DOH: Medical Marijuana Advisory Board's Recommendation on the Use of Solvent-Based Extraction Methods and Processes on Microbial Contamination and the Secretary of Health's Decision on Effectuation

Medical Marijuana Advisory Board's Recommendation on the Use of Solvent-Based Extraction Methods and Processes on Microbial Contamination and the Secretary of Health's Decision on Effectuation

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, an Academic Clinic Research Center, and its clinical registrant Organic Remedies, Inc. conducted a research initiative regarding the use of solvent-based extraction on microbial contamination of feed materials (marijuana plant) under the Medical Marijuana Act (Act).

During a public meeting held on September 17, 2025, the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board (Board), through adoption of a written report, recommended that the use of solvent-based extraction methods and processes on microbial contamination remain limited to topical form and subject to the provisions of the Act.

The Secretary of Health (Secretary) has discretion to determine whether to implement recommendations of the Board within 12 months of receiving a report adopted at a public meeting. In exercising that discretion, the Secretary considers patient safety within the medical marijuana program to be of paramount importance. Participants in the program have been diagnosed with serious medical conditions, and many are immunocompromised, making them particularly vulnerable to harm from exposure to microbial contaminants. The Secretary has carefully reviewed the Research and the Board's Report and weighed the potential benefits of solvent-based extraction processes against the risks to patient safety.

It is for these reasons that the Secretary agrees with the Board's recommendation and therefore the use of solvent-based extraction methods and processes on microbial contamination remain limited to topical form. The Board's recommendation and the Secretary's decision affirm the existing grower/processor extraction processes listed in the Act.

For more information, please review the September 12, 2026, edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin.