ADHS Failed to Inspect 36 Dispensary Cannabis Kitchens

A new audit of the state’s medical marijuana program revealed that 36 “infusion kitchens” have gone uninspected even though it is required by law for the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to inspect these facilities for food safety compliance because they are licensed as food establishments.

Dispensary infusion kitchens make cannabis-infused foods and drinks (edibles) for the state’s 200,000 medical marijuana patients, Arizona Capital Times reported.

“The Department’s failure to regularly inspect infusion kitchens places qualifying [medical marijuana] patients at risk of purchasing and consuming food products without adequate oversight to prevent foodborne illness,” the auditor noted.

The auditor recommended that the ADHS perform unannounced inspections of the infusion kitchens, as is the case with other Arizona food establishments.