Cheap inaccurate scales being used in dispensaries

[cornbread]

I find this hard to believe but I just came from a dispensary that's using a cheap flat 3 inch square digital scale. This resulted in "grams" that were incredibly small and short on weight. I recognized the "not for commercial use" scale from a large national tools company. I shall never go back to those crooks...but where to report this fraud?

[moogloo]

I've seen an inspector at the farmers market checking all the scales, not sure what agency it is or if they can go to the Center's or not.

[ThaiBuddhaMan]

Not positive but I would think the Office of Weights & Measures

State of Colorado - Office of Economic Development and International Trade (http://www.colorado.gov/oed/industry-license/350IndDetail.html)

Agriculture-Colorado:Weights & Measures (http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1178305850625)

[budlover13]

Weights and measures are the ones to talk to. They not only certify scales for resale but do gas pumps, etc.

[denverbear]

so which mmc is using the cheap scales....inquiring minds NEED to know

[TheReleafCenter]

Definitely W&M, all scales in MMC's should be NTEP certified. We use a double sided scale so you can see as we weigh, up to the thousandth of a gram.

[ThaiBuddhaMan]

Weights and measures are the ones to talk to. They not only certify scales for resale but do gas pumps, etc.

Not that it really matters to this thread but gas pumps are inspected by the Oil and Public Safety Division of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

[StoneMeadow]

I find this hard to believe but I just came from a dispensary that's using a cheap flat 3 inch square digital scale. This resulted in "grams" that were incredibly small and short on weight. I recognized the "not for commercial use" scale from a large national tools company. I shall never go back to those crooks...but where to report this fraud?

Not to appear obtuse, but why didn't you challenge them on the scales, particularly if the amount measured out looked too small? For anybody who's interested, the US Postal Service sells certified-for-mail scales (https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10052&productId=10001609&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10000002&top_category=10000002&categoryId=10000022&top=&currentPage=0&sort=&viewAll=N&rn=CategoriesDisplay&WT.ac=10001609) very affordably. You can use these to verify what you've bought, as well as to weigh out product for patients (be sure to double check your State's laws).

[FlyinPolynesian]

I've gotten sacks that ranged from a .5 gram short to 1.70 short, from Highland Health, Kushism and CAM. I let them know and they basically told me I was making it up and was trying to scam them. To say the least i'll never go back!!

I got a shorted about .60 of a gram for the Releaf center about a year ago, BUT I never brought it to their attention because I was balls deep in finals for fall semester and it just passed my mind as time passed!! and i've been back because the Releaf guys are knowledgeable and sincere, also it seemed to be an honest mistake!

[HarvestHouse]

boy let that one bag be a hundredth off and the shit flies but never a thanks for every bag that weighs over......

[StoneMeadow]

boy let that one bag be a hundredth off and the shit flies but never a thanks for every bag that weighs over......

You pay for a gram; you deserve a gram. No excuses. If the seller wants to make the gram fat, that's his prerogative and makes for happy customers, but let's not equate the two.

[cornbread]

Why didn't I call them on it? I was buying 2 grams and they included a free gram for my first visit when I recognized the "not for commercial use" scale. Now I can't find the scale anywhere. Not only that, the state W & M requires me to fill out a huge form with name, address, phone, email, nature of complaint, their address, their phone, etc. etc. I'm not so sure I want to get that involved...especially when I can't find the "not for commercial use" scale anymore.

[gypski]

Scientific scales can be had for less then $150 for one that will weigh a lb or better, and less then $100 for ones that will weigh 200 grams. I know, I have one, the less then $100 ones. And you can get a calibrating weight. both battery and power cord operated. If you're selling, get one or you're a cheap bastard. Google 'em. :thumbsup:

edit: I use mine to weigh archaeological artifacts primarily, and other things as needed. I do not sell cannabis (until its legal). :cool:

[TheReleafCenter]

I've gotten sacks that ranged from a .5 gram short to 1.70 short, from Highland Health, Kushism and CAM. I let them know and they basically told me I was making it up and was trying to scam them. To say the least i'll never go back!!

I got a shorted about .60 of a gram for the Releaf center about a year ago, BUT I never brought it to their attention because I was balls deep in finals for fall semester and it just passed my mind as time passed!! and i've been back because the Releaf guys are knowledgeable and sincere, also it seemed to be an honest mistake!

Sorry about that! I'd almost guarantee that was user error and not the scales fault, unless this was when we FIRST opened, and then it might have been a calibration error. We keep a 100g weight behind the counter for any patient to check us with, and the most I've seen it off by is .04. Problem with nice scales is they can be a bit touchy.

Anyway, it's no excuse and I hope you feel like you can come to us whenever there are quality issues or discrepancies. Thanks for coming back. :thumbsup:

[JeepGuyCO]

I've gotten sacks that ranged from a .5 gram short to 1.70 short, from Highland Health, Kushism and CAM. I let them know and they basically told me I was making it up and was trying to scam them. To say the least i'll never go back!!

I got a shorted about .60 of a gram for the Releaf center about a year ago, BUT I never brought it to their attention because I was balls deep in finals for fall semester and it just passed my mind as time passed!! and i've been back because the Releaf guys are knowledgeable and sincere, also it seemed to be an honest mistake!

Any MMC would happily fix a shorted bag if it doesn't appear to be a scam. I could walk into my MMC and demand a refund for nearly anything, and they'd happily oblige based on the thousands I've already spent. I have a feeling you'd receive resistance if you aren't a regular patient, which should be totally understandable.

Is there any reason you've decided to shit on releaf publicly a year later? Posts like this scream of unhappy customers instead of actual legit criticism. Why shit on an MMC if you never notified them? Maybe I'm missing something.

[GratefulMeds]

I find this hard to believe but I just came from a dispensary that's using a cheap flat 3 inch square digital scale. This resulted in "grams" that were incredibly small and short on weight. I recognized the "not for commercial use" scale from a large national tools company. I shall never go back to those crooks...but where to report this fraud?

I believe the days of scales being used that are not rated to trade for legal tender are over, with the new rules coming down the pike. and already with some of the new POS and inventory systems designed for the centers and grows are already using the correct approved scales, back in the day that is why we always weighed heavy to avoid this obvious argument, but it sounds like the guy could have kicked down with a bit more acurate scale despite the rating.:thumbsup:

[ElevateOrganics]

We just spent $900 a piece on 3 department of Ag. approved scales that weigh to the hundredth of a gram. Ouch!!!
L

[TheReleafCenter]

If you can return them, I'd suggest it. NTEP certified scales that way to the hundredth are much cheaper than that online. NTEP is all the department of weights and measures requires.

[ElevateOrganics]

Jake,
Do you know if they are mmjfreeway compatible?

[TheReleafCenter]

I'm 99% sure they are. I believe the freeway just requires they have serial ports, which they do. NTEP cert scales are only around $300 for a really nice, double display model.

[44Minutes]

Why didn't I call them on it? I was buying 2 grams and they included a free gram for my first visit when I recognized the "not for commercial use" scale. Now I can't find the scale anywhere. Not only that, the state W & M requires me to fill out a huge form with name, address, phone, email, nature of complaint, their address, their phone, etc. etc. I'm not so sure I want to get that involved...especially when I can't find the "not for commercial use" scale anymore.

You did the right thing, took your weed and realized you where scammed..Don't Go Back!They will either change the weight or lose more customers?

[puremmj]

If you can return them, I'd suggest it. NTEP certified scales that way to the hundredth are much cheaper than that online. NTEP is all the department of weights and measures requires.


The scale must also meet a TYPE II certification and NTEP.We use a AND Ek-1200i. Nice scale and easy on the budget. Weighs up to 1200g and down to the 0.1g


Frank

[SoCoMMJ]

Shortly after sending the MMC application we received a notice from the ag department that we could only use a "Legal for Trade" Certified scale.

The $300 scale, while nice, weighs exactly the same as our crappy $50 scale. I had checked it with calibration weights before we got the notice and it was dead on.

The new $300 scale is dead on too, but it settles much faster.

In addition to buying the "legal for trade" scale, you also have to apply to the state for a license to operate that scale. They will come and check it once a year so you have to have an approved scale.

[ThaiBuddhaMan]

Shortly after sending the MMC application we received a notice from the ag department that we could only use a "Legal for Trade" Certified scale.

...

In addition to buying the "legal for trade" scale, you also have to apply to the state for a license to operate that scale. They will come and check it once a year so you have to have an approved scale.

I know this is additional expensive, time, and paperwork for the MMCs, but as a consumer I'm glad the State is requiring this.
:thumbsup:

[HighPopalorum]

I know this is additional expensive, time, and paperwork for the MMCs, but as a consumer I'm glad the State is requiring this.
:thumbsup:

Same.

Personally, I can't wait for added safety regulations. I want to know the same things about my pot as I do about my food. I choose not to eat products grown with inorganic pesticides or nutrients. Labeling laws make it possible for me to choose not only local products, but products made without ingredients I do not wish to ingest. The time is coming when every bit of pot sold retail will be as fully inspected and labeled as our produce. I'm looking forward to it - there have been too many stories about shops selling pot with pests, fungus and mold. I shiver to think about what sorts of noxious chemicals these growers are using on their crop and then pouring down the drain. Their days are numbered.

[GratefulMeds]

Same.

Personally, I can't wait for added safety regulations. I want to know the same things about my pot as I do about my food. I choose not to eat products grown with inorganic pesticides or nutrients. Labeling laws make it possible for me to choose not only local products, but products made without ingredients I do not wish to ingest. The time is coming when every bit of pot sold retail will be as fully inspected and labeled as our produce. I'm looking forward to it - there have been too many stories about shops selling pot with pests, fungus and mold. I shiver to think about what sorts of noxious chemicals these growers are using on their crop and then pouring down the drain. Their days are numbered.

I would hope they do a far better job then they do with our produce, meats, poultry and general food safety issues here in the US. The egg recall was epic, also remember the spinach recall, careful what you wish for.:wtf:

[HighPopalorum]

I would hope they do a far better job then they do with our produce, meats, poultry and general food safety issues here in the US. The egg recall was epic, also remember the spinach recall, careful what you wish for.:wtf:


The state will do a pretty good job, I bet. The rest is up to the consumer's own diligence, just like any other product. I also don't share your assessment of food safety in this country, which compares favorably to other places I've lived or visited. I view recalls as evidence of successful safety regulation. No MMC has bothered to recall moldy or pestilential marijuana. (Reading this board indicates that some shops are even refusing to refund patients' money!) It is my fervent prayer that MMJ will be as closely monitored as eggs or spinach, and that the recalls are just as epic, and just as public. Think about it: in this state straw and hay must be certified pest free before it can be fed to horses, but a MMC can knowingly sell a cancer patient medicine crawling with mites and mold. It makes no sense at all!

Let the sunshine in. Inspect everything. Certify everything. Label everything.

[Dorje113]

Let the sunshine in. Inspect everything. Certify everything. Label everything.

I have to agree even though it's going to be a huge pain in the ass, and even though I'm 100% organic...

I'm not sure I agree with the extent the state is going with this, being able to see me live on cam is totally fucked up. This might be a class action lawsuit in the future, it is too intrusive IMO.

[Dorje113]

I believe the days of scales being used that are not rated to trade for legal tender are over, with the new rules coming down the pike. and already with some of the new POS and inventory systems designed for the centers and grows are already using the correct approved scales, back in the day that is why we always weighed heavy to avoid this obvious argument, but it sounds like the guy could have kicked down with a bit more acurate scale despite the rating.:thumbsup:

IDK if your scale was certified but you've always been extremely generous with your weights. :thumbsup:

[shpedoinkle]

IDK if your scale was certified but you've always been extremely generous with your weights. :thumbsup:

I agree, Thanks GM! :thumbsup::jointsmile:

[HighPopalorum]

being able to see me live on cam is totally fucked up

Seems so to me as well. I think it stretches the bounds of credibility to claim that this level of scrutiny benefits anyone. A more reasonable requirement would be for MMCs to have video surveillance and to keep the video for two weeks and to require a court order for access by state agencies. (My $.02)

[cornbread]

I found the scale. It doesn't say "not for commercial use" on the online ad...but it does on the paper ad sent to me via snail mail. It's a whopping $12 and operates on 2 AAA batteries.

1000 Gram Digital Scale (http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-gram-digital-scale-97920.html)

[copobo]

I have to agree even though it's going to be a huge pain in the ass, and even though I'm 100% organic...

I'm not sure I agree with the extent the state is going with this, being able to see me live on cam is totally fucked up. This might be a class action lawsuit in the future, it is too intrusive IMO.


I hope you guys never have to scratch your nuts, or screw the hot budtender.

[senorx12562]

Same.

Personally, I can't wait for added safety regulations. I want to know the same things about my pot as I do about my food. I choose not to eat products grown with inorganic pesticides or nutrients. Labeling laws make it possible for me to choose not only local products, but products made without ingredients I do not wish to ingest. The time is coming when every bit of pot sold retail will be as fully inspected and labeled as our produce. I'm looking forward to it - there have been too many stories about shops selling pot with pests, fungus and mold. I shiver to think about what sorts of noxious chemicals these growers are using on their crop and then pouring down the drain. Their days are numbered.
I for one can't wait until the government starts prereading books and magazines to screen for any inaccurate, unhealthy, or just plain dangerous content, so that I can choose not to read books that contain ideas that I don't wish to be exposed to. Like freedom. Or self-reliance. I trust the government to perform this function far more than any other possible solution. If the government doesn't do it, after all, who will? It's not like there are ANY other sources of information, like websites or something. Where would we all be without the Government's protection?

[HighPopalorum]

I for one can't wait until the government starts prereading books and magazines to screen for any inaccurate, unhealthy, or just plain dangerous content, so that I can choose not to read books that contain ideas that I don't wish to be exposed to. Like freedom. Or self-reliance. I trust the government to perform this function far more than any other possible solution. If the government doesn't do it, after all, who will? It's not like there are ANY other sources of information, like websites or something. Where would we all be without the Government's protection?

Letting patients know what is in the medicine they buy isn't an attack on freedom or self reliance.

[Dorje113]

Letting patients know what is in the medicine they buy isn't an attack on freedom or self reliance.

:thumbsup:

I agree, food and drug safety is a reasonable government function I am happy to pay taxes for. That and road repair.... not a whole lot else though. :)

I don't think it has anything to do with big brother or censorship. :wtf:

[ThaiBuddhaMan]

:thumbsup:

I agree, food and drug safety is a reasonable government function I am happy to pay taxes for. That and road repair.... not a whole lot else though. :)

I don't think it has anything to do with big brother or censorship. :wtf:

I tend to like also having a Fire Dept, Parks Dept, and to a lesser extent a Law Enforcement Dept

[FlyinPolynesian]

Is there any reason you've decided to shit on releaf publicly a year later? Posts like this scream of unhappy customers instead of actual legit criticism. Why shit on an MMC if you never notified them? Maybe I'm missing something.

Maybe you should read my entire post!!