ASTM International Launches Survey to Shape Global Standards in Cannabis and Hemp Industry

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ASTM International recently announced the launch of the ASTM International D37 Cannabis and Hemp Standards Survey, an opportunity for the collaborative development of future science-based standards. The purpose of the survey is to identify gaps in hemp and cannabis ASTM D37 standards and create a roadmap for 2030. Industry stakeholders in cannabis and hemp – including growers, operations professionals, scientists, policy advocates, and leaders – from around the world are encouraged to contribute to their diverse perspectives in the survey and also share with their networks to ensure the most representative experiences and input.

"We launched this survey to tear down the barriers that too often keep frontline voices out of the standards process,” stated David Vaillencourt, Vice-Chair of ASTM International’s D37 Committee on Cannabis. “Whether you’re a patient advocate, a small cultivator, a lab tech, or a policymaker, your perspective matters—and this is your chance to shape the future. We’ve made it as easy as possible for anyone who cares about cannabis safety and equity to tell the only global standards body working in this space what’s missing and what’s needed.”

As outlined in an April 25, 2025, press release, the purposes of this survey are:

• Understand stakeholder priorities for cannabis and hemp standardization
• Identify regulatory, scientific, and operational challenges
• Support ASTM International D37 Cannabis subcommittees with clear, actionable insights
• Ensure contributions from regulators, industry professionals, researchers, healthcare providers, consumers, and social equity advocates
• Align standards development with globally recognized science-based frameworks

The survey can be accessed here and the estimated completion time is three to five minutes. Preliminary results will be presented at the ASTM International D37 Meeting, which will be taking place June 23 – 25, 2025 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The final outcomes of the survey will be presented in February 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia, though the survey will remain open if more input is needed.

ASTM International members develop and deliver voluntary consensus standards to improve product quality, safety and support industries and governments globally (1). Formed in 2017, its D37 Committee on Cannabis and subcommittees focus on standards in testing, guides, products, processes, and more for cannabis and hemp (2).

“ASTM International is the only consensus standards body actively working in this space, and this is your chance to help identify what’s missing and shape the future of cannabis, cannabinoid, and hemp products," Vaillencourt added.

References

1. ASTM International. Detailed Overview. https://www.astm.org/about/detailed-overview (accessed May 15, 2025).
2. ASTM International. Committee D37 on Cannabis https://www.astm.org/membership-participation/technical-committees/committee-d37 (accessed May 15, 2025).