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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Storm brings plenty of rain and a little snow ... Household items would help man become independent ... 'He,' 'she' or 'they'? Gender variations cause language quandaries ... Storm brings plenty of rain and a little snow ... Household items would help man become independent ... 'He,' 'she' or 'they'? Gender variations cause language quandaries ... OREGON Scientists push for pot-pesticide testing before new Oregon rules They want it done before new rules take effect Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Dec. 1, 2015 at 4:59 PM By The Associated Press Posted Dec. 1, 2015 at 4:59 PM » Social News PORTLAND — Though marijuana products sold in Oregon will have to undergo testing for pesticides beginning this spring, some scientists are pushing for testing in the interim. Until the new rules take effect, the state plans to allow the marijuana industry to continue to operate as it does now. In June, tougher regulations will require marijuana to be tested for nearly 60 pesticides, The Oregonian reports. The Oregon Health Authority has signaled it is willing to consider tightening current regulations. Scientist Mowgli Holmes, who owns Phylos Bioscience, spoke to the authority on Monday asking that they increase the number of chemicals marijuana is currently tested for from four to 10 or 12. "The problem is these pesticide testing rules don't make any sense and can't be followed," Holmes said. "Stuff is going onto the shelves and it looks like they have been testing for pesticides and it hasn't been tested for pesticides." Health authority encouraged Holmes to submit his proposed changes to the state for review. Officials are in the process of drafting rules for medical marijuana dispensaries, grow sites, labeling and testing, among other things. The June rule requiring marijuana products to be tested is a radical shift in how the state is dealing with the pot industry. Labs that perform tests will have to be accredited by the state, a rigorous process designed to ensure they are using appropriate equipment and methods. Holmes said because the new rules don't take effect for so long, pesticide-laced products are entering the medical marijuana market. "We would really like to see some intermediate step that gets pesticides out of the system," he said. Rodger Voelker, a chemist at OG Analytical, a Eugene-based marijuana testing lab, said he understands the push for tougher standards now, but that accreditation is a time-consuming process. He said without accredited labs, tougher rules won't mean anything. Still, he says it is concerning that the system is just going to idle until June. "It really bothers me that this whole thing is just going to continue as it is," he said. "We have seen no changes." By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Dec. 1, 2015 at 4:59 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501