Over the past two weeks, Missouri’s legal marijuana industry has experienced a surge in recalls and administrative holds, raising concerns among consumers and patients alike.

The numerous actions taken by the Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) have sparked a new conversation: Are Missouri marijuana products safe?

The short answer is yes.

Despite DCR’s cautionary statements that products placed on administrative hold were done so out of concern for public safety, no products in Missouri on administrative hold have been found to cause any negative side effects or potential harm to this point.

This includes products from Nature’s Grace and Wellness, which, while potentially posing a threat due to not being tested in their final form, did undergo prior testing before their release. None of the Twenty Twenty products recalled had had any reports of adverse reactions prior to the hold.

To date, all other products available to consumers on administrative hold or subject to recall were tested in their final form, ensuring that they met the required safety standards before reaching consumers.

This rigorous testing process is a key component of Missouri’s commitment to maintaining the safety and quality of its legal marijuana market.

Testing and compliance are paramount in ensuring consumer safety. The stringent protocols in place are designed to prevent unsafe products from reaching the market, and when potential issues are identified, swift action is taken. However, the recent events have highlighted a significant gap in the process: the lack of transparency and education provided to consumers about these recalls and administrative holds.

The uncertainty and unease that have arisen within the patient and consumer communities are largely unfounded, but they point to a critical need for better communication from regulators as issues like this arise.

While the regulators act in the best interest of public safety, the absence of clear and accessible information has allowed fear and doubt to spread. Consumers deserve to know not only that their products are safe but also the steps being taken to ensure that safety and both consumers and operators deserve clarity when decisions are made.

As Missouri’s legal marijuana industry continues to grow, it is essential that DCR and other regulatory bodies prioritize transparency and education alongside action. By doing so, they can foster a sense of trust and confidence among consumers, ensuring that the public is informed and reassured about the safety of the products they are using.

Missouri’s marijuana products are safe, thoroughly tested, and carefully regulated.

Moving forward, clear and consistent communication from DCR will be key to maintaining consumer trust and supporting the continued success of the state’s legal marijuana industry.