Ten years ago, medical marijuana was legal in only half of U.S. states, and recreational use was outlawed in most of the country. Today, although marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, most states have legalized some use of the drug, setting off a green rush that is predicted to bring in at least $45 billion in revenue this year.
But in the absence of regulations or guidance from the federal government, states are struggling to oversee the flood of new businesses and products.
Through whistleblower reports, insider interviews, and analysis of state testing data obtained through open records requests, Undark documents how some producers are seeking out lenient labs to inflate THC levels and green light products contaminated with unsafe levels of pesticides, mold, and heavy metals.
Undark’s deep dive into cannabis corruption uncovers how people across the country—including activists as well as some producers and lab managers—are pushing for reforms that they say will reduce the incentives and opportunities to cheat.
The investigation also highlights how, after years of playing catch-up, regulators in states including Oklahoma and Oregon are finally developing the scientific infrastructure necessary to keep better tabs on product quality.
