From
Editor
New Cannabis Testing Protocols
The dog days of summer have indeed arrived, and if July’ s heat and humidity hint at what’ s in store for August, typically the hottest month of the year, we might be in for a very toasty month. It’ s a good month to check out page 16 for this month’ s Budtender’ s“ Hot Picks for Summertime Dog Days.” Then, you need some wellness time, so check out page 26 for some“ End of Summer Fun on a Budget.” And, there’ s plenty more within these pages to keep you entertained away from the heat in cool A / C.
Speaking of Hot Picks and all the new products featured within this issue, have you ever wondered how safe the cannabis products you consume are? Well, you should. Even before the first dispensary opened in October 2020, the flower grown and products manufactured were, and still are, required to undergo strict lab testing before hitting dispensary shelves. Currently, there are 10 state-licensed cannabis testing labs. These labs test every batch of flower and manufactured products for a long list of things, from THC percentages to chemicals to mold, and much more, all before being released for sale. Yes, some batches of flower and other products failed testing and had to be discarded, while the state recalled others for various reasons. However, the state now wants to take consumer safety and testing even further.
In a July news release, the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation( DCR) announced the launch of a cannabis sampling and testing initiative statewide for all marijuana products to ensure product safety, accurate labeling, and consistent testing throughout Missouri’ s regulated cannabis market. The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory will act as the cannabis testing reference laboratory for DCR; however, DCR may also require testing to be completed by licensed cannabis testing facilities.
The news release said,“ States across the nation are taking similar proactive steps to establish reference laboratories to verify private laboratory cannabis testing. Missouri’ s reference laboratory will serve as a critical compliance tool to provide independent verification of test results, strengthen consumer trust and enhance the overall integrity of the Missouri cannabis market.
“ Importantly, the reference laboratory will promote and assist in establishing best testing practices and contribute to developing industrywide standards.”
Amy Moore, director of DCR, said,“ This reference lab will be a pivotal step forward in the evolution of reliable, science-based cannabis testing protocols. We are grateful for all the expertise and collaboration from many state and national partners, especially from the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory, that helped launch this initiative for Missouri.”
Sample collection will be conducted by DCR staff during unannounced inspections or investigations, mainly of licensed cultivation and manufacturing facilities. Unless licensees are otherwise notified, sampled marijuana products may continue through the stream of commerce as allowed by rule.
It’ s reassuring to know that the products sold at dispensaries are lab-tested, and now, apparently more than once, assuring consumers that purchased products are safe.
Enjoy the dog days and stay cool! 6 August 2025
From
The
Editor
Bill Cromwell, Editor-in-Chief
New Cannabis Testing Protocols
Missouri’ s First Educational Medical Cannabis Magazine Published Monthly by Native Kansas City, MO, Advocates, Publishers and Writers. A True Missouri Born Grassroots Effort to Educate and Inform Patients, and to Provide Businesses within The Missouri Cannabis Industry an Economical Forum to Share Their Story. We hope you join and enjoy“ The EVOLUTION.” Since 2019
PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Bill Cromwell News, Articles, Advertisement, & Requests Should Email to: Bill. C @ TheEvolutionMag. com Corporate Office 816.886.9017 Kansas City, MO Mail to: P. O. Box 485, Grain Valley, MO 64029
MANAGING EDITOR, VP OF OPERATIONS: Victoria Cromwell Subscription inquiries / updates to: Victoria. c @ theevolutionmag. com DIRECTOR MARKETING and EDITORIAL DEVELOPMENT: Clayton Stallings CREATIVE DESIGNER, GRAPHIC ARTS and EDITORIAL: Bill Cromwell
PHOTOGRAPHY by: Clayton Stallings, Chris Smith, and Guests photographers
Our Team of Dedicated Cannabis Industry Writers
● Gerry Donovan— Home Growers Corner
● Dolores Halbin, RN— Patient Advocate and Awareness
● Peter Kershaw— Health and Wellness Columnist
● Tim Lawrence ― Product Profiles of The Month
● Leah Maurer— Cannabis Knowledge, Ask Leah Columnist
● Clayton Stallings— Monthly Feature Stories
● Tara Wolf— Wellness Education
● Monthly Guest Writers— Cannabis News & Feature Stories
The EVOLUTION TM Magazine offers a monthly print magazine that is distributed throughout western Missouri, select St. Louis locations, eastern Kansas and the Lake of the Ozarks region. Free printed copies are found at nearly 360 locations including CBD stores, MMJ Dispensaries, Garden and Grow Supply Stores, doctors offices, restaurants, sports bars, resorts, and many other select locations. In addition, the monthly magazine is offered online in an inter-active E-magazine at www. TheEvolutionMag. com.
NOTICE: The publisher / editor reserves the right to reject whatever Advertising or material that does not fit with the vision or intent of this publication. Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher and do not imply endorsement, nor are we responsible for the products or services advertised. The contributing writers, staff or owners of THE EVOLUTION Magazine LLC cannot be held liable for hardship or losses incurred due to any content associated within this publication or websites. Written views, advertisements and information expressed in this publication belong to the writers or advertisers and do not reflect the sentiments or editorial opinion of the publisher or staff. We cannot be held responsible for; views, opinions, changes to scheduling, prices, rates or the occasional typographical errors.
ADVERTISEMENT NOTICE: Advertisers have the right to terminate promotions or special offers / coupons, change rates or fees without notice. All listed guides, rates, fees and information herein are non-binding reference material only. Always check with listed businesses or advertisers for its latest updates, current prices and / or special offers.
FDA Disclaimer: Any statements / claims made within this magazine have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No articles, products or Ads featured within these pages are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent any disease, ailment or disorder. Medical decisions should not be made based on advertisements within these pages. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of particular medical marijuana products. Products mentioned within are only for use by adults age 21 and older. Keep such products out of reach of children. The information within is a sharing of knowledge and information based on the writers research, opinions and / or educated experience only.
© 2019 – 2025 The EVOLUTION TM Magazine. All Rights Proprietary and Conceptual Designs Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication’ s contents is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Publisher or Managing Editor.