Toxic 'Spice' substitution becomes yet another reason to get smart on drug policy.

Prohibition-based drug testing is turning would-be cannabis consumers into legal “Spice” heads in a growing form of toxic drug substitution in America.

In 2011, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported 6,348 calls about exposure to the drugs in “Spice.” That number has roughly doubled from 2010, indicating the continued explosion in popularity of this new class of over-the-counter designer drugs.

Oakland has heeded the call from citizens and released a Request for Permit Application (RFPA) for four new dispensary licenses. Notably, medical cannabis patients should know that the through the City’s RFPA process, dispensaries are incentivized with application bonus points to create product safety programs. Should an applicant be successful in winning one of the four permits, commitments made in their application proposal will become conditions of their permit.

In a product safety program, an applicant is requested to specify how they intend to provide cannabinoid levels and test for mold and contaminants. Recently, Steep Hill Lab has worked with many of the potential applicants, defining intentions and consulting on the development of plans to ensure that safe, quality cannabis products reach dispensary members.

A Few Models Of Innovative Medical Marijuana Businesses

The company culture at Steep Hill Lab encourages collaboration, and we create a vibrant environment for the incubation of ideas. Most folks know us for our pioneering efforts in medical cannabis analysis for both potency and safety, and, while that is accurate, we devote a great deal of our time to our relationships with our clients who represent dispensaries, growers, producers and patients from all over California. Consequently, at a time when the medical cannabis industry is booming, we have the honor to work with some of the most well-intentioned, socially-responsible cannabis businesses out there.

While it is impossible to call out all of the commendable medical cannabis businesses out there, this month, I’d like to acknowledge and appreciate the work of at least some of these businesses. Perhaps that will inspire you to seek comparable businesses out and thank these heroes for taking the high road.