Regulations and Regulatory Issues

Bills placed before the South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services Committee proposed changes to the state’s medical cannabis program.

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.

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.

The commission appointed to study a state-run cannabis model concluded its final meeting without issuing recommendations on legislation.

Cannabis Science Conference Spring 2024 will take place May 7-9, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri and feature four dedicated tracks–analytical science, medical cannabis, cultivation, and compliance.

A new report highlights the occurrence of contaminants in medical cannabis products within the state.

In this article our sister brand, Nutritional Outlook takes a look at delta-8 THC and where regulators could ultimately land in regard to this controversial cannabinoid.

The state’s Department of Health and Senior Services released an update to the recall initiated two months ago.

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.

On October 25th, 2023, the GMP Collective presented the latest installment in their webinar series, When Things Go Wrong.

As the legal recreational cannabis industry expands, regulators and safety watchdogs are taking a closer look at how the industry polices itself.

One laboratory’s concerns lead to a closer look at Montana’s still-developing cannabis program.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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”.

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.

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

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

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.

Consumers want options, especially when purchasing products, and organic seems to be a popular selection. It makes sense really: people eat all organic foods, why wouldn’t you want your cannabis to be organic too? Organic items are widely available and can be purchased at any grocery store, farmers market, and online. Most people associate “organic” with healthy foods that were grown using safe and sustainable agricultural methods and fewer chemicals. Organic certified products are typically pricier compared to conventionally grown crops—this can be attributed to the cost of the organic certification from an accredited third party, required use of costly organic approved chemicals, special handling practices, potential lower yield, lack of government subsidies, and so on. With organic products being sold at a higher price than conventional products and with the high consumer demand for organic products, does this combination open the door to fraud?

The agent claimed he frequently used CBD for pain management, which contributed to the levels of THC found in a urinalysis.

Within the next few weeks, France will become the latest country to ban the substance hexahydrocannabinol (HHC).

A test of a small sample of products sold in the Twin Cities revealed amounts of THC past the legal limit.

Heading to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s desk, is a newly approved cannabis regulatory legislation, specifically for hemp-derived cannabinoids.

The cannabis industry has experienced rapid growth over the past few years with the legalization of both medical and recreational cannabis use in numerous countries and states in the US. As the industry expands, the need for effective packaging and proper labeling has become increasingly important to ensure consumer safety, brand recognition, and compliance with regulations. Let’s explore the significance of packaging and labeling in the cannabis industry and discuss the key considerations for businesses operating in this space.

Workplace safety procedures help companies be the best they can be, especially when it comes to ensuring your staff goes home the same way they arrived. These are just a few ways to begin your safety journey!

In late March, the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America submitted a letter to congressional leadership expressing its support for cannabis legalization that uses regulatory frameworks similar to those of the alcohol industry.