CHICAGO - Another important element is falling into place for Illinoisans to begin using medical marijuana: A University of Illinois at Chicago lab has obtained state approval to do safety and potency testing.
A second approved lab has lost its funding because of the program's low patient count. But UIC lab director Karl Larsen says it is ready to start the marijuana tests. The lab until now has focused on testing racehorses.
Larsen says the lab has the equipment and employees to do the five tests that the state requires. UIC will test marijuana for harmful microbes, poisons from fungus, pesticides and solvents. It will test its potency too.
Meanwhile, David So of ICR Labs says he's lost his financial backing and is worried about his company's future.
