SB 1494 Summary

• Requires nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries to test products for microbial contamination, heavy metals, pesticides, and potency beginning November 1, 2020, with results provided to patients on request.

• Establishes independent third-party laboratories certified by the department to conduct marijuana testing, with agents required to meet age and criminal background requirements.

• Creates a medical marijuana testing advisory council with representatives from dispensaries, laboratories, patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to recommend testing standards and procedures through July 1, 2027.

• Prioritizes new dispensary registration certificates for geographic areas that lost a dispensary or are at least 25 miles from existing dispensaries, with new dispensaries required to open within 18 months of approval.

• Extends registry identification card and registration certificate validity periods from one year to two years.