Inside Vibe Cultivators' indoor cannabis farm in Sacramento, rows of carefully tagged marijuana plants grow under artificial lights. Each plant carries a state-mandated identifier showing the licensed grower's details - a far cry from the underground operations of the past.
The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) oversees this newly legitimate industry, working to protect consumers in ways the federal government does not. Without FDA oversight, California and other states have had to develop their own safety protocols.
"We're building the plane as we fly it," says Zarha Ruiz of the DCC's environmental compliance and manufacturing division, describing the challenge of regulating a rapidly evolving industry.
The risks are real - cannabis can harbor mold, bacteria, and heavy metals like arsenic. Products may contain incorrect THC levels. In 2019, vape products tainted with vitamin E acetate caused lung injuries nationwide, resulting in 68 deaths.
California's response includes rigorous testing requirements. At facilities like Wyld gummies in Sacramento, products undergo thorough lab analysis before distribution. The state's 27 licensed labs check for hundreds of contaminants and verify THC content.
The system appears to be working. According to Antonio Frazier, who leads the DCC's laboratory division, legal cannabis is substantially cleaner than illicit products, which can contain dangerous pesticide levels or even fentanyl.
Still, challenges remain. A 2022 study found wide variation in testing requirements between states. While collectively they screen for over 600 contaminants, individual states typically test for only 60-120.
California saw 63 recalls in 2024, affecting 25,000 units due to contamination or labeling issues. The state continues refining its approach, especially for edibles, which have been linked to increasing emergency room visits.
For growers like Brian Prichard at Vibe Cultivators, the regulations provide welcome structure. "The only people complaining are those doing things wrong," he notes. While regulated cannabis costs more than illegal alternatives, the safety measures help protect consumers in this expanding market.