Regulations and Regulatory Issues

Multiple sources have reported that the US Drug Enforcement Administration will move to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, effectively recognizing medical uses of cannabis and its reduced potential for abuse compared with other drugs.

In recognizing the 4/20 holiday, here is a selection of regulatory updates and commentary in the cannabis industry this year so far.

The cannabis business license application system has raised concerns with several stakeholders.

A collection of our most recent webinar coverage discussing medical research and testing methods.

Several efforts have been made to limit the prevalence of intoxicating hemp products.

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.

This month’s webinar covered the many facets of fit for purpose testing of cannabis products.

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.

To coordinate efforts for the rescheduling road ahead, the S3 Collective held a webinar for anyone with a stake in federal cannabis regulations.

On January 31, 2024, the GMP Collective presented the seventeenth episode in their ongoing webinar series, When Things Go Wrong.

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.

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.