Quality Control & Safety: What to Look for in Medical Marijuana Products

Ryan Manser
3 days ago
5 min read

Navigating the world of medical marijuana can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re focused on safety and quality. With so many products on the market — edibles, tinctures, topicals, vape cartridges, and flower — it’s important to know what to look for to ensure you’re using safe, effective, and legally compliant cannabis.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

How medical marijuana is tested for quality and safety
What dispensary labels mean and how to read them
Tips for choosing products safely in Michigan, Ohio, and Oklahoma
Key questions to ask your healthcare provider or dispensary

Why Quality Control Matters

Cannabis products can vary widely in potency, cannabinoid ratios, and ingredient safety. Without proper testing, products might contain:

Unlabeled THC or CBD levels, which could result in too much or too little of an active compound
Contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, or mold
Inaccurate dosage information, especially in edibles or concentrates

By focusing on products that have passed lab testing and come from reputable dispensaries, you reduce the risk of unwanted side effects and improve your chances of achieving consistent results. Safe products also ensure that you remain compliant with state regulations, protecting both your health and your legal standing.

Understanding Lab Testing in Medical Cannabis

Lab testing is a key component of quality control in the medical cannabis industry. Licensed dispensaries in Michigan, Ohio, and Oklahoma are required to test their products for:

Cannabinoid potency — confirms how much THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids are present
Contaminants — checks for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contamination
Terpene profiles — optional, but can help you understand effects, flavor, and potential therapeutic benefits

When browsing products, look for lab results either printed on the packaging or available online through the dispensary. These results should match the labeled potency and indicate that the product has been screened for safety. Products that do not provide lab testing information should be avoided, as their safety and potency cannot be verified.

How to Read Dispensary Labels

Dispensary labels can feel confusing at first, but understanding the key elements will help you make safer choices:

Cannabinoid content
- Look for THC and CBD levels (often listed as a percentage for flower or mg for edibles)
- Understand the ratio — for example, a 1:1 ratio means equal parts THC and CBD
Batch number and testing info
- Legitimate products will include a batch number and lab information
- This allows you to verify the product was tested and meets safety standards
Ingredients
- Check for additives or flavorings in edibles, tinctures, and vape cartridges
- Avoid products with unknown ingredients, artificial chemicals, or synthetic cannabinoids if possible
Usage instructions
- Follow recommended doses
- Note onset times — smoking and vaping work faster, while edibles take longer
Storage and expiration dates
- Safe products will include recommended storage conditions
- Pay attention to expiration dates to ensure potency and safety

Tips for Choosing Safe Medical Marijuana Products

1. Buy from Licensed Dispensaries Only

In Michigan, Ohio, and Oklahoma, licensed dispensaries are required to follow strict quality control and testing standards. Buying from unregulated sources increases the risk of contamination, inaccurate labeling, and unsafe dosing. Licensed dispensaries also provide guidance on products, strains, and dosing, helping patients make informed choices.

2. Check for Lab Certificates

Reputable dispensaries provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for every product. These reports show lab-tested cannabinoid levels and confirm the absence of harmful contaminants. A COA is your assurance that the product is tested for safety, potency, and quality.

3. Start Low and Go Slow

Even with lab-tested products, individual responses vary. Begin with the lowest recommended dose and gradually adjust as needed. This approach helps reduce side effects and ensures a safer experience, particularly for patients new to cannabis or those sensitive to THC.

4. Understand Your State’s Regulations

Each state has different rules for medical marijuana:

Michigan: Only licensed products with verified testing are legal for medical use. Patients must have a qualifying condition and a medical marijuana card.
Ohio: Licensed dispensaries follow strict testing standards, and patients must obtain certification from a medical marijuana doctor.
Oklahoma: Doctors have broad discretion to recommend cannabis for various conditions, but licensed products are still required to meet safety standards.

Knowing the law helps you avoid legal issues and ensures the product you choose is safe.

5. Pay Attention to Dosage and Delivery Method

Different delivery methods affect how your body absorbs cannabinoids:

Smoking or vaping: Fast-acting, effects within minutes, but shorter duration
Edibles: Longer-lasting relief, effects take 30–90 minutes
Tinctures and oils: Intermediate onset, easy dose control
Topicals: Targeted relief, no psychoactive effects

Choosing the right delivery method helps optimize safety, convenience, and symptom management.

6. Keep Track of Your Experience

Logging the products you use, the dose, timing, and effects can help you find the most effective options while minimizing side effects. Keeping detailed notes also allows you to communicate clearly with your healthcare provider if adjustments are needed.

7. Ask Questions Before You Buy

Don’t hesitate to ask dispensary staff or your healthcare provider about:

Lab testing results and COAs
Recommended dosing for your condition
Potential interactions with medications
How to store and use products safely

Being proactive ensures you make informed decisions and avoid unsafe products.

FAQs About Safe Medical Marijuana Use

Q: How do I know if a product has been lab-tested?

A: Look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) on the packaging or online. The COA should match the labeled cannabinoid levels and confirm that contaminants are absent.

Q: Are all products labeled “organic” safer?

A: Not necessarily. Organic claims do not replace lab testing. Always check for verified lab results to ensure safety.

Q: Can I use products from recreational dispensaries?

A: Only if your state allows it for medical use. In Michigan, Ohio, and Oklahoma, patients are encouraged to buy from licensed medical dispensaries to ensure consistent testing and potency.

Q: How should I store medical cannabis for safety?

A: Keep products in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Store edibles in childproof containers and away from pets.

Q: What if I’m sensitive to THC or CBD?

A: Start with low doses and choose products with balanced THC:CBD ratios. Full-spectrum products provide more consistent effects, but broad-spectrum or isolates may be better for sensitive patients.

Bottom Line

Safety and quality control should always be top priorities when selecting medical marijuana products. By buying from licensed dispensaries, checking lab results, understanding labels, and following state laws, you can minimize risks and ensure a positive experience.

At drkennabis, we help patients in Michigan, Ohio, and Oklahoma find safe, high-quality medical marijuana products and guide them through selecting the best options for their conditions — all through convenient, same-day telemedicine appointments.

👉 Book your same-day telemedicine appointment today and discover if you qualify for a medical marijuana card.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. Always follow applicable laws, observe product safety guidelines, and consult a licensed medical provider before use.