Cannabis Industry Leaders on Advocacy, Standards, and Future Trends: A GMP Collective Webinar

On August 28, 2024, the GMP Collective presented their 24th installment of the webinar series When Things Go Wrong. This episode, titled “Advocacy in Action: Leading Voices in Cannabis Regulation and Best Practices,” featured guest speakers Aaron Smith, cofounder and CEO of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA); Mike Lomuto, Board Chair of the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA); and Chris Lindsey, Director of State Advocacy and Public Policy for the American Trade Association of Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH).

The guest speakers first explained the goals of their organizations, key advocacy initiatives for this year, and the main concerns of their members. Next, moderator Bethany Moore, Director of Content Strategy and Market Growth at the GMP Collective, asked, “What is the cannabis industry as of today? A lot has changed over the years, are there any specific actions your organization has taken or is taking to address those concerns?” As Aaron Smith explained, “We have over-regulation on marijuana, we have under-regulation on hemp, and there needs to be a balance… a merging of the two sides of the industry, I think that's the future, and I hope to see more of that, and advancing policies that provide regulatory parity between the two, without crushing one over the other.” Chris Lindsey offered a different approach, stating, “It doesn't make sense, at least from our perspective, to have a marijuana program, and then in some places, running parallel to it a hemp program. We think that everybody needs to get into the same program,” also stating the need for solid long-term program.

Next, the speakers discussed what is involved in formulating lobbying efforts. Lindsey explained how his organization is using science to lead the discussion and educating on delta-8 THC products, and Smith added that his goal is to find a balance of regulation while not imposing excessive burdens on small businesses. Mike Lomuto noted that the promises of the regulated cannabis industry include consumer safety and the ability to build generational wealth, especially with minority-owned and small businesses. “If there wasn't such high barrier to entry in the first place, you wouldn't see the proliferation of the hemp drive cannabinoid space in the first place,” he summarized. David Vaillencourt, CEO and founder of the GMP Collective, explained the importance of looking at safety through the consumer’s perspective and their end-use goals.

The speakers then discussed examples of how the adoption of certain standards and best practices benefit their organizations and the industry as a whole. They discussed the example of the universal symbol adopted by ASTM International for labelling a cannabinoid or intoxicating cannabinoid containing product. Also suggested was establishing good manufacturing practices for about synthetic conversions in order to identify contaminants and establish testing panels. Lomuto highlighted the ASTM International definition of “legacy” and how it helped promote dialogue, compared to the challenges resulting from a lack of a standard definition of “social equity.”

The speakers dived into challenges faced in the regulatory landscape, also explaining how international standards affected their advocacy and the industry. Lindsey noted the questions that still need answers about hemp that is imported into the US, Lomuto noted the risk of the US cannabis industry being left behind as other countries move forward faster, and Vaillencourt explained the importance of looking through the industry through a global marketplace lens.

The webinar ended with predictions for the future of cannabis regulations and standards, and what organizations are doing to prepare for the changes. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hearing, scheduled for December 2024, was mentioned as something to take into consideration. To best prepare for future regulations, Lomuto stated that, “we really need to be collaborating with state regulatory agencies and legislators on how to stand up a successful state industry and make sure that there's proper support.” Other influences noted were the upcoming presidential election, Congress, and states continuing to establish standards and regulations.

Vaillencourt offered some parting thoughts for the audience on the pathway for adopting voluntary consensus standards and the need for continuing these kinds of discussions in order to support a successful marketplace.

Read written responses to questions submitted by attendees here. Watch the full recording of this episode here.