Cannabis: testing: quality assurance.

Assembly Member Sharp-Collins proposes comprehensive changes to California's cannabis testing and quality assurance framework through legislation that enhances oversight of product safety and standardizes laboratory procedures. The bill modifies how cannabis products are tested, tracked, and monitored throughout the supply chain while expanding the Department of Cannabis Control's regulatory authority.

The legislation requires all cannabis products to undergo laboratory testing or retesting before sale, with expanded conditions under which retesting may occur. Testing laboratories must participate in blind proficiency testing to ensure consistent results across facilities. The bill also mandates that distributors record quality assurance reviews within the state's track and trace system beginning March 2026.

Retailers and distributors must allow the Department to access products for off-the-shelf testing and provide certificates of analysis to customers upon request. The legislation revises embargo procedures by replacing physical product tags with identification notices and requiring licensees to separate embargoed products within one business day.

The Department of Cannabis Control assumes direct responsibility for conducting random quality assurance reviews at distributor, microbusiness, and retailer locations - a role previously handled by compliance monitors. These reviews verify that product labeling, packaging, and testing meet regulatory requirements. The Department may also collect samples for additional testing or order retesting of embargoed products.

The bill maintains existing transportation safety requirements while clarifying that cannabis distribution must be conducted by licensed entities or their employees. Distributors must use electronic shipping manifests and ensure proper documentation throughout the transportation process.