JACKSON — Mississippi Department of Health reports the administrative hold on cannabis products tested by Rapid Analytics Cannabis will continue until retesting can be completed. Circumstances leading to the hold are under investigation.

MSDH reports the administrative hold impacts only a portion of the medical cannabis across the state according to a press release from the department. Retesting of products tested by Rapid Analytics Cannabis is being done to validate results related to the use of pesticides and presence of mycotoxins, naturally occurring toxins produced by certain fungi.

At this time, there are no reports of illnesses related to the impacted products.

Local dispensaries were fortunate enough to still have cannabis products on the shelves this week. Issues with testing at a Mississippi facility has put 50 to 80 percent of products at The Cannabis Company and Magnolia Greens Dispensary in quarantine. 

MSDH is overseeing the retesting of medical cannabis products in licensed medical testing facilities with validated testing methods in place and approved by the department. Retests are prioritized by the category of product. Cannabis flower, also known as bud, will be tested first as it serves the base for many products. Concentrates and infused products will be next.

As Batches of products are cleared they can be removed from hold and put back on the market. Patients are encouraged to contact dispensaries to see what products are available. Laura Goodson, director of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program, said the program remains commited to upholding patient safety.

“Through the state’s seed to sale tracking system the agency can isolate the batch and lot numbers associated with this administrative hold and expedite the retesting,” Goodson said. “The tracking system is an invaluable tool to assist with regulatory compliance and overall product safety.”

An anonymous tip called into the Mississippi Department of Health caused the quarantine of cannabis products, Heather Harrison with Mississippi Free Press reported last Friday. Rapid Analytics Cannabis is a testing facility in Natchez.