California Proposes New Cannabis Testing Regulations
The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) introduced potential updates to the state’s cannabis testing regulations on June 13, 2025. These proposed changes focus on adjusting the action levels for pesticide residue testing, alongside expanding the list of pesticides required for testing. Stakeholders and members of the cannabis community are encouraged to submit their feedback by July 28. Comments can be directed to the DCC Legal Affairs Division in Rancho Cordova, California, or emailed to publiccomment@cannabis.ca.gov. The DCC’s role in overseeing commercial cannabis operations across the state underscores the importance of this regulatory adjustment.
Accompanying the announcement, the DCC has provided essential documentation, encompassing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Proposed Text of Regulations, an Initial Statement of Reasons, and a Department of Pesticide Regulation Memo. These documents serve as a foundation for industry professionals to gauge the scope and impact of the forthcoming changes.
Aligning with Pesticide Regulation Recommendations
The DCC’s proposed updates are rooted in the latest advisories from the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). As endorsed in a December 2024 communication, the DPI has recommended incorporating 14 additional pesticides into current tests and revising action levels for 31 existing ones. These suggestions arise from a thorough evaluation of new toxicity data and evolving risk assessment practices governed by agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The primary objective of these changes is to pivot from a binary testing system towards establishing health-based action levels for pesticide presence in cannabis products. Some of the substances identified were previously detected in California’s cannabis market, while others have been used in production without official registration within the US, signaling the need for stringent regulatory oversight.
Encouraging Public Engagement and Transparency
Nichole Elliott, Director of the Department of Cannabis Control, emphasized the importance of integrating public participation with research-backed regulations. “These proposed regulations reflect health-based action levels recommended by the state’s leading pesticide experts,” Elliott stated. Public engagement is pivotal in shaping standards that ultimately safeguard consumer health while ensuring practical enforcement of regulations within the cannabis industry.
A public hearing on these proposed changes will be held on July 29, beginning at 10:00 am and concluding when all testimonies have been heard or no later than noon. Logistics for participation will be provided the day before the hearing, fostering an accessible platform for all interested voices.
Legislative Movements Impacting Legal Cannabis in California
In parallel to regulatory advancements, California’s legal cannabis landscape is experiencing further legislative activity. The state assembly recently blocked AB564, a proposition that intended to impose a substantial 25% tax increase on the legal cannabis market. As the bill progresses to the Senate, it signifies strong resistance against potentially stifling financial burdens within the industry.
Such developments highlight the dynamic nature of cannabis legislation in California, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance economic viability with comprehensive regulatory frameworks.
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