Kim Stuck, CEO and founder of Allay Consulting, will be writing a new monthly blog for Cannabis Science and Technology regarding compliance issues and other pertinent topics that she sees in the industry. Stuck wants to help the cannabis industry be aware of different hurdles and compliance pitfalls that they might encounter and how to avoid them. Through this blog, she plans to encourage thoughtfulness when it comes to regulatory compliance, product safety, worker safety, and psychedelic therapy.

Stuck on Compliance

Articles

In a big new move for Colorado, towards the end of 2023, the state approved a new set of hemp regulations that includes tighter restrictions over hemp derived cannabinoids, which were met with both pushback and acceptance from the industry.

Colorado’s New Hemp Regulations: Safe Harbor Registrants

At this moment I am in Barcelona, Spain for one of the biggest cannabis conventions in the world: Spannabis (1). I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t write my blog this month without touching on international legalization of cannabis and how that would affect the United States market.

How Cannabis Legalization in Europe Can Ignite Growth for the US Cannabis Industry

The landscape of the cannabis industry is dynamic and continually evolving, so who is to say exactly how they will be enforcing or regulating cannabis if it does get rescheduled, but we can learn from what we have seen in the past and what we are hearing in the back rooms of regulatory agencies. This could be a significant shift that could reshape the industry. This change would signify a recognition of its medicinal value, open doors for new opportunities, and also have some consequences for companies not prepared for the shift. In this blog, we explore the potential implications of cannabis becoming a Schedule III substance and why obtaining current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) 211 Certification from an accredited certifying body is crucial for ensuring the longevity and success of cannabis businesses. What we don’t know at this time is what kind of runway we have in implementing these new standards to be compliant with them. They could give 30 days or one year, but we just won’t know until it happens. The best thing you can do for your business now is become compliant with these standards before you are required to be so. 

Embracing the Future: The Impact of Cannabis as a Schedule III Substance and the Crucial Role of cGMP 211 Certification

In recent years, the cannabis industry has experienced a significant shift in public perception and legal landscape. One of the key factors influencing this change is the reconsideration of the scheduling of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the intoxicating compound found in cannabis, by regulatory authorities. Currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States (US), THC's rescheduling to Schedule III could have profound effects on the cannabis industry. In this blog, we analyze the many potential implications of such a change, focusing on the medical, economic, and societal aspects of the cannabis market.

Rescheduling THC to Schedule III: The Potential Impact on the Cannabis Industry

The cannabis industry has experienced a paradigm shift over the past few years, with legalization sweeping across various states. As the market expands, so does the need for stringent quality control and testing measures to ensure the safety and efficacy of cannabis products. In this blog, we delve into the critical importance of quality control in the cannabis industry, focusing on testing requirements for potency, contaminants, and other quality measures. Additionally, we explore the dynamic landscape of testing standards, highlighting any recent updates or changes that businesses and consumers should be aware of. 

Elevating the Green: The Crucial Role of Quality Control and Testing in the Cannabis Industry 

Compliance is important, especially when incentives are involved. “Incentives” are things that motivate or encourage us to do something. We are constantly surrounded by opportunities and incentives, whether it be to enhance our personal lives or business health. Creating a vigorous and sustainable business will always include compliance nuances, especially within the cannabis and psychedelic industries.

Embracing Compliance: Unveiling the Positive Outcomes in Highly Regulated Industries

In recent years, the cannabis industry has experienced rapid growth and legalization across various regions. With this surge in popularity comes a greater need for transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. Traceability in cannabis facilities is not just a buzzword; it's a critical aspect that can make or break the industry's reputation and ensure consumer safety. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of traceability in cannabis facilities and why it's crucial for the industry's long-term success.

The High Stakes of Traceability: Why Cannabis Facilities Need Transparent Supply Chains

Aspergillus is a genus of mold that is commonly found in the environment, including soil, plants, and decaying organic debris. In fact, there are several hundred species of Aspergillus! Aspergillus species produce aflatoxins, which are a family of mycotoxins produced by certain fungi. These aflatoxins are known as cancer-causing substances and pose a dangerous threat to humans and livestock. Although this type of mold is commonly grown underground, the release of its spores into the air is the route of the problem in terms of contaminated product. Given there are many species of Aspergillus that are not harmful, a select few can cause life threatening issues. We aim to cover short Aspergillus topics in hopes to educate and clarify conversations surrounding this fascinating fungus. As cannabis products become increasingly popular for both medical and recreational purposes, understanding the potential health issues associated with Aspergillus contamination is crucial.

Aspergillus in the Cannabis Industry: Understanding Potential Health Issues and Pain Points

Selecting a co-manufacturer for product manufacturing can be a tough decision. Using a co-manufacturer is an interesting combination: it is your brand and reputation, yet another company makes the product. Because quality and product safety is out of your control, companies must select their co-manufacturer wisely. If you choose the wrong manufacturer and something goes wrong, it is your brand that will be affected negatively. The worst things to happen to a brand are making a consumer sick, going through a recall, or losing reputation due to poor quality assurance. Below are a few steps to help companies confidently select a co-manufacturer.

Selecting a Contract Manufacturer

Third party certifications have become increasingly popular amongst cannabis and fungi cultivators and manufacturing companies. Receiving and maintaining certifications is a worthwhile endeavor that will set up your business for long term success, give you a competitive edge, and ensure a safe product for customers. Whether you’re seeking organic, current good manufacturing practices (cGMP), good agricultural and collection practices (GACP), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and other certifications, you will be tasked with deciding which certifying body to work with. 