Recent Guidance and news updates – Guidance for Verifying the Potency Information on Medical Cannabis & Cannabis Product Labels / Adult Use Sample Collection Follow Up and Pre-rolls Testing Guidance
Adult Use Sample Collection Reminders and Mandatory Testing for Pesticides Guidance
This guidance reminds adult use licensees to adhere to OCP’s rules related to self-sampling and mandatory testing. It also clarifies that when testing cannabis concentrate for pesticides, licensees should refer to 18-691 CMR, ch. 5 which requires concentrate to be tested for pesticides regardless of whether the source flower or trim passed prior testing. Read more.
Adult Use Sample Collection Follow Up and Pre-rolls Testing Guidance
This guidance summarizes questions and answers about sample collection and remediation as well as the mandatory testing requirements applicable to adult use pre-rolls. Specifically, beginning February 1, 2025, all pre-rolls must be tested for Yeast & Mold, Microbials, and Filth & Foreign Materials, regardless of prior testing on the plant material or concentrate used. Read more and note that an updated Metrc bulletin is forthcoming.
Guidance for Verifying the Potency Information on Medical Cannabis & Cannabis Product Labels
This guidance reminds medical cannabis program registrants to ensure that all cannabinoid content and THC potency values on product labels are verified by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited cannabis testing facility. This is required by the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act and is important for ensuring consistent, predictable dosing for qualifying patients. Read more. News & Updates
Cannabis Conversation on Sample Collection (Adult Use)
In light of recent audit testing and recalls of adult use cannabis and cannabis products, OCP held a panel discussion on December 12, 2024, which provided licensees with reminders and best practices for self-sampling. OCP also discussed lessons learned from its audit testing program and the issuance of Maine’s first adult use cannabis recalls. A recording of the event is available on OCP’s YouTube channel.
Expanded Data Now Available on OCP’s Website (Medical & Adult Use)
In recent months, OCP has expanded the data available on its website. For the adult use program, individuals can now access historic violation data and mandatory testing data in addition to existing licensee, municipal opt-in, and retail sales information. For the medical program, individuals can now access historic violation data and more information about active program registrants.
Lessons from Licensing
All IICs, RICs, adult use licenses, and medical program registrations can be renewed online. Renewal applications should automatically populate with the program participant’s information when the “Renew” option is selected. If the “Apply” option is selected rather than the “Renew” option, any previous information will not transfer over.
To proceed with the automatically populated renewal process:
It is important to know the email address and password used to log into your account in the State’s licensing system when your initial application for a card, license, or registration was completed.
Be sure to check your spam email folder as your application confirmation email comes from a “no-reply” email address. That email will contain a temporary access code for you to set up your password and access your pending application or reapply next time.
Compliance Corner
Adult use licensees are reminded that the following rules governing the Adult Use Cannabis Program are in effect as of November 2024. Copies of the rules are available on OCP’s website.
Rules for the Certification of Cannabis Testing Facilities, 18-691 C.M.R. Ch. 5
Rules for the Administration of the Adult Use Cannabis Program, 18-691 CMR, ch. 10
Rules for the Licensure of Adult Use Cannabis Establishments, 18-691 CMR, ch. 20
Compliance Rules for Adult Use Cannabis Establishments, 18-691 CMR, ch. 30
Rules for the Testing of Adult Use Cannabis, 18-691 CMR, ch. 40
