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Best weed lubes of Valentine’s Day ’23 and beyond

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When it comes to cannabis and sex, Leafly nation, the puns write themselves. But it’s no joke—cannabis helps us explore our sexuality and enhance our intimacy with those we love, from both the inside and out. Stay with us now: this year, your valentine deserves flowers, chocolate, and cannabis-infused lube. Cannabis topicals rake in not even 1% of industry sales, but a little THC in your intimate oil or water-based serum makes the slip and slide way easier. And steamier.

Leafly’s own Nick Jikomes, PhD, tells us that cannabis acts as a vasodilator when inhaled, ingested, or applied topically. In the form of a lube, this means increasing blood flow to the area it’s applied to topically and engaging with endocannabinoid receptors.

“In terms of neural effects, THC has a kind of ‘sensitizing’ effect on sensory neurons. This is why tastes, smells, sounds, etc., can feel enhanced after THC consumption. There’s no reason to think why this wouldn’t also apply to the somatosensory system, [where] the sense of touch becomes more sensitive.”

It seems like every CBD company has hopped on the lube train at a time where intimacy is at an all-time low, but THC is by far the biggest bedroom player. So Leafly nation, whether you have a horizontal itinerary planned or want to elevate your solo play, here are the best THC lubricants from sea to shining sea.

California

Kush Queen lube

(Courtesy Kush Queen)

Kush Queen founder Olivia Alexander, like the rest of us, was drawn to Foria’s intimate THC oil when it hit dispensary shelves years ago. But there were two problems: It wasn’t condom safe, and she’s allergic to coconut oil. Her water-based, nano emulsion lubricant absorbs quickly into your erogenous zone of choice, and won’t compromise any physical birth control methods. You don’t even need to use it for sex. One returning client allegedly applies it before big corporate business meetings to activate her “big purr energy.” I mean, do you!

“I’ve never had a product that has had such a crazy wide audience, from women who are postpartum, couples who use it for intercourse, people who use it for solo play, porn stars, soccer moms,” she tells Leafly. “Being Southern, I was raised fairly prudish, and then I started using it myself and I’m like, ‘oh, that’s what it does!’”

Related

I got my vagina stoned for Valentine’s Day

Her Highness Pleasure Oil

(Courtesy Her Highness)

The research, if you care to read it, indicates that women by and large orgasm less from sex than men, but they also benefit from cannabis more than men. The Her Highness pleasure oil isn’t a lube per se (and definitely not latex-safe), but more of a stimulating massage oil for your erogenous zones. If you have a coconut allergy, this oil uses olive oil as a base with botanical extracts and a dash of essential oils that enhance sensitivity and, by extension, the big “O.”

OM Love Balm

(Courtesy OM)

This might be the only lube-ish product on this list that you can also put on your face! OM’s Love Balm, a 2019 Emerald Cup topical winner, is thicker than the other options on this list due to its shea butter base, (so it’s not latex-friendly) but it’s also a lot stronger, with over 400 mg THC and 100 mg CBD. It’s fragrance-free so it suits any, ahem, orifice you want; OM also has a suppository recipe on their website if you’re feeling adventurous.

Quim THC oil or water-based lube

(Courtesy Quim)

“It was like my vagina had no rules!”

Quim reviewer

No beating around the bush with Quim—I mean, what else could these products be for? Their line of pelvic-centric products in both THC and CBD formulas can be used for general wellness as well as making sure all “clams” are happy and horny. For THC shoppers, their Night Moves oil or Oh Yes! aloe-based serum contains 350 mg and 200 mg respectively, as well as some botanical aphrodisiacs like damiana. One reviewer, Sarah, was happy to announce, in all caps, that: “It was like my vagina had no rules!”

Quim cofounder Rachel Washtien tells us via email that while Quim’s ethos isn’t “reinventing the wheel,” plant medicine can be used to treat, among other things, “yeast infections, bladder infections, difficulty climaxing, low libido, allergic reactions to commercial lube.” It also works well with sex toys, per one blogger who used it with both her partner and vibrator.  

Lavinia’s oh.hi lubricant

(Courtesy Lavinia)

Would you buy weed lube made by a former almost-nun? I mean, both cannabis lovers and those who take the cloth believe in a higher power. Founder Katie Enright created Lavinia to close the orgasm gap and make sexuality education fun. The oh.hi lubricant uses a silicone base (so it’s condom-safe, but no silicone toys) rather than water or oil, and uses the dynamic duo of THC and CBD so you can have a dynamic duo of your own. Enright says the silicone base comes with a 15-30 minute onset, but it also lasts far longer than its competitors.

“For me, personally, it takes the pressure off. This product literally increases blood flow so I know I’m gonna have a great orgasm, so I don’t even have to think about it. We’re in the world of sex, which is super taboo, and we’re in the world of cannabis, which is also really taboo. My hope is our company and our product makes it really approachable and really fun.”

Oregon

Luminous botanicals DEW oil 

Dew you want to see stars on V-Day? Luminous Botanicals invites you to spritz your bits with one of their two sensual cannabis oils, available in the high-THC “Pleasure” or balanced THC:CBD “Comfort.” If you deal with pain during penetrative sex, opt for “Comfort”; if you feel ready to rumble and tumble, “Pleasure” should work just fine. These both use an almond oil base, with no fragrance and Sun+Earth Certified cannabis.

Washington

Velvet Swing 

(Courtesy Velvet Swing)

Who knows more about sex than a professional dominatrix? Mistress Matisse can recall, in the legacy market days, friends making cannabis lube with coconut oil on the stove. So, when Washington legalized adult-use cannabis, she put her 20 years of experience into Velvet Swing, a “liquid foreplay” water-based lubricant with both THC and CBD. Oil-based lubes can disrupt our internal environments, and definitely thwart safe sex by degrading latex, so this one is a safe, but not a boring, bet.     

Nevada

Evergreen Organix Intimate Massage Oil

(Courtesy Evergreen)

Frankly, we were shocked Nevada isn’t brimming with cannabis sex and intimacy products. This intimate massage oil is pretty basic—100 mg of THC in a tiny dropper bottle of coconut oil, but they encourage you to get creative. You can slap it on there, or add it to a bath, lotion or intimate product of your choice to make sure that massage has a happy ending.

Colorado

Betty’s Essentials Love Potion

(Courtesy Betty’s)

The more cannabinoids the merrier, no? This Love Potion has all the major players: THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN in a coconut oil base with no fragrance, so it’s both safe for topical use and edible, should you feel compelled. While THC will do most of the heavy lifting to enhance sensation and dilate blood vessels, CBD, CBN, and CBG all have anti-inflammatory properties that help you loosen up and manage any pain or soreness.

Arizona

THC Living Suppository

Lube doesn’t necessarily have to be liquid to set the proverbial stage. If you deal with pelvic pain or just want to experiment with a new way to administer cannabis, THC Living kindly asks you to shove their suppositories where the sun doesn’t shine.

See also: Stony Yoni lubricant. 

See also

Pairist damiana-infused pre-rolls 

(Courtesy The Pairist)

 Sharing a joint with your loved one is, in fact, a form of foreplay. Pairist combines cannabis strains with different herbs with storied use in plant medicine. The hybrid combines Gelatti with damiana, a natural aphrodisiac, to inspire passion. 

If you feel like you need a little bedroom helper, you can harness plant medicine without a prescription. 1906 formulates edibles by effects that blend cannabinoids with botanicals from around the world. The “Love” line includes tablets, chocolate drops and coffee beans made with THC, CBD, ashwagandha, damiana, and something described as the “Viagra of the Amazon.” 



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Best St. Patrick’s Day cannabis strains for 2024 and more

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St. Patrick’s Day is fun and all, but you can hold the hangovers and regret, thank you very much. We’re gonna stay Cali Sober, super-green, and deliciously rainbow-esque with legal ganja across North America.

With 24 legalization states, 40 medical ones, and fully legal Canada, it’s never been breezier to tap the Leafly app, put the buds in the basket, and order the more healthful alternative for pickup or delivery. 

Here’s some seasonal, new, and charming buds from California to New York, and Florida to Ontario, courtesy of our cadre of experts.

Gold Ca$h Gold

Gold Ca$h Gold. (Matt Jackson for Leafly)

Everybody wants a little taste of gold on St. Patty’s day and for cannabis, there’s nothing that fits the bill closer than this strain from 3rd Coast Genetics, the breeder that brought us Oreoz (now called Oooze to avoid the lawyers). Gold Ca$h Gold—a cross of Oreoz #1 x Pure Michigan—has the thick, sparkly coat of resin glands we usually see on Oooze buds and the deep purple interior that’s indicative of Pure Michigan, a popular strain in Oregon and Maine that 3rd Coast created with Thug Pug. The result is a grape jelly crustable that has a gassy smell locked inside of buds so dense, you’ll weigh the eighth just to make sure it’s 3.5 grams.—Matt Jackson

Related

How to order weed delivery online with Leafly

Pot Roast

A purple and icy nug against a black background.
Pot Roast. Indica hybrid. (photos by Focus North Garden)

What would St. Patrick’s Day be without sitting down to some corned beef & cabbage or a good bowl of Pot Roast? A hit with fans in Colorado and California over the last couple years, Pot RoastGMO x Meat Breath—is another savory strain from well-known Michigan breeder Thug Pug who’s also responsible for the Meat Breath used in its creation. Even the smaller buds on this strain come out with a thick armored-looking surface that shows off flecks of purple and army green. While looking at the lineage you’d expect something super pungent and corpse flower-esque, the aroma on this more of a rich savory feeling with an exhale that’s almost peppery. —Matt Jackson

Acapulco Gold

Jonny Chronic, Canada

A horizontal photo of a light green cannabis bud with orange pistils. Acapulco Gold. Sativa. (Courtesy of Jonny Chronic)
Acapulco Gold. Sativa. (Courtesy of Jonny Chronic)

If you’re in search of real treasure, skip the pub and follow the rainbow to a pot of Acapulco

Gold. Originating from Central America, this legendary landrace strain has a classic flavorprofile: it’s fresh and floral with skunky base notes of dark molasses. Practically dripping in trichomes, these glittering nuggets from Johnny Chronic are worth their weight in gold! Grown in small batches, slow-cured for maximum flavor and hand-trimmed to perfection, finding this sativa is only for the luckiest leprechauns. Who needs a pot of gold when you can find this stash at the end of the rainbow? —Amanda Breeze

Crumbled Lime

3Saints, Canada

A spherical purple and icy nug with red hairs of 3 Saints Crumbled Lime. (Courtesy of 3Saints)
3 Saints Crumbled Lime. (Courtesy of 3Saints)

Wearing green is supposed to bring good luck on St. Patty’s Day, but why settle for wearing it

when you can get four-leaf clovered with Crumbled Lime! A cross of Citron CKS and Biker Kush, these dense emerald buds are sun-grown, rain-watered, and expertly cured. Crack open a jar and experience the unbelievably bold punch of sour Tanaka lime with a blast of tropical guava fruit. This ain’t your granny’s lucky clover! High potency and maximum flavor, this sweet sativa from 3Saints is louder than a green beer-fueled frat party. So ditch the green hat! Crumbled Lime is the only luck you need. —Amanda Breeze

Koala Crack

Fig Farms, CA

A macro shot of trichomes sleeted over purple leaf. Koala Crack up close. (Lindsay MaHarry for Leafly)
Koala Crack up close. (Lindsay MaHarry for Leafly)

Koala Crack is a buzzy new sativa from Fig Farms named for its eucalyptol-dominant profile and energizing effects. With a unique sensory experience that combines eucalyptus, candy and spice, and a high that radiates clarity and excitement, this flower is perfect for busy days on the grind.

Grown, bred, and hunted from seed by Fig Farms, Koala Crack is a cross between Moonana Wreck (Banana Fig x Moon Drops) x Zeclair #5 (Cold Heat x Zonuts).

Like all flower grown by the Bay-area indoor legends, this one is other-worldly. With light green nugs, long hairs, and a bud structure with the complexity of an Escher painting, it’s so sugar-dusted with trichomes that the nugs read silver.

In addition to the minty fresh euphoria of the eucalyptol, Koala Crack is high in terpinolene from the Moonana Wreck parent, another one of my favorite Fig Farm flowers. The combination leaves you with an energetic disposition and a quiet mind, perfect for getting it done and having fun while doing it. —Lindsay MaHarry

Sour Diesel

Sol Spirit Farm, CA

Sour Diesel by Sol Spirit Farm, an award-winning regenerative farm/glamping operation in Trinity County, is a hard-hitting rendition of a beloved classic.

A cross between Chemdawg and Super Skunk, Sour Diesel was popularized in NYC throughout the late ’90s and early 2000s for an energizing, euphoric high suited for life in the fast lane. Despite its legendary status, it’s uncommon to see Sour Diesel on the dispensary shelves of today, which tend to be dominated by a handful of dessert strains.

My favorite thing about Sol Spirit’s cut of SD is that it skews on the heavy side, leaving you in a giggly plume of diesel-drenched euphoria. The nugs have a rust green hue and the looser bud structure of a true sativa, covered in visible, sparkling trichomes, with a tidal wave of diesel/pine terps that just about knock you over when you crack open the jar.

This version of SD is perfect for enjoying the vivacious and uplifting high of the famous strain in a more relaxed way, where a silly fun feeling of buoyancy balances out the anxious pitfalls of having too much energy. —Lindsay MaHarry

Rainbow Driver

Woody Nelson, Canada

A vertical elliptical dark green bud of Rainbow Driver. Indica hybrid. (Grace B for Leafly)
Rainbow Driver. Indica hybrid. (Grace B for Leafly)

Bred by Archive Seed Bank and cultivated in the Kootenays, this Sundae Driver x Zkittlez hybrid is a powerhouse. Woody Nelson’s three weeks of curing and hand-trimming results in generous nugs and a true-to-nose flavor, reminiscent of a pack of Citrus Delights cracked open in a gas station. It maintains an impressive, feathery consistency when ground, with smooth rolling and combustion. The high begins with a potent, cerebral hit before melting into relaxation, without full-on couchlock. This strain is in high demand, so gear up for the next 100-kilo batch to hit BC, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nunavut dispensaries around April 20th. —Grace Broadhead

Onion Ring

Nature’s Chemistry, NV

The latest indica from the renowned Vegas producer, affectionately known as Nature’s Chem by locals, is easily one of the dankest strains anywhere in Sin City. Onion Ring’s booming terp profile boasts an impressive 13.2 mg/g terpinolene, 3.8 mg/g ocimene, and 3.7 mg/g myrcene to complement a solid 24% THC count. Users can smell the powerful garlicky cross of GMO and OG Kush through the sealed jar, and all bets are off once that jar’s open—the aroma is next-level.

Onion Ring by Nature’s Chemistry hits as strong as any indica in the Vegas market and smokes smoother than most. But it’s not necessarily a bedtime strain; the elevated terpinolene levels help provide a high that’s euphoric and introspective, well worth staying awake for. Onion Ring is available in 43 Las Vegas dispensaries, including Planet 13, Nevada Wellness Center, The Source, Beyond Hello, GreenLight, Health For Life, Sahara Wellness, Curaleaf, Jade, and Zen Leaf. —Chris Kudialis

Bellini vape

Rove, NV

Rove's Bellini all-in-one cart. (Chris Kudialis for Leafly)
Rove’s Bellini all-in-one cart. (Chris Kudialis for Leafly)

Hitting Rove’s hybrid Bellini pen is the weed aficionado’s equivalent of sipping on a fruit smoothie: easy, sweet, flavorful with bursts of peach and pineapple. At 89.1% THC and a terp profile spearheaded by caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool, Bellini produces a fast high that slaps after just a couple of draws. But after its initial punch, the indica-dominant high operates comfortably in the background, allowing users to enjoy themselves without feeling overly stoned. Rove’s Bellini pen is available in 47 Vegas dispensaries, including Euphoria Wellness, Reef, Las Vegas ReLeaf, Essence, Jardín, Cookies, NuWu, Pisos, Thrive, and Tree of Life. —Chris Kudialis

Pac-Man

Cookies, New York

From the NYC Culture House’s new Cookies strain drop, this is how you start off a stoner’s paradise. This Pac-Man strain is pure class—a very special strain. As soon as I opened the package, a strong herbal aroma filled the air and the room in a magical way. On my first hit, a powerful, pungent, gassy, spicy, peppery flavor rushed me like I owed the Pac-Man money. Tiny hints of menthol and a zesty lemon flavor followed. The very clean refreshing aftertaste will leave a spicy, peppery taste on your tongue for a few seconds—so beautiful. The high is very relaxing with a nice, heavy feeling on the eyes, which is so wonderful. The body high is strong, with a soothing, spectacular feel, very calming on the body. If you are looking for a good strain to watch a movie, or play a video game, or just vibing with some friends, Pac-Man is it.—LordFigo

Afternoon Delight #44

Rythm, MD

Rythm delivers yet again for enthusiasts looking for a functional midday boost with Afternoon Delight #4. A hybrid of GMO x Trophy Wife (Wedding Cake F2), originally bred as Redneck Wedding by Surfr Seeds, the appearance presents as the bright green spear-shaped buds with golden pistils; a mighty stature caked in resin. For the top shelf of the market, Rythm delivers as expected with a hefty jar for freshness and a flashy label boasting 37.62% THCa and 3.78% terpenes.

As stinky as this sample is upon cracking the jar, the flavor also stains the mouth with chemical funk and herbal Bubba fuel, which come from the primary terpenes limonene, β-caryophyllene, and linalool. The potency is noticeable, and the refined, relaxing, and buzzy effect comes on rapidly and primarily stimulates the head, face, and chest. In a vape, the inhale is smooth and suitable for big rips. In the joint, the smoothness lacks behind a bit, and the flavor has a bit of background noise. Regionally, the DMV is a big fan of soothing “sativa-dominant hybrids” and this sample is fresh and fits the bill perfectly. —Max Blickstein

Zealousy

Strane, MD

If you like big nugs and you can’t lie, Zealousy might be your guy. Strane has been a mainstay for years bringing solid genetics to top shelves all around Maryland, and this is a prime example of why. Zealousy is reported to be from Nasha Genetics, blending Jealousy x Zoap, which very much rides the shoulders of giants, this time in the form of Seed Junky Genetics and Deep East. This hybrid is no joke—providing an immediate onset of “sit-your-butt-down” effect at eye-watering levels of potency, which tracks for the 30.41% THCa boasted on the label.

Another staggering label rating is the 4.14% terpenes, primarily limonene, α and β-pinene, and linalool, which results in a fairly standard “candy” flavor that is most comparable to allspice. This type of flavor and effect profile is more common from cheaper imported traditional market packs, but Strane provides a clean and accessible experience with Zealousy that hits that particular nail on the head. Strane is sure to impress enthusiasts looking for a punchy sweet flavor and this particular example shines as soon as the seal is broken. —Max Blickstein

Northern Fire

Ember Valley, CA

Ember Valley has impressed over the last few years—floating at the top tier of affordable heat right before you start getting into the top shelf above $50. One of the things they are famed for across their stable of strains is the variety of flavors. Their new Northern Fire is probably my second favorite thing I’ve ever seen from them. It’s absolutely soaked in the best terpinolene aroma I’ve found on the recreational market since the Trainwreck that came in 5th in the inaugural Emerald Cup indoor category a few years ago. The hash is the same level of special. I haven’t seen anyone washing this flavor and it’s worth investigating if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a jar. —Jimi Devine

Zeclair Breeding project

Fig Farms, CA

Fig Farms, CAThe back-to-back Emerald Cup winners were looking to spice things up in 2023 and a massive Z breeding project and round of selection proved to do just that. When hunting out a pack of Zeclair seeds the Fig Farms team identified a primo male. It represented the best male Z pollen they had ever worked with and they crossed it to everything. It’s no surprise—the pairings with the last two cup winners, Animal Face and Blue Face, proved to be absolutely heaters. I would argue the dark horse of the bunch is a fantastic Zeclair x OGKB. We’re excited to see which parts of the hunt make it to market. The “sister” to that all-star male is already out there on store shelves. It’s also a hitter, as is par for the course when you’re talking about Fig Farms. —Jimi Devine

And that’s 14 super-solid picks for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond this winter and spring. Make sure to download the Leafly app, and turn on notifications to stay glued into the goodness.



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86% of Californians Support Legal Cannabis Markets

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A recent survey conducted by the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and FM3 Research reveals that a significant majority of Californians, 86%, believe it’s important to purchase cannabis from legal markets. The survey also indicates growing support for Proposition 64 and highlights the need for consumer education on legal cannabis procurement.

California, a pioneer in legalizing medical cannabis in 1996 and later adult-use cannabis in 2016, has developed into the world’s largest cannabis market. The DCC’s Real California Cannabis Campaign, aimed at guiding consumers to licensed dispensaries, commissioned FM3 Research to survey over 1,000 California adults to gauge their attitudes towards the state’s cannabis market. Key findings include:

  • 62% view Proposition 64 positively, suggesting increased support for cannabis reform.
  • 86% of respondents stress the importance of buying cannabis from legal sources.
  • 72% feel consumers should ensure they’re purchasing from licensed retailers.
  • Despite the legal market’s size, illegal sales remain prevalent, with two-thirds of cannabis sales in 2022 coming from the illicit market.
  • The California Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) reported significant seizures in 2023, including over $312 million in illegal cannabis and 119 firearms, showcasing efforts to combat illegal operations.
  • The survey uncovered education gaps, with 85% of respondents in areas where retail cannabis is banned either misinformed or unaware of local cannabis laws.
  • Opinions on identifying licensed retailers were divided, with 44% finding it easy and 42% finding it challenging.

Why It Matters: This survey underscores the growing acceptance of legal cannabis markets among Californians and the critical role of consumer education in supporting legal operations. It highlights the ongoing battle against illicit sales and the importance of regulatory efforts to ensure a safe, legal cannabis market.

Potential Implications: The findings could influence future cannabis policies in California, emphasizing the need for public education campaigns and stricter enforcement against illegal operations. It also suggests a potential shift in consumer behavior towards supporting legal cannabis sources, which could further legitimize and stabilize the legal market.

Source: High Times



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THC scores coming back down to reality in California in 2024

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California’s millions of weed smokers should see test scores come down a noticeable amount this year. But fear not—the weed remains as strong as ever. 

State officials have begun reigning in the pernicious practice of “THC score inflation” in 2024 all across the state. In January, the Department of Cannabis Control started enforcing new rules that make all labs test the same way. So no more suspect “40% THC” scores on flowers, and that’s a good thing. 

You can already start to see the more accurate THC numbers hitting shelves. Instead of a “35% THC” or “30% THC” on a jar, you might see “25% THC” or “20% THC.” Since the turn of the year, there has been a noticeable dip at the retail level. Most of the stuff that still has crazy numbers is the leftovers from the tail end of 2023. 

State inspectors are visiting labs, and about two dozen labs follow the new standard. The others need to shape up, the DCC told Leafly.

At least for now, the numbers are coming back down to reality.

Josh Wurzer, Founder, SC Labs

“There are currently 23 labs that can test for flower and non-infused flower products. The Department continues to actively review verification reports for labs that want to come into compliance to be able to test for flower and flower products,” The DCC told Leafly in a statement, “Laboratories that test flower and have not had their verification report reviewed by the Department will be considered non-compliant and may be subject to disciplinary actions.”

One of California’s oldest labs, SC Labs, is approved to keep testing. SC Labs’ President and Cofounder Josh Wurzer once bristled at the new rules, but now sees their upside: less malarkey in the market.

“When DCC announced this method, I was initially against it just because I still see a million ways that a lab was looking to inflate THC could still inflate values even using the DCC method,” Wurzer told Leafly. “But, you know, just from what we’ve experienced since the first of the year, it seems like maybe at least for now, the numbers are coming back down to reality.”

Potency inflation had gotten out of hand

label, cannabis
(H_Ko/AdobeStock)

False information on legal cannabis labels undermines the voters’ intent for legalization. People want purity and accurate potency scores—not games. But games is what Californians got when legal sales began in 2018.

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Growers regularly reported a THC arms race as competitors “lab shopped” for the highest scores to stick on bags.

SC Labs’ team has heard about a lot of that happening in recent years. It started with a few people skewing high and a couple of labs doing it, and everyone was whining about it. 

“And then over the last year, it’s just gotten to a point where it’s just, straight up, I hear stories about salespeople at some of the labs that will just be like, ‘Hey, what numbers do you need on these?’ And it’s hitting that number,” Wurzer said. 

If we can’t trust, the basic number that we’re looking at, the concentration of THC, that’s one of the major selling points of getting a consumer to enter the regulated market.

Josh Wurzer, Founder, SC Labs

SC Labs alleges bad labs giving out fake high scores drove some honest labs out of business in California. Consumers had to see a score above 25 or 30% THC or they weren’t buying it.

“It’s gotten to the point where only a handful labs that aren’t doing this stuff are around,” Wurzer said.

Related

How to order weed delivery online with Leafly

How California cleaned up its labs

The effort to clean up California’s cannabis testing goes back to 2021.

The Office of Administrative Law approved the Department of Cannabis Control’s regulations standardizing cannabinoid testing methodology in July 2023. That includes the same testing method for all licensed testing laboratories in California.

The rules cover everything from the size of the bottle of solvent labs use to really basic language changes like “have to” to “shall.”

Sample prep is more precise

The biggest difference is it’s much more specific in the way labs do the sample prep. 

“They’re very prescriptive on the sample weight, so they make us weigh out exactly .2000 grams, and we’re like okay, well, what’s the plus or minus on that? Obviously, you can’t lay out every time exactly point .200 grams. Do you know how long it’s going to take to pick a little grain of bud off of there to get back to three zeros? And they’re like, ‘No, no, that’s what it says,’” Wurzer said.

In addition to the challenge of getting those perfect sample sizes quickly, the extraction process can force you to do extra testing. Wurzer said the method makes it hard to measure the whole range of minor cannabinoids that are there less than 1% and then the ones that are there in high concentrations all in one pass. 

“Just because of some of the different volumes and dilution factors they picked, so it’s just kind of some nitpicky things,” Wurzer said.

For example, the issue with measuring minor cannabinoids has impacted growers and sellers of specialty strains high in THC-V in January and February.

Double the testing time

Wurzer says between the supplies rules and the labor time they are spending almost twice as much per sample. He’s talked to other labs and they are saying it’s about the same for them too. 

We asked Wurzer if it felt kind of wild to watch the state double the base costs for him to do business. He was hopeful the results will be worth it.

“If it manages to rein in the potency issue, which I see is like sort of existential to California cannabis things that sort of delegitimizes all the quality control testing we’re doing,” Wurzer said, “If we can’t trust, the basic number that we’re looking at, the concentration of THC, that’s one of the major selling points of getting a consumer to enter the regulated market.”

So if the goal is reigning in THC inflation, Wurzer doesn’t mind the increased costs.

Enforcement also ramping up

After the rules came out in summer 2023, there was a lot of mystery as to how heavy-handed the enforcement would be on this major transition for the industry.

The regulations went into effect in October and then became mandatory to be compliant on New Year’s Day. 

Wurzer said there weren’t any insurmountable hoops or hurdles. It was his understanding a lot of people just weren’t taking it seriously, “they thought it wasn’t gonna happen or weren’t paying attention.”

The new wave of 24 compliant labs in 2024 had already been following the new rules.

Wurzer says the methodology alone won’t stop THC score inflation, but the flashes of enforcement we’re starting to see from the state will help the cause. The tricks some labs use include things like weighing extra material to give people the results that they want. Labs can also purely falsify results, but the inspectors are at least watching now.

Recalls also show the system working

A California Department of Cannabis Control recall image from January. (Via X)

Wurzer also pointed to the recent recalls of products by the DCC as further evidence of heavier compliance. In California, a recall is called an embargo. Wurzer thinks it seems like they’re potentially kind of cracking down on some of those kinds of things shady operations would do a lot. Wurzer believes there are a bunch of factors in play, but the biggest one is that that new methodology moving forward.

Next up: Cheaper and faster lab accuracy

The rules can be further refined as well down the road. Wurzer says there’s a faster, cheaper way to test accurately, but he’ll accept the new regime.

“I think people can still cheat, but so far, it seems to be having some effect and so I’m not going to complain about it right now,” Wurzer said.

Expect more labs to come back online for the California cannabis industry in the weeks and months ahead. 



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