Nina Zdinjak, Benzinga Staff Writer
California, known for its ideal climate and rich cannabis history, is regarded as one of the best places to grow weed. The state has also led U.S. cannabis reform, from the first legalization ballot initiative in 1972 to becoming the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. A decade later, in 2016, it legalized recreational use. Since then, California, home to the world’s largest cannabis market, has faced significant challenges.
Small pot farms in regions like the Emerald Triangle have struggled to survive due to oversupply and falling prices, writes SF Gate. Issues like inappropriate labeling, lab shopping, and a pesticide scandal have also plagued the industry. While legal cannabis sales decline, cartel operations thrive in national parks.
This problem primarily stems from the fact that the THC concentration in cannabis and cannabis concentrates has become a key factor in determining the wholesale price of these products. This creates a strong incentive for growers and manufacturers to seek out laboratories that report the highest THC concentrations, regardless of the accuracy of the data
– Josh Wurzer, Co-founder and Chief Compliance Officer, SC Labs
To explore these challenges, we spoke to Josh Wurzer, chief compliance officer and co-founder of SC Labs, one of the first to raise concerns about…