JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Cannabis dispensaries across Mississippi have felt the burn after several products were placed on hold, but they remain optimistic about the future.

The dispensaries saw several strands of cannabis products being placed on hold due to levels of pesticides. Some dispensaries have shut down.

Uptown Funk Dispensary celebrated its one year anniversary this month.

“A lot of the products that they were used to getting and have been using and that have been helping them. They’re not able to get right now because, you know, everything’s going through retesting, and there’s just a lot slower process than we anticipated,” said Andrew Kraninger, the inventory manager at the business.

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), through the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP), announced its intent to revoke the license of a medical cannabis testing facility, Rapid Analytics.

“When we explained that the state has checks and balances that have to be put in place and that they’re going back double-checking things, making sure everything’s okay. That’s what we do want to hear. But at that mass, in large quantities, it did hurt because we had to give a lot of people the same thing. And everybody has like different individual medical circumstances,” said Ray Holbrook, the owner of Kush Vibez Cannabis.

Despite the product holds, businesses are optimistic.

“There hasn’t been a single day that’s passed by where we haven’t had at least one patient come in and say, This just saved my life, or this has helped my family dramatically or myself dramatically, and it has personally helped me dramatically, as well. I think it’s we’re in the right, we’re headed in the right direction,” said Johnny Washington, the sales manager for Uptown Funk Dispensary.

Holbrook said his business was hit hard, and he was forced to take all products off the shelf. He was able to restock.

“Mississippi is like leading the market when it comes to other states. So, I think they’re doing a great job. I think we are still in the new phases, and it’s building out. But once it gets there, it’s going to be a great program,” he said.

MSDH officials said Rapid Analytics has the right to appeal this decision within 20 days. Officials said failure to appeal will result in the revocation of the company’s license.

Rapid Analytics tests about 70% of the state’s medical marijuana products.