed records of all operations. Additionally, the DMMA requires that all marijuana dispensaries must comply with all applicable state and local laws regarding labeling, packaging, and advertising of marijuana products.

Are There Mandatory Testing Requirements For Marijuana Products, And If So, What Do They Encompass in Delaware?

Yes, there are mandatory testing requirements for marijuana products in Delaware. The Delaware Medical Marijuana Program requires that all medical marijuana products must be tested for potency, microbial organisms, and contaminants. All products must be tested in accordance with the State’s Medical Marijuana Program’s testing guidelines and procedures. Additionally, all medical marijuana products must meet the standards necessary to achieve patient safety, product quality, and therapeutic effectiveness.

How Often Are Marijuana Products Tested For Potency And Contaminants in Delaware?

Testing for potency and contaminants is required of all medical marijuana products in Delaware. Adult-use marijuana products must also be tested for potency and contaminants, though testing is not currently required by the state.

What Types Of Contaminants Are Tested For, Including Pesticides, Mold, And Heavy Metals in Delaware?

In Delaware, water systems are regularly tested for a range of contaminants, including pesticides, E. coli, nitrates/nitrites, coliform bacteria, trihalomethanes (THMs), lead, and arsenic. Other contaminants such as mold spores and heavy metals may also be tested when necessary or requested.

What Are The Acceptable Limits For Contaminants In Marijuana Products in Delaware?

The Delaware Medical Marijuana Program (DMMP) sets strict limits on the acceptable levels of certain contaminants in marijuana products sold in Delaware. These limits are set to ensure that all products meet the highest safety standards for the benefit and safety of its patients.

Specifically, the acceptable contaminants limits are as follows:

• Microbial Contaminants: Total Aerobic Bacteria- < 1000 CFU/gram; Total Yeast & Mold- < 1000 CFU/gram; and Salmonella- Negative

• Residual Solvents: THCA- <1000ppm; THCA-A- <1000ppm; Total THC- < 1000 ppm; Total CBD- <1000ppm; Cannabinol-<1000ppm; Ethanol-<500ppm, Isopropanol-<500 ppm, n-Propanol-<500ppm, Heptane-<500 ppm, and Pentane-<500 ppm.

• Heavy Metals: Lead- < 0.5 ppm; Arsenic- <0.1 ppm; Cadmium- < 0.1 ppm; Mercury- < 0.1 ppm.

• Pesticides: All pesticides must be absent at the limit of detection of 0.1 ppm.

• Mycotoxins: Aflatoxin B1- < 0.5 ppb; Ochratoxin A- < 10 ppb; Total Fumonisins-<10 ppb; Total Trichothecenes-<0.2 ppb; and Zearalenone-<2 ppb.

• Moisture: Not more than 15%

Are There Specific Testing Requirements For Different Types Of Marijuana Products, Such As Edibles And Concentrates in Delaware?

Yes, there are specific testing requirements for different types of marijuana products in the state of Delaware. Marijuana flower must be tested for the following compounds: THC, CBD, CBN, and moisture content. Extracts (concentrates) must be tested for the following compounds: THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, CBN, moisture content, residual solvents, pesticides, and microbial contaminants. Edibles must be tested for the following compounds: THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, moisture content, residual solvents, pesticides, and microbial contaminants. Additionally, edibles must also be tested for heavy metals.

How Are The Testing Laboratories For Marijuana Products Regulated And Accredited in Delaware?

The regulation and accreditation of testing laboratories for marijuana products in Delaware is handled by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). All marijuana product testing must be conducted by accredited laboratories that are certified by DHSS. The state has established a set of standards for the accreditation of such laboratories, and requires that they be registered with the state and have a valid laboratory license. Additionally, all marijuana product testing protocols must be approved by DHSS prior to the commencement of any testing.

What Labeling Requirements Exist To Inform Consumers About Test Results And Product Safety in Delaware?

In Delaware, labeling requirements are primarily regulated by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, Food, and Markets. Labeling requirements for food products and other consumables sold in the state must conform to the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act, Fair Packaging & Labeling Act, and other applicable federal regulations.

In addition, all packaged food products must include a statement concerning net contents, ingredients, nutrition facts, and any applicable allergen warnings. If a food product has been tested for safety or purity, a label must also include an accurate statement regarding the results of such tests.

What Happens If A Marijuana Product Fails Testing For Safety Or Potency in Delaware?

If a marijuana product fails testing for safety or potency in Delaware, the product will be recalled and destroyed. The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) will issue a notice of recall to the cannabis facility that produced the product. Additionally, DHSS will issue a press release notifying the public of the recall and will take any further steps necessary to alert consumers about the recalled product.

Is There A System In Place For Tracking And Recalling Unsafe Marijuana Products in Delaware?

No, Delaware does not currently have a system in place for tracking and recalling unsafe marijuana products. The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services does require medical marijuana dispensary owners to have a security plan in place that includes tracking and recording the sale of marijuana products for safety reasons. Additionally, the state’s Medical Marijuana Program requires all cannabis products to be tested for quality assurance and to meet safety standards.

Are There Specific Requirements For Child-Resistant Packaging Of Marijuana Edibles And Products in Delaware?

Yes, there are specific requirements for child-resistant packaging of marijuana edibles and products in Delaware. Per state regulations, marijuana edible products must be sealed in child-resistant packaging at all times. All marijuana products must be labeled with the required information (i.e. manufacturer, potency, etc.), and the packaging must be opaque. Additionally, marijuana product containers must have a re-sealable lid or opening, and all labeling must be in English and legible.

What Role Do State Agencies Play In Overseeing The Safety And Testing Of Marijuana Products in Delaware?

State agencies in Delaware play an important role in overseeing the safety and testing of marijuana products. The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is responsible for the oversight of medical marijuana dispensaries and laboratories. The DHSS is responsible for establishing regulations to ensure safe cultivation, processing, testing, labeling, and distribution of medical marijuana. The Delaware Department of Agriculture is responsible for testing and labeling requirements for marijuana products sold in medical dispensaries. The Department of Financial Institutions is responsible for tracking financial transactions related to marijuana products. Lastly, the Delaware State Police are responsible for enforcing marijuana laws.

Do Product Safety And Testing Regulations Differ For Medical And Recreational Marijuana Products in Delaware?

The regulations for medical and recreational marijuana products in Delaware are largely the same. Both sets of products must undergo testing for potency, contamination, and quality assurance. Additionally, both sets of products must meet applicable product safety requirements established by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Medical marijuana products must also be labeled properly to ensure that consumers are aware of the contents and potential risks associated with the product.

Are There Restrictions On The Use Of Certain Additives Or Ingredients In Marijuana Edibles in Delaware?

Yes. According to Delaware’s medical marijuana regulations, marijuana edibles can contain only natural ingredients and must not contain any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners. Additionally, Delaware law prohibits the sale of edibles that contain nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, or any other substance that may cause addiction or be a health hazard.

How Are The Results Of Marijuana Product Testing Made Accessible To Consumers in Delaware?

The results of marijuana product testing in Delaware are made accessible to consumers through the Delaware Medical Marijuana Program. Consumers can view the laboratory test results for the cannabis products they are considering purchasing, by visiting the website of the Delaware Medical Marijuana Program. The laboratory test results provide information on various aspects of the product, including cannabinoid concentrations, terpene profiles, pesticide residues, and other contaminants.

Are There Any Specific Regulations For The Testing Of Thc And Cbd Content In Products in Delaware?

Yes, Delaware has specific regulations in place for testing THC and CBD content in products. These regulations are outlined in Chapter 33 of Title 3 of the Delaware Code. The requirements are as follows:

1. Products containing CBD or THC must be tested by an independent laboratory and results must be available to the public.

2. The laboratory must have ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and must meet the requirements set forth in the Delaware Administrative Code.

3. The laboratory must use validated analytical methodologies and instruments to accurately test for the concentration of THC and CBD in the product.

4. The laboratory must include a certificate of analysis (COA) with each tested product that specifies the concentration of THC and CBD present.

5. The laboratory must provide a list of all products it has tested for THC and CBD content to the Delaware Department of Agriculture each quarter.

What Penalties Or Consequences Can Manufacturers And Dispensaries Face For Non-Compliance With Testing Regulations in Delaware?

Manufacturers and dispensaries that are found to be non-compliant with testing regulations in Delaware can be subject to fines up to $10,000 in addition to other administrative penalties. In addition, they may also lose their license to operate and have criminal charges pressed if the violation is serious enough. If a dispensary or manufacturer is found to be selling or distributing cannabis products that are not compliant with testing regulations, they can also be subject to seizure and destruction of the product. Lastly, if a dispensary or manufacturer fails to comply with testing requirements, they may face suspension of operations and other disciplinary action.

Do Testing Requirements Extend To Home Cultivation Of Marijuana For Personal Use in Delaware?

No, testing requirements for cannabis do not extend to home cultivation of marijuana for personal use in Delaware. Delaware’s recreational marijuana law only allows for the purchase of cannabis from licensed dispensaries. Home cultivation of marijuana for personal use is not allowed.

What Is The Role Of Independent Third-Party Testing In Ensuring Product Safety in Delaware?

Independent third-party testing is an important part of ensuring product safety in Delaware. Third-party testing provides an unbiased, independent review of a product’s safety features and performance. This provides assurance that the product meets the safety requirements set out by regulatory agencies and provides consumers with confidence that the product they are purchasing is safe to use. Third-party testing also helps manufacturers identify potential hazards before a product is released to the public, which can help reduce risks associated with using a dangerous product. Without third-party testing, Delaware consumers may be at risk from using unsafe products.

How Does Our State Ensure Consistency And Accuracy In Marijuana Product Testing Across Different Laboratories in Delaware?

In Delaware, the Division of Public Health is tasked with regulating and overseeing all medical marijuana testing laboratories in the state. To ensure consistency and accuracy in marijuana product testing across different laboratories, Delaware has adopted strict regulations regarding laboratory standards, proficiency testing requirements, and protocols for sample collection and testing. All marijuana product testing laboratories must be accredited by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) or an equivalent accreditation program in order to be approved for licensure. Additionally, each laboratory must submit proficiency test results to the Division of Public Health on a regular basis in order to ensure that they are maintaining the necessary accuracy and consistency of their testing processes. Finally, the Division of Public Health audits all medical marijuana testing laboratories at least once per year in order to ensure that they are adhering to proper protocols and procedures.