AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) – Public testimony on nine bills related to the cannabis industry was held Monday in Augusta. Two would require testing for medical-use cannabis.

“What it really comes down to is the fact that out of the more than 30 states with medical cannabis programs, Maine is the only one that does not require testing for contaminants like this,” commented Associate Director of the Maine Public Health Association Matt Wellington.

The two proposals would require cannabis that’s used medically to be tested for harmful contaminants such as pesticides and mold.

“These contaminants are clear dangers and if you are going to call a product a medicine, and you are going to call yourself a caregiver and you are going to call the people that you serve patients, then you have to have some understanding that the products that you sell them are safe for them,” added Maine Physician Patty Hymanson.

Currently, in Maine, adult-use cannabis is required to undergo testing.

Supporters say that those using cannabis medically should know what they are putting in their bodies is safe.

“If you are marketing something as medicinal and people are relying on it to manage health conditions, at the very least you have to test it and make sure that it’s not contaminated with harmful substances,” responded Wellington.

Opponents argue that this is an expense that would hurt small Maine businesses.

“While these might seem like common-sense safeguards, they present major operational and financial challenges to small local caregiver businesses. Most of whom are working out of their family farms, homesteads or small storefronts with limited staff and budgets,” stated President of the Maine Cannabis Union Association Jennifer Belcher.

Also, adding that the current adult-use testing system is inconsistent.

“Until the system that is used in adult-use is addressed and fixed, nothing should be enforced by medical,” said Owner of Firefly Organics Leo Paquette.

All nine bills heard in the committee on Veteran and Legal Affairs now move to work session to be discussed further.

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