CannaGenie's Dedication to Patient Advocacy

Above All, TRANSPARENCY

Transparency

The nature of the cannabis industry is unregulated and far from uniform. State-by-state markets present unique barriers to comparing product names and brands. Producer marketing strategies focus on catchy names and new genetics. Furthermore, DCP can be selective about the names that are approved. The ever-changing nomenclature of medical names, street names, producer names, and abbreviations makes it nearly impossible to remember the lineages of these names. 

The CT Cultivar Catalog aims to reduce confusion by organizing the tracking of cultivars and product names in the CT market. Many of the lineages found in other dispensaries may need to be corrected due to misinformation from the producer or the internet. The information in this catalog is closely researched, reviewed, and revised upon clarifications. 

Contaminate Testing

All products in CT are tested for contaminants before the state approves. The issue in CT is consistency and uniform testing limits. As of 1/1/22, two testing companies test products in CT, Northeastern Labs and Alta-Sci. The differences between these two labs include:

1. Northeastern Labs tests for over 20 terpenes, while Alta-Sci only tests for 8

   1. Compared to flower samples tested by Northeast Labs, it is clear that other terpenes are in these flowers. This is testing information that affects clinical decisions, and labels should reflect these results across the board.

2. In regards to mold and yeast, Northeast Labs will pass a sample if it is <10^4 CFUs, while Alta-Sci will pass a sample if it is <10^6 CFUs

   1. Per CT Palliative use legislation, labs should follow USP guidelines for these preparations. The issue is that cannabis is not included in current USP editions (although they are in the process of adding it back)

   2. After examining the limits set in other states, we found that some states have limits as low as 10^2, while many are 10^4 CFUs

   3. We have also examined recently approved flower COAs, and it is clear that <10^3 CFUs is achievable since many samples clear this limit.

3. Northeastern Labs will pass any sample less than 10^4 CFUs, but they report results in whole numbers so dispensaries can tell if it is between 10^3 and 10^4 CFUs

4. Alta-Sci has unacceptable sensitivities when it comes to mold and yeast limits. They pass a sample with a sensitivity of <10^6 CFUs. This limit allows samples to pass even though they may actually be exceeding 10^4 CFUs

Conclusion: CT regulations should explicitly state a limit for mold and yeast contaminates; <10^4 CFUs have been identified as safe, and strict medical programs should adhere to <10^3 CFUs as a passing sensitivity. 

Uninterrupted Medical Dosage Forms/Devices

With the changing market, supply and demand of certain products has shifted. The medical program and its healthcare providers carry the expectation of uninterrupted production of medical dosage forms. These expectations fall on producers, and if they do not meet those standards, they shall fall on the Department of Consumer Protection. The state has even seen a shortage of flowers as producers try to meet demand. 

Some of the dosage forms of concern include:

1. Sublingual

   1. Oral Solutions

   2. Drops

   3. Lozenges

2. Tabs/caps

   1. Variety of doses

   2. Extended-release formulations

3. Edibles

   1. Baked goods

   2. Baking Mixes

4. Topicals

"Full Spectrum" of Products

The majority of the market is driven by products formulated with THC, more specifically, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The second most used cannabinoid is CBD or cannabidiol. While these two cannabinoids are the most commonly produced and have significant health benefits, many others offer varying effects. Unfortunately, we rarely see products that are formulated with these cannabinoids in mind. 

Some of the cannabinoids with significant benefits include:

1. THCA

2. CBDA

3. CBGA and CBG

4. CBN

5. ∆8-THC

6. THCV

7. THCP

8. Further research on ∆10-THC, ∆11-THC, THCB, CBCA and CBC

Cost Effective Medicine

The shifting supply and demand has limited supplies of certain products and inflated prices. Many growers are maximizing profit during this period of high demand before other growers become licensed. In effect, they are price gauging medicine, causing medical 3.5g flowers to rise from $30-43 to $40-54.