Inconsistent Cannabis Moisture Standards Sparked Quality Concerns
New research suggests that varying drying practices may increase mold risks for consumers across the U.S.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Organic Food
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Should states mandate standardized moisture levels for cannabis products to ensure safety and quality?
A new analysis of 145,000 cannabis samples across 10 states found that current drying practices frequently result in moisture levels below industry safety standards. This inconsistency may contribute to health risks and quality issues for consumers.
Why it matters
Improper drying creates significant safety concerns, as evidenced by high rates of mold and yeast contamination in state-level health advisories. Adopting uniform standards could improve both product safety and the reliability of cannabis quality.
The analysis evaluated 145,000 independent laboratory samples across 10 states against the ASTM International D8197 water activity benchmark. Results showed that most samples fell below the recommended 0.55-0.65 range, with over-drying noted as a key driver of both quality loss and potential safety issues.
The players
ATACH
The American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp is an industry group focused on developing professional standards.
FTI Consulting
A global business advisory firm that provides data-driven research and analysis for industries.
ASTM International
An international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials.
The details
The report highlights that cannabis flower loses 18 grams of weight per pound when dried below the optimal water activity threshold of 0.55. When products are dried too aggressively, they can become prone to specific storage environments that fail to prevent microbial growth. This inconsistency has been linked to significant safety recalls, including 67% of California cannabis recalls between September 2024 and December 2025 citing Aspergillus, a common mold.
Timeline
2019-2025: Period for Colorado health and safety advisories.
September 2024 - December 2025: Period for California cannabis recall data.
September 30, 2026: Public webinar presenting the findings.
October 1, 2026: Report publication.
Health Landscape
The cannabis industry is currently shifting toward professionalized quality control standards similar to those found in conventional agriculture. This analysis advocates for adopting ASTM D8197, a protocol recognized in NIST Handbook 130, to replace fragmented state regulations.
If you notice changes in the quality or appearance of your cannabis products, discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider or local dispensary staff. Monitoring for signs of mold remains a standard safety precaution when using natural, unprocessed plant products.
The takeaway
Product consistency is essential for safety, and over-drying may inadvertently mask or create issues that affect the purity of your products. Always visually inspect materials for signs of mold or yeast growth, and consult with your physician if you have concerns about the safety of any product.
Further reading
For broader context on consumer product quality and safety, visit Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cannabis Business Times.
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Should states mandate standardized moisture levels for cannabis products to ensure safety and quality?
