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Read our latest blog on preparation for federal legalization through cGMP compliance and certification

How Regulation & Quality Assurance Can Ease Fears About Cannabis Legalization Ahead of the Election

On this episode we are joined by Jini Glaros, Chief Scientific Officer at Modern Canna Labs

Ep 22, Part III: Decoding Cannabis Terminology with Jini Glaros

Image | adobestock.com/Kamarizal Kamarludin

In early October 2024, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) published a three-year 

 on progress made in building various parts of the state’s legal cannabis industry, which encompasses adult-use cannabis, medical cannabis, and cannabinoid hemp industries. The 102-page report, titled “Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) Implementation Report,” provides an analysis of progress made toward the legislative intent of the MRTA – including economic and fiscal impacts of the industry, impact on public health and safety, social and economic equity goals, eliminating the illicit market, and increasing sustainability – and recommendations for achieving those goals.

“In this Implementation Report, you will learn more about OCM’s vision, one that applies now and carries into the future,” stated Felicia A. B. Reid, Esq., OCM Executive Deputy Director and Acting Executive Director, in a letter included in the Report. “Rooted in equity and a commitment to restorative justice, OCM is actively shaping the next chapter of the market’s potential each day.”

The report highlighted key findings in the various categories.

For economic and fiscal impacts, it noted, for example:

$653.9 million generated in total adult-use retail sales revenue as of September 2024

9000 submissions to the incident reporting form

15,600 adult-use and medical cannabis lots submitted for laboratory testing

54.7% adult-use licenses given to social and economic equity (SEE) eligible applicants

400,000 cannabis related convictions eligible for expungement

For progress in eliminating the illicit market:

In 2023, 67% of New Yorkers who consumed cannabis in the past year purchased their products from legal retail sources

The OCM is governed by and worked closely with the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) to create the Report.

“As OCM celebrates three years of service to our State, we know there’s still much work ahead, and also, there is much to celebrate,” stated Tremaine Wright, Chair of the CCB in a letter included in the Report. “In this report, you will get to read about our major milestones in economic development, public health, and social equity. The heart and soul of the MRTA is built on equity – and I am proud to report that we continue to surpass our statutory goals in building a richly diverse and vibrant market. OCM has worked closely with us to design a dynamic and responsive licensing and compliance framework – true cornerstones of the market – which we continue to improve upon each and every day, thanks in large part, to your feedback.”

New York’s medical cannabis program first began with the 2014 Compassionate Care Act, and the MRTA was signed into law in 2021.

Articles

This report is the first one published since the state’s legal market began.

New York State Office of Cannabis Management Releases its “Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) Implementation Report”

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable and group of California hemp farmers and businesses that include Cheech and Chong’s, Juicetiva Inc., Blaze Life LLC, Boldt Runners Corporation, Lucky To Be Beverage Co., and Sunflora Inc. are petitioning the Superior Court of the State of California for a 

 for the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. These regulations prohibit any traces of THC in hemp-derived products, limits servings per package, and imposes age limits of 21 years for the purchase of these products. The TRO would prevent the enforcement of these regulations while the lawsuit is being litigated.

“We are hopeful that the Court will temporarily block – and then ultimately, permanently enjoin – Governor Newsom’s misguided efforts to devastate hemp farmers, business and product consumers in California,” said Jonathan Miller, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s general counsel, in a statement. “It’s high time that the Governor abandon this punitive effort and sit down with all stakeholders to appropriately address his stated mission: to develop a robust regulatory regime that promotes health and safety and keeps hemp products out of the hands of minors.”

According to the Hemp Roundtable, the hearing for the TRO is scheduled for October 10, 2024 at 9:30 AM PDT/12:30 PM EDT. Nolan Jackson, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s regulatory counsel will argue the motion on behalf of the plaintiffs.

The temporary restraining order would prevent the enforcement of these regulations while the lawsuit is being litigated.

U.S. Hemp Roundtable Petitions for Temporary Restraining Order Against California’s Emergency Hemp Regulations

A recently published study examined how two different groups of people perceived policies and regulations for medical cannabis as a treatment for chronic pain. Specifically, the people surveyed were adults with noncancer chronic pain and physicians who treated chronic pain in states with medical cannabis programs. The study, “Support for Expanding Access to Cannabis Among Physicians and Adults With Chronic Pain,” was published in August 2024 in 

 and received funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

For the study, 1661 people with chronic pain were surveyed in 2022, and 1000 physicians were surveyed in 2023. Both groups were asked about their support for or opposition to several policies that expand access to medical cannabis or increase regulations for medical cannabis. Those with chronic pain were also asked about their cannabis use, and physicians were asked if they’d ever recommended cannabis for patients.

The study highlighted results from respondents with chronic pain, who, compared with physicians, reported more support for these four policies expanding access to cannabis (1):

Federal legalization of medical cannabis (70.8% of people with chronic pain vs 59.0% of physicians)

Federal legalization of cannabis for adult use (54.9% vs 38.0%)

Requiring insurance coverage of cannabis for chronic pain treatment (64.0% vs 50.6%)

Requiring states with medical cannabis programs to provide subsidies for people with low income (50.1% vs 30.6%)

“Compared with physicians, adults with chronic pain reported greater support for policies expanding access to cannabis and less support for policies further regulating medical cannabis,” the researchers stated. “People who used cannabis for chronic pain were most in favor of expanding access, while physicians who had not recommended cannabis to people with chronic pain reported the least support." Specifically, more physicians supported requiring patient registration with the state medical cannabis program in order to access cannabis for medical use (49.2% of people with chronic pain vs 68.1% of physicians).

Additionally, the researchers noted that “most respondents supported training requirements for medical students and physicians on the use of cannabis for chronic noncancer pain.” Leady study author Elizabeth Stone, PhD, commented on this result in a news release from Rutgers University (2): "I think it points to the need for future guidance around cannabis use and efficacy," she stated. "Is it something they should be recommending? If so, are there different considerations for types of products or modes of use or concentration?"

Stone, EM.; Tormohlen, K.; Bicket, MC.; McGinty, EE. Support for Expanding Access to Cannabis Among Physicians and Adults With Chronic Pain. 

(9). DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.35843

Rutgers. Chronic Pain Patients Are More Supportive of Cannabis Access Than Doctors 

https://www.rutgers.edu/news/chronic-pain-patients-are-more-supportive-cannabis-access-doctors

Overall, the survey revealed that people with chronic pain supported policies expanding medical cannabis access more than physicians.

Differences in Perception of Medical Cannabis Policies Among Chronic Pain Patients and Physicians: Survey Results

As interest in cannabinoid-based therapies continues to grow, so too does interest in the effects of cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) on pets such as dogs, cats, and horses.

For insights into veterinary uses for cannabinoids and pets, Madeline Colli, Editor of 

sat down with Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (nutrition), DACVSMR, and Chief Medical Officer of 

. In the interview, Dr. Wakshlag covers a variety of topics including common conditions cannabinoids are used to treat, different effects in different species, legal considerations, current research, and more.

In this sneak peek, we cover common misconceptions of cannabinoids for pets, how cannabinoids affect different breeds, and the endocannabinoid system in pets.

Watch the video clip, read the transcript below, and stay tuned for more on cannabis and veterinarian medicine!

In this interview, we discuss the potential of cannabinoids in treating common health conditions in pets.

The Role of Cannabinoids in Veterinary Medicine: Insights from Joseph Wakshlag, DVM

What are some common misconceptions pet owners may have on cannabis for pets?

: A major misconception is that it's going to make my dog high. Right now in the industry, if you look at some of the products that we looked at in a paper a few years ago, I was pleasantly surprised that most of the product – all the products, actually – were below the lower limits of THC that should be in a product. And that's actually better than what some of the human literature is showing. So I think the companies are doing their due diligence and ensuring that you actually have a certified hemp material. That's a good thing. So it's pretty hard to get a dog “high” from the minor THC that might be in there. I think the industry is doing a good job, and I think people should just not be afraid to try it with the idea that, “Oh, it might get my dog high,” and I think the owners need to know this is not marijuana, this is hemp. So I think if we call it “cannabis,” owners get afraid, right? We should be calling it hemp and ensuring people know that it's not a THC-rich product.

Yeah,we see that with marijuana, cannabis, hemp. Depending on what you call it, People take a different understanding of it for sure.

: My next question is, are different breeds of dogs more reactive to cannabis than others? Have you seen that?

: Our number one adverse event, which is really small – it's like, 20 or 30 cases per 10,000 units sold. Number one thing is somnolence. And it always confuses me how the same dose can affect dogs. But even from the pharmacokinetic perspective, we've seen pretty large variations in dogs, and these are beagles. They're all the same breed, and you can see very dramatic differences in that pharmacokinetics of individual dogs.

Read more on the history of cannabis use in veterinary medicine, current laws on cannabis for pets, market size and segment, reported experiences from both pet owners and veterinarians, and pet toxicology.

I joke with some of my colleagues at ElleVet, because, yeah, we try our stuff just to see what it's like, and it's a vet product, but it would not be made any differently than we’ve made, and we've actually done clinical investigations in humans now. So it's the same product, and I'll take it, I'll be like, “I took 10 of those soft gels and, yeah, didn't really make me feel any different.” I felt a little, maybe a little more calm, but, I’m not an anxious person. And I'll have somebody be like, “I took five of them, man, I was just completely chilled out.” That's just the difference in how you and I metabolize our cannabinoids and it's probably the same in dogs. But I will say that there are some interesting things, where I've had a couple of bloodhounds that got a quarter of the normal dose, and they were just somnolent as could be. So we're going to find differences in breeds, and we're just not there yet, and that's where it's interesting for us as a company, because that's what we're trying to do now, is trying to look at breed and dosing, and look at the number of people calling in and saying, “Oh, I've had a problem.” So, maybe I can start picking out that it's whippets, or it's German Shepherds. I think in the next 10 years, we're going to have a better understanding of that.

As far as you know, we'll say different breeds of dogs, same thing's going to probably go for cats, in terms of, we all have domestic shorthairs, but at some point we're going to be like, “Oh, the Siamese is really sensitive to this.” So it'll be interesting as that research and database mining plugs along.

: My last question for you is, what does research tell us about the endocannabinoid system of dogs and/or cats, and is there anything unique about how cannabinoids interact with their ECS?

: When you talk about the ECS in dogs, there's been some interesting mapping of it to the brain, and they're showing that the brain stem and the cerebellar areas tend to be very rich in CB1, CB2 receptors. There's nothing in the cat, nothing in the horse, nothing in other species. The dog has really been the preferred one that people have looked at and from a comparative point of view from the nervous system. That’s probably why dogs’ number one clinical sign is they get a little bit unstable on their legs – and that's ataxia – before a lot of other things. People can complain about different feelings, dogs and cats can't really tell you about their feelings, but they can show you that they’re having a problem walking, and that's probably due to the concentration of those receptors.

And as the, I like to call it the “Endocannabinoid dome,” has expanded to things like the TRP receptors – the TRP B's, TRP A’s, TRP M’s, the PPAR, alphas, gammas, GPR, the G protein orphan receptor systems – are now being implicated as interactors and calcium channels as well, and some other channels. I think that that's expanded, and we're now trying to understand in dogs and cats, do dogs who have things like dermatitis have increases in some of these other receptors? It's not just about CB1, CB2, because in dogs we've seen a couple studies come out that itching behavior can be improved when you're on cannabinoids. And so, hey, if we can treat what we call atopic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, or psoriasis in people, maybe we should be going down that arena. But we have to know if the receptor systems are there. Are they over expressed, and are they potentially targets? And strangely enough, we know more about that in dogs than we know about the endocannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor. Because people are now more interested in the minor cannabinoids, they're more interested in all these other receptors and how they're interplaying with the “endocannabinoid system,” which one paper termed the “endocannabinoid dome,” which I always liked better.

I'm just going to add that we're still in the early phase of understanding this. This is a field that's, in essence, about six years old in veterinary medicine. Now, at least on the pain side for dogs, we have six papers that are peer reviewed publications, five of the six showing quite positive responses, and the sixth one saying, “maybe it's positive,” just because they didn't reach statistical significance. And then you just sit back and you say, “I have drugs I use in the veterinary world that I have no data on, I just use it because they use it in the human world.” And so it seems to me that we're sort of at the beginnings of understanding, and that things are looking quite positive for neuronal health type situations like seizures, we're looking at mobility being improved, we're looking at potentially dermatitis is being improved, allergic type diseases. So it's off to a really good start, and I can see it only growing from here. In our case, it would be nice if some of the human world paid attention and said, “hey, wow. These veterinary studies that are being done are of value to help teach maybe the human researchers a little bit about more where they should go.” I looked up things like dermatitis in people, and everybody's talking about salves and creams that they want to rub on people, but they could maybe be taking oral CBD or some other minor cannabinoid products and improving some of these diseases that we see the commercials for all the time on TV.

Kim Stuck, CEO and founder of Allay Consulting | Image Credit: © Kim Stuck

A well-regulated industry that adheres to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) can play a key role in easing these fears. By preparing for federal legalization through cGMP compliance and certification, cannabis companies can build trust with skeptics and demonstrate a commitment to safety, transparency, and quality. This preparation could help smooth the path toward legalization and reduce opposition from those who are still wary.

Why Some People Oppose Cannabis Legalization

Before diving into the role of regulation, it's important to understand the concerns of those opposed to cannabis legalization. Many fear:

 When it comes to consumer safety, even in legal states, many cannabis products remain widely unregulated. All legal states have some health and safety oversites like testing by the department of revenue, but testing is only a small part of true consumer safety. Health departments need to be involved, but in most states, local and state health departments don’t regulate cannabis at all. Opponents fear that without strict oversight, cannabis products could contain harmful contaminants, poor food safety practices, or even dangerous additives.

 As federal legalization of cannabis looms on the horizon, the industry is grappling with significant concerns about inconsistent testing practices. Issues like lab shopping, cherry-picking samples, and a lack of standardized testing protocols have led to fears of potency inflation and unsafe products. For those opposed to cannabis legalization, these inconsistencies raise red flags about the reliability of the industry and the safety of its products.

 There is worry about increased addiction rates, impaired driving, and other public safety issues that may arise from wider cannabis availability. There are still a lot of fear in people who bought into the “War on Drugs” narrative, and outdated stereotypes still exist.

By addressing these concerns head-on, the cannabis industry can create an environment where legalization is seen as an opportunity for safe, controlled access rather than a potential public health threat.

cGMPs are regulations enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that products meet quality standards. They cover everything from manufacturing practices to product testing and labeling, ensuring consistency, safety, and transparency. By aligning with cGMP standards now, the cannabis industry can proactively address many of the concerns held by those who oppose legalization. This usually means a company receiving a third party certification for cGMP. This is the easiest way to prove a company is in compliance with these standards.

One of the main concerns from cannabis opponents is the fear that products could be unsafe or contaminated. cGMP compliance mandates rigorous testing for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and other harmful substances. These standards address issues in all ingredients in the products, not just the cannabinoid ingredients, and therefore are much more thorough than most state testing requirements. By ensuring that products are free from these risks, cannabis companies can demonstrate that legal, regulated products are far safer than those available on the illicit market.

When it comes to medicinal cannabis, consistency is key. Patients need to trust that each dose will provide the same effects, whether it’s an edible, oil, or flower. cGMP regulations require companies to produce products with consistent cannabinoid profiles, meaning consumers can expect the same potency and quality each time they purchase. This level of consistency mirrors the expectations for pharmaceuticals, helping to build trust among skeptics.

With cGMP compliance, cannabis companies must keep detailed records of every step in the manufacturing process. This transparency is critical in building consumer confidence, as it allows regulators, healthcare professionals, and consumers to understand exactly how products are made, tested, and packaged.

For those concerned about the unknowns of cannabis, transparency is a powerful tool in easing fears. Rather than a shadowy industry with hidden practices, a cGMP-compliant cannabis industry becomes one where accountability and openness are prioritized.

If cannabis is reclassified as a Schedule 3 drug, it will likely fall under FDA oversight. The FDA will require cannabis companies to follow cGMP regulations, just as pharmaceutical companies do. By becoming cGMP-compliant ahead of time, cannabis businesses will be better positioned to smoothly transition into this new regulatory framework.

Early compliance also signals to the public that the industry is prepared for legalization and willing to operate at the highest standard. This can alleviate concerns that cannabis legalization will lead to chaos or poorly regulated products.

How cGMPs Can Sway Opponents in the Upcoming Election

With cannabis potentially becoming federally legal, the industry has a unique opportunity to address the concerns of voters who are on the fence or opposed to legalization. Preparing for cGMP certification now not only demonstrates a proactive approach but also shows a commitment to creating a safer, more trustworthy industry. This will also lead to fewer recalls and other untimely incidents in the media, further spreading fear about cannabis products. Many states have already seen the writing on the wall and are requiring cGMP Certification in manufacturing facilities. This is a trend we will see more and more as time goes on, just the same as the wholesale food industry.

Here’s how this can impact public opinion:

1. Building Trust with Health-Conscious Voters

For voters worried about public health, seeing cannabis companies follow cGMPs can be a game changer. By showing that the industry can produce safe, well-regulated products, the fear of widespread health risks may be reduced. Voters who are on the fence may feel more comfortable supporting legalization, knowing that safeguards are in place.

Much of the opposition to cannabis comes from stigma. People still associate cannabis with illegal drug use, uncertainty, and danger. However, a cGMP-certified industry is one that closely mirrors the pharmaceutical industry—professional, safe, and regulated. This shift in perception can make it easier for skeptical voters to see cannabis as a legitimate, well-controlled product rather than a risky substance.

3. Demonstrating Responsibility and Readiness

As federal legalization becomes more likely, being able to show readiness is critical. Cannabis businesses that have already adopted cGMP standards will be able to point to their compliance as proof that they are prepared to operate in a fully regulated market. This sense of responsibility and professionalism can go a long way in alleviating fears about the industry's ability to manage federal oversight.

cGMP Compliance Is Key to a Responsible Future for Cannabis

As cannabis legalization approaches a crucial moment, the industry must address the concerns of those opposed to it. By adhering to cGMP standards and preparing for FDA regulation now, cannabis businesses can show that they are committed to producing safe, consistent, and transparent products. This proactive approach will not only ease the fears of skeptics but also help create a pathway toward broader societal acceptance.

If the industry can demonstrate that it is ready for legalization—and willing to operate at the highest levels of safety and quality—it may win over more voters in the upcoming election and help ensure a smoother transition to a fully legalized market.

 is the CEO and founder of Allay Consulting. Direct correspondence to: 

As we approach a pivotal election, the cannabis industry finds itself at a crossroads. If federal legalization passes, cannabis could be reclassified from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. This shift would remove many barriers for businesses and consumers, opening the door to broader acceptance and regulation. However, this potential change also stirs up concerns among those opposed to cannabis, who fear its legalization could lead to unchecked risks for public health and safety.

How Regulation and Quality Assurance Can Ease Fears About Cannabis Legalization Ahead of a Critical Election

, Cannatrol, a cannabis processing technology company, shared the results from two studies on the effects of its drying processes on terpenes, trichomes, and other aspects of cannabis plants. The studies were conducted by the Cannabis Research Coalition (CRC), and tested the effectiveness of Cannatrol’s technology to maintain stable vapor pressure throughout the drying and curing process.

, Cannatrol’s Cool Cure drying system was compared to traditional drying methods to test terpene retention. Out of 16 cannabis plants, half were dried with Cannatrol’s post-harvest drying system and the other half were dried using traditional methods. Cannatrol’s system, according to the CRC, delivered on average 16% higher terpene retention.

 was to examine on a microscopic level how cannabis flower dried and cured with Cannatrol's Vaportrol Technology compared in terms of physical differences with flower dried and cured using traditional methods. Here, 16 plants were dried using either Vaportrol or traditional methods. “The results show that by drying with Vaportrol technology, trichome glands are preserved and do not continue to senescence which can lead to loss of quality,” the CRC analysis concluded.

 on best practices for harvesting, drying, and curing cannabis. 

“There are plenty of legacy cultivators growing good flower, but the key is to educate the community about the true science behind the cannabis post-harvest process,” said David Sandelman, CTO and Co-Founder of Cannatrol, in the press release. “The science proves that maintaining vapor pressure levels keeps trichomes intact and delivers higher terpene retention with every harvest. By using these new methods in post-harvest, cultivators can consistently create more smokable cannabis that is superior in flavor, appearance and effect.”

The mission of the CRC, founded in 2022, is to bring together stakeholders—including academia and businesses—in the cannabis industry to support research and efficient cultivation techniques. “Years of prohibition limited research into this plant, causing the cannabis industry to be fraught with tactics that have no scientific backing,” said Dr. Allison Justice, CEO of the CRC, in the press release. “Cannatrol's dedication to cannabis science benefits customers and the entire industry by advancing our understanding of how cannabis functions. The CRC and the industry as a whole thank Cannatrol for its efforts in progressing the exploration of this remarkable plant.”

The studies highlight how changes in environment can alter cannabis during drying and curing.

Cannatrol and the Cannabis Research Coalition Test Impact of Drying Systems on Cannabis Quality

On September 26, 2024, Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) introduced the 

Hemp Economic Mobilization Plan (HEMP) Act

. The legislation would amend the definition of hemp to raise the threshold for THC to 1 percent, from 0.3 percent.

“For years, I’ve led the fight in Washington to restore one of Kentucky’s most historically vital crops by legalizing industrial hemp. We achieved a hard-won victory, but there is still work to do to prevent the federal government from weighing down our farmers with unnecessary bureaucratic micromanaging. My legislation will help this growing industry reach its full economic potential and bring transparency to government regulations,” said Paul, in a 

With regard to THC levels, the proposed legislation would require the testing of hemp products rather than the plant itself. Additionally, the bill would require hemp shipments to be accompanied by one of two easily accessible types of documentation to prevent legal hemp from being seized during transport. These documents include “a copy of a valid license or other required authorization from the State department of agriculture or Tribal government, as applicable, or a license from the Secretary, issued to the producer,” or “a copy of a certificate from a laboratory demonstrating that the hemp contains a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 1 percent on a dry weight basis.”

The bill would amend the definition of hemp to raise the threshold of delta-9 THC  to 1% from 0.3%. 

Senator Rand Paul Introduces HEMP Act, Which Would Amend the Definition of Hemp

 presented their 24th installment of the webinar series When Things Go Wrong. This episode, titled, “Croptober: Crucial Best Practices for Harvest Season,” featured guest speakers Alex Cass, Manager of Plant Sciences at Native Roots, and Nelson Oldham Associate Director of Post Harvest at Native Roots, and was moderated by Bethany Moore, Director of Content Strategy and Market Growth at the GMP Collective.

The first topic addressed was the ideal drying and curing process for cannabis, including key factors that cultivators should focus on to avoid issues. Nelson Oldham described the two processes and the overlaps between them. For the drying process, he noted the importance of starting with clean flower, environmental controls, temperature and humidity, standard operating processes, testing the buds for level of dryness, and measuring the level of moisture and water activity. For the curing process, he noted the continuing importance of environmental controls and temperature and humidity, plus how to avoid the proliferation of microbes and molds. Alex Cass elaborated on how to handle fungi and bacteria and how to prevent degradation or loss of cannabinoids and terpenes, or other aromatic compounds.

“As a grower, we all have a bunch of cheesy sayings when it comes to drying and curing, Nelson stated. “One of my favorite sayings is, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ and if you're being diligent with your setup, if you're being diligent with scouting and ensuring that you're not putting unhealthy plants into your drying space, you'll be setting yourself up for success.”

Next, Oldham discussed mistakes seen the curing process and how to avoid them. He described the results seen between several different types of containers for storage or curing, burping containers during curing, and steps to ensure quality control. Cass noted the role of packaging. To provide a real-life example of what do when things go wrong, Oldham described the steps taken during a recent power outage at their facility to ensure the quality of the plants and products.

The Best Options for Harvesting, Drying, and Curing Your Crops

 by Jack Grover, from the March/April 2024 issue of 

Cass described how the harvest season will impact the supply chain in the cannabis industry. He explained how processing facilities and areas can become hard to find in October due to bottlenecks, how schedules help stagger harvest and production, and some of the challenges and solutions outdoor facilities might face. He also explained which environmental factors—including water activity, temperature, and proper handlings and storage—are crucial to mitigating contamination risk of the final product. He also elaborated on steps employees can take to reduce contamination risk, including protective equipment and workflow movement. Oldham expanded on this by explaining standard operating procedures and employee training.

One of the questions from attendees focused on products being labeled as irradiated, remediated, or decontaminated, and specifically, should consumers know that that product has been treated in such a way? Cass explained the importance of protecting and educating the consumer, especially when combating misinformation. “I think that we should get as much information to the consumer as possible, but I think that we should also look at ways that we can educate the consumer, because, in my opinion, irradiation is a value add. I think that it increases the quality of our product. I think it increases our shelf life and safety for the consumer, and it is no small cost to our organization.”

Watch the full recording of this episode here

In preparation for the outdoor cannabis harvest, this episode provided guidance on ensuring a successful production process. 

Getting Ready for Croptober: Best Practices Discussed in GMP Collective Webinar

Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) has introduced new legislation that would regulate the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry. The "

" would establish a regulatory regime for products that contain hemp cannabinoids. The law would require manufacturers to register with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and test their products for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, chemical byproducts, and additives. FDA will be tasked with developing rules for the manufacture and testing of these products. Additionally, the law would set a federal age limit of 21 on hemp-derived products, and prohibit the sale of synthetic cannabinoids. Labeling and packaging requirements will also be established to ensure that products are not designed to appeal to children, and accurately convey potency, risks of consumption, and lack of FDA review or approval.

“Just like the tobacco industry marketing cigarettes to young people, nobody should be slapping fun cartoons and glitzy candy wrapper packaging on cannabis products meant for adults,” said Wyden, in a 

. “A federal floor for regulation of hemp products is non-negotiable to ensure that consumers aren’t put at risk by untested products of unknown origin. My legislation will ensure that adult consumers know what they’re getting, and that hemp products are never sold or marketed to children.”

The law has the support of the hemp and cannabis industries. “The hemp industry is united behind a simple, common-sense proposition: Hemp products should be robustly regulated, not the subject of a misguided prohibition. Senator Wyden’s critical legislation does just that: imposing strong health and safety standards for hemp products while ensuring that they are kept out of the hands of minors. Along with dozens of other hemp organizations, the US Hemp Roundtable endorses this bill as we stand up and cheer for Senator Wyden’s continued stewardship and leadership, and as we look forward to continuing to work closely with him as this bill progresses and transforms over the next several months,” said Jonathan Miller, general counsel at U.S. Hemp Roundtable, in a press release.

“For too long, federal inaction has fostered an unregulated marketplace for hemp THC products, endangering the public and creating unfair competition for regulated cannabis businesses,” added Aaron Smith, CEO at the National Cannabis Industry Association. “We look forward to working with Senator Wyden to pass the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act because it solves this problem by implementing commonsense safeguards to ensure intoxicating hemp products are tested, properly labeled, and not made available to minors while creating a pathway for manufacturers to provide safe hemp products to adults through a regulated framework.”

The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act would establish a regulatory regime for products that contain hemp cannabinoids. 

Senator Ron Wyden Introduces New Legislation for the Regulation of Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

 examined data on the use of cannabinoids, mainly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), for neuropathic pain relief and the effect on patients’ quality of life. The study, “Cannabinoids as a Natural Alternative for the Management of Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials,” was published September 23, 2024, in 

Researchers examined data from studies published between January 1, 2000 and August 31, 2024 in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Turning research into practice (Trip), and Google Scholar. After applying exclusionary criteria, five articles were ultimately selected to be examined. For data synthesis, bouble-blinded and placebo-controlled clinical trials were also included.

The researchers summarized the five studies, noting the doses, methods of ingestion, and results. As summarized in the abstract, the main findings included: “Compared to placebo, cannabinoids provided significant relief from chronic pain (33% vs 15%) as measured by the visual analog scale. The transdermal application of CBD led to a more pronounced reduction in sharp pain, according to the neuropathic pain scale. Minimal to no side effects were recorded, further highlighting the potential benefits of cannabinoids.”

The study also discussed the potential for cannabinoids as an alternative to the commonly used drugs to treat neuropathic pain, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids, which are estimated to reduce 50% of pain in a third of patients, and can carry concerns of severe adverse effects or the capacity to be habit-forming. The researchers cited stigma and uncertain legal status surrounding cannabinoids as a reason for the lack of extensive data on their use for pain management, and the lack of data contributes to hesitation of recommendation. They concluded by noting the need of more data on the long-term effects and interactions of cannabinoids, and by suggesting further studies be conducted with larger sample sizes with more diverse populations of participants.

Reechaye D.; Perrine A.; Jahajeeah Y.; Dookhee, F.; Robinson, J.; Banerjee, I. Cannabinoids as a Natural Alternative for the Management of Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials. 

Researchers analyzed studies from the past two decades on the impact of cannabinoids on neuropathic pain and potential benefits.

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