Health Canada to start spot-checking medically licensed marijuana after illegal pesticides found

After unauthorized pest control products were recently found in its supply chain, Health Canada will begin conducting random testing of cannabis products made by licensed producers.

Under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), licensed producers are permitted to use only the 13 pest control products that are currently approved for use on cannabis under the Pest Control Products Act

In a statement, Health Canada said the idea is to “provide added assurance to Canadians that they are receiving safe, quality-controlled product. Health Canada will test these products to ensure that only registered pest control products are used during the production of cannabis for medical purposes.”

When any health and safety issue is found with a medical cannabis product, the first priority for Health Canada and the licensed producer is to protect the health and safety of clients by ensuring that they are informed and that the affected product is recalled. Following a recall, an investigation is carried out, and corrective actions are taken.

“Health Canada remains committed to working closely with the 38 licensed producers to ensure that Canadians can have full confidence in their source of safe, quality-controlled cannabis for medical purposes,” the agency said.