How to Tell a Trusted Source of Cannabis

How to tell a trusted source of cannabis
By Andrew Ward Published December 5th, 2024

Fact-checked by Alexandra Arnett, MS

Key Takeaways

  • Licensed dispensaries are generally safer, but some may not be compliant.
  • Homegrown cannabis offers cost-effective and personalized options but requires legal compliance and expertise.
  • The legacy market remains relevant but carries risks.

As cannabis compounds become more accessible, finding trustworthy, reliable sources is of the utmost concern. With plenty of options in most states, successfully navigating the cannabis market includes understanding the strengths and pitfalls of all possible product sources, including: 

  • Regulated dispensaries
  • Unlicensed retailers
  • Home cultivation
  • Alternative products, including but not limited to CBD

With a thorough understanding of the market, consumers can begin to make informed decisions that steer toward trusted products and brands. 

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Licensed Dispensaries: A Controlled but Imperfect Solution

Licensed dispensaries are often the go-to option for legal cannabis, offering medical and/or adult-use products that adhere to each state’s specific regulations. 

Dispensaries and the licensed brands they sell must ensure their products undergo third-party lab testing for potency and contaminant screenings, identifying contaminants such as pesticides, mold, and heavy metals. These levels of checks are intended to provide accurate labeling and comply with strict manufacturing standards.

The Benefits of Regulation

Consumers and dispensaries both benefit from required independent lab testing. These safety measures are particularly integral for medical patients who require specific cultivars, cannabinoids, or dosages to address their medical conditions effectively. However, some states, including Maine, do not require lab testing on medical products but do so for recreational items sold. 

As part of state regulations, licensed brands and dispensaries can only offer products containing labeling about cannabinoid content, dosing recommendations, and ingredients. Furthermore, like other licensed operations, dispensaries are subject to routine inspections, providing additional accountability. 

The Reality of Lab Shopping

Despite the above benefits, regulated markets are far from perfect. Lab shopping is a primary concern in many states, with producers seeking out labs that inflate THC potency, overlook contaminants, or other measures to deceive the public in an effort to make products more marketable. 

This practice can mislead consumers and jeopardize their safety. One study of 75 products found that up to 60% of tested cannabis products had overlabeled their THC and CBD content.1 Another 25% underlabeled their contents. This years-long issue raises questions about consistency and trustworthiness in some licensed markets and brands.

Unlicensed “Gifting” Shops: Convenience at a Cost

trusted cannabis source

In states where recreational cannabis isn’t fully legalized, gifting shops have emerged as an alternative. These businesses circumvent legal restrictions by “gifting” cannabis alongside the purchase of unrelated products like merchandise or snacks.

In Washington, D.C., where recreational cannabis sales remain unregulated, gifting shops emerged as a legal workaround. To adhere to the law, D.C.'s gifting businesses bundle cannabis products as “gifts” alongside purchases like T-shirts or artwork. 

While the workaround is legal per se, a recent civil case claims that their presence is significantly harming licensed medical cannabis dispensaries. Additionally, some gifting shops may not adhere to regulations. While gifting shops provide access, they operate without the regulatory oversight that governs licensed dispensaries, posing potential risks.

Comparisons with Regulated Markets

licensed dispensaries

Quality and safety concerns are particularly noticeable when comparing unlicensed and regulated endeavors. For example, in New York, the prevalence of gray-market cannabis has left consumers navigating an often confusing space, where unlicensed shops proudly display neon pot leaves and bold marketing. In contrast, licensed shops usually blend into the background as they adhere to state marketing and branding rules. 

The state, specifically New York City, has become a hotbed for claims of dangerous unlicensed products, including flower sprayed with unclear compounds, notably terpenes. Additionally, some products include aromas and unnatural plant colors, like pink and blue, to make the suspect product more appealing to the youth. The egregious thumbing of the law led to a wave of crackdowns and closures, leading to a City judge ruling the practice was unconstitutional back in October 2024. 

Homegrow and Caregiver Networks: Personal Control and Community Support

home cultivation

Home cultivation and caregiver networks are alternatives for medical cannabis consumers, particularly for anyone seeking cost-effective, often more personalized options. The two options, available in select states, allow individuals or designated caregivers to grow cannabis for personal or patient use at a steep discount compared to licensed products.

Home growing allows the grower to control every aspect of the process, from seed selection to pest control to harvest. This level of control claims to result in cleaner, more affordable cannabis that meets specific medical or recreational needs.

Caregiver networks serve as another valuable option in select states. If permitted by state law, licensed caregivers can grow for one or multiple patients. This process intends to ensure a reliable supply for patients who can’t cultivate cannabis themselves. This is particularly important in states where dispensaries are limited or prohibitively expensive. 

In both cases, proponents claim a strong sense of community, uniting the plant’s consumers and advocates.

The Challenges 

While many consider home cultivation an ideal concept, it comes with challenges that vary by grow op. Quality cannabis growing requires expertise and/or a dedicated focus. Efforts include, but are not limited to, managing light cycles and preventing mold infestations. 

Then, there are the regulatory components that always loom overhead. Regulations governing homegrown operations vary by state. As such, growers must know the rules and regulations or risk legal consequences. Extensive research into local laws and the grower or network is highly recommended for patients. 

The Legacy Market: A Complex and Contradictory History

The legacy market, a name often used to describe the ongoing decades of unregulated/illegal sellers and underground production, remains crucial to many seeking cannabis. While its contributions to cannabis culture are undeniable, the risks associated with unregulated products cannot be ignored. 

With cannabis flower, unlicensed cultivators may use unregulated practices and engage in unethical operations, including the use of chemicals, pesticides, or other products and processes that leave unwanted compounds on cannabis buds. However, the legal industry is not entirely free of unethical practices regarding the use of banned pesticides or other harmful chemicals.

Decades of Reliability

Despite these risks, it’s important to note that the legacy market has largely supplied cannabis with little to no significant public health concerns for decades. This comes in contrast to claims made for ages alleging that unlicensed cannabis may lead to death or other highly adverse outcomes. 

Still, despite the large pool of trust, the nefarious actions of a few unlicensed growers have opened the door for allegations against these types of efforts and their products. 

The EVALI Crisis and Legacy Market Risks

The most significant issue from the legacy market in recent years was the 2019 EVALI lung crisis. This deadly crisis was caused by unregulated vape cartridges containing vitamin E acetate. The compound caused thousands of consumers to develop severe respiratory illness, resulting in severe pain for thousands and numerous deaths. This tragic event highlighted the dangers of unlicensed items, such as extracted oils, and their lack of third-party testing and oversight.

CBD Products: A Widely Available but Unregulated Market

CBD products are a popular alternative for people seeking the benefits of cannabis without the intoxicating effect caused by THC. While federally legalized in the US through the 2018 Farm Bill, the CBD market continues to operate with less oversight than licensed cannabis products. 

Before buying CBD or other hemp-derived products, consumers should take a moment to assess their options thoroughly.

  • Third-Party Lab Testing: Verify the brand and its cannabinoid content. Confirm the item is free of unwanted elements and that the brand has no history of failed tests or recalls. It is always recommended to buy from reputable brands known for quality products and zero product issues. 
  • Labeling Accuracy: Confirm that the dosage, compounds used, and other critical information listed on the packaging or website aligns with what’s listed on the lab report. 
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References

  1. MacCallum CA, Lo LA, Pistawka CA, Boivin M. A Clinical Framework for Evaluating Cannabis Product Quality and Safety. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2023 Jun;8(3):567-574. doi: 10.1089/can.2021.0137. Epub 2022 Jan 18. PMID: 35049330; PMCID: PMC10249738. ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.

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