CaCOA Sponsors AB 1027 to Strengthen Cannabis Testing Standards and Consumer Protection

The California Cannabis Operators Association (CaCOA) testified in strong support of AB 1027 (Sharp-Collins) during Tuesday's Assembly Business & Professions Committee hearing on April 29, 2025,, highlighting the critical need to strengthen oversight of cannabis testing laboratories to protect consumers and support legitimate businesses.

Amy O'Gorman Jenkins, representing CaCOA, outlined how the organization is "proud to sponsor AB 1027 by Assemblymember Sharp-Collins, a measured and thoughtful bill that strengthens oversight of cannabis testing to improve transparency, support enforcement consistency, and reinforce consumer confidence in California's cannabis market."

• Read Jenkins' testimony

Jenkins cited concerning findings that demonstrate the need for this legislation:

"A 2024 Los Angeles Times investigation revealed that more than half of sampled products—drawn from a small number of brands—exceeded acceptable pesticide levels when tested independently," Jenkins testified. "Separately, a study conducted by two licensed testing laboratories found that 87% of 150 randomly tested products displayed THC levels that didn't match their labeling."

While acknowledging these discrepancies aren't "necessarily a health threat in every instance," Jenkins emphasized that "these findings highlight the need for better safeguards to ensure accurate, reliable product information."

The bill takes what Jenkins described as "a comprehensive approach" by implementing several key provisions:

• "Requiring blind proficiency testing for laboratories and granting the Department of Cannabis Control explicit authority to retest products and review lab practices for scientific integrity"

• "Authorizing off-the-shelf testing and random quality assurance reviews at licensed distributors, microbusinesses, and retailers"

• "Streamlining the embargo process for misbranded or adulterated products"

• "Requiring retailers to provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) to consumers upon request"

• "Mandating that all testing results be properly recorded in the state's track-and-trace system"

Jenkins emphasized that these provisions are "straightforward, enforceable, and fiscally neutral " and that their impact will be "meaningful" for the industry and consumers.

"They support public health, promote transparency, and protect compliant operators from being undercut by bad actors who may be cutting corners or manipulating test results," Jenkins stated.

In her closing remarks, Jenkins called AB 1027 "a timely and necessary step forward" and thanked Assemblymember Sharp-Collins for her leadership.

CaCOA represents more than 300 licensed cannabis businesses across California's supply chain, serving over half the state's population. The organization remains committed to ensuring a regulated cannabis marketplace that prioritizes public health, consumer safety, and fair competition.