Regulations and Regulatory Issues

Articles

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

See the program overview for the upcoming Cannabis Science Conference Fall in Providence, Rhode Island September 20-22nd.

2023 Cannabis Science Conference Fall Agenda 

Read coverage from our sister publication, Nutritional Outlook, on “The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act,” which was previously proposed in 2021.

Bill Reintroduced by Senators to Legalize Hemp-Derived CBD in Supplements and Food

New testing requirements for the Aspergillus fungus are harming cannabis companies, the lawsuit claims.

Emergency Motion Filed to Halt New Aspergillus Testing Requirements for Oregon Cannabis 

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

With federal legalization still hanging in the balance, cannabis is being legalized state-by-state. Each new setting that accepts cannabis forms their own rules and regulations which are not uniformed and could pose a danger. This has led to the phenomenon called “lab shopping”.

With No Uniform Cannabis Regulations, Safety May Suffer

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. 

Selecting a Certifying Body

Regulators voted to cancel the previous years-old plan for cannabis consumption sites in favor of a new, faster approach.

Massachusetts Cannabis Regulators Abandon Pilot Program for Cannabis Consumption, Focus on New Licensing Framework

After the most recent cannabis legalization bill failed to pass the Senate, Governor Sununu issued a statement explaining how legalization could occur instead.

New Hampshire Governor Outlines Path for Recreational Cannabis Legalization in the State

The cannabidiol (CBD) market reached a saturation level in recent years with products popping up around every corner—from the local gas station to the neighborhood market and more. How can consumers know which of those products are safe and reliably labeled? It is an unfortunate fact that there are bad products on the market, some that have no CBD at all despite label claims. Despite these bad actors, many companies are striving to do better and even set higher standards for the industry. For instance, Vantage Hemp Co. has made it their mission to go beyond current state requirements and produce pharmaceutical-grade CBD. Here, Deepank Utkhede, Chief Operating Officer at Vantage Hemp Co., discusses his role with the company and their goals to elevate this market to create a safe place for consumers and manufacturers. 