Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) Program Safety

The Wadsworth Center Medical Marijuana Laboratory tests approved cannabis products within New York State for regulatory label claim of cannabinoid potency and monitors for the presence of contamination and unapproved ingredients.  The laboratory also assists in the investigation of adverse events, complaints, and claims of product contamination or adulteration.  Instrumentation and staff within the laboratory have the ability to find fungal mycotoxins, pesticides, new psychoactive substances, and contaminants of concern.  Expert staff within the laboratory also provide technical consultation to the Office of Cannabis Management.

Analysis of products associated with E-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) illness cases continues to be a focus of the laboratory.  The EVALI illness outbreak began in mid-2019 and is believed to be related to the presence of one or more additives used in underground cannabis vape manufacturing.  Although a single formal cause has not been established, the laboratory continues to monitor vape fluids associated with illness for the presence of new and potentially harmful additives.

DLQC Toxicology

The Division of Laboratory Quality Certification is the division of the Wadsworth Center that carries out regulatory functions including the oversight of commercial clinical and forensic toxicology laboratories permitted under the Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP).  These important clinical laboratories identify substances involved in overdoses, monitor patient compliance with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) or pain management programs, and perform workplace drug testing.  The review of “Laboratory Developed Test” methods (LDTs), on-site laboratory inspections, and technical assistance with the investigation of complaints are some ways that I assist the Clinical and Forensic Toxicology programs.