How Regulation and Quality Assurance Can Ease Fears About Cannabis Legalization Ahead of a Critical Election

Kim Stuck, CEO and founder of Allay Consulting | Image Credit: © Kim Stuck

A well-regulated industry that adheres to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) can play a key role in easing these fears. By preparing for federal legalization through cGMP compliance and certification, cannabis companies can build trust with skeptics and demonstrate a commitment to safety, transparency, and quality. This preparation could help smooth the path toward legalization and reduce opposition from those who are still wary.

Why Some People Oppose Cannabis Legalization

Before diving into the role of regulation, it's important to understand the concerns of those opposed to cannabis legalization. Many fear:

• Unsafe Products: When it comes to consumer safety, even in legal states, many cannabis products remain widely unregulated. All legal states have some health and safety oversites like testing by the department of revenue, but testing is only a small part of true consumer safety. Health departments need to be involved, but in most states, local and state health departments don’t regulate cannabis at all. Opponents fear that without strict oversight, cannabis products could contain harmful contaminants, poor food safety practices, or even dangerous additives.
• Inconsistent Testing: As federal legalization of cannabis looms on the horizon, the industry is grappling with significant concerns about inconsistent testing practices. Issues like lab shopping, cherry-picking samples, and a lack of standardized testing protocols have led to fears of potency inflation and unsafe products. For those opposed to cannabis legalization, these inconsistencies raise red flags about the reliability of the industry and the safety of its products.
• Public Health Impact: There is worry about increased addiction rates, impaired driving, and other public safety issues that may arise from wider cannabis availability. There are still a lot of fear in people who bought into the “War on Drugs” narrative, and outdated stereotypes still exist.

By addressing these concerns head-on, the cannabis industry can create an environment where legalization is seen as an opportunity for safe, controlled access rather than a potential public health threat.

The Importance of cGMP Compliance

cGMPs are regulations enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that products meet quality standards. They cover everything from manufacturing practices to product testing and labeling, ensuring consistency, safety, and transparency. By aligning with cGMP standards now, the cannabis industry can proactively address many of the concerns held by those who oppose legalization. This usually means a company receiving a third party certification for cGMP. This is the easiest way to prove a company is in compliance with these standards.

Here’s how cGMP compliance can help:

1. Creating Safer Products

One of the main concerns from cannabis opponents is the fear that products could be unsafe or contaminated. cGMP compliance mandates rigorous testing for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and other harmful substances. These standards address issues in all ingredients in the products, not just the cannabinoid ingredients, and therefore are much more thorough than most state testing requirements. By ensuring that products are free from these risks, cannabis companies can demonstrate that legal, regulated products are far safer than those available on the illicit market.

2. Ensuring Consistent Quality

When it comes to medicinal cannabis, consistency is key. Patients need to trust that each dose will provide the same effects, whether it’s an edible, oil, or flower. cGMP regulations require companies to produce products with consistent cannabinoid profiles, meaning consumers can expect the same potency and quality each time they purchase. This level of consistency mirrors the expectations for pharmaceuticals, helping to build trust among skeptics.

3. Increasing Transparency

With cGMP compliance, cannabis companies must keep detailed records of every step in the manufacturing process. This transparency is critical in building consumer confidence, as it allows regulators, healthcare professionals, and consumers to understand exactly how products are made, tested, and packaged.

For those concerned about the unknowns of cannabis, transparency is a powerful tool in easing fears. Rather than a shadowy industry with hidden practices, a cGMP-compliant cannabis industry becomes one where accountability and openness are prioritized.

4. Aligning with Federal Standards

If cannabis is reclassified as a Schedule 3 drug, it will likely fall under FDA oversight. The FDA will require cannabis companies to follow cGMP regulations, just as pharmaceutical companies do. By becoming cGMP-compliant ahead of time, cannabis businesses will be better positioned to smoothly transition into this new regulatory framework.

Early compliance also signals to the public that the industry is prepared for legalization and willing to operate at the highest standard. This can alleviate concerns that cannabis legalization will lead to chaos or poorly regulated products.

How cGMPs Can Sway Opponents in the Upcoming Election

With cannabis potentially becoming federally legal, the industry has a unique opportunity to address the concerns of voters who are on the fence or opposed to legalization. Preparing for cGMP certification now not only demonstrates a proactive approach but also shows a commitment to creating a safer, more trustworthy industry. This will also lead to fewer recalls and other untimely incidents in the media, further spreading fear about cannabis products. Many states have already seen the writing on the wall and are requiring cGMP Certification in manufacturing facilities. This is a trend we will see more and more as time goes on, just the same as the wholesale food industry.

Here’s how this can impact public opinion:

1. Building Trust with Health-Conscious Voters

For voters worried about public health, seeing cannabis companies follow cGMPs can be a game changer. By showing that the industry can produce safe, well-regulated products, the fear of widespread health risks may be reduced. Voters who are on the fence may feel more comfortable supporting legalization, knowing that safeguards are in place.

2. Reducing the Stigma of Cannabis

Much of the opposition to cannabis comes from stigma. People still associate cannabis with illegal drug use, uncertainty, and danger. However, a cGMP-certified industry is one that closely mirrors the pharmaceutical industry—professional, safe, and regulated. This shift in perception can make it easier for skeptical voters to see cannabis as a legitimate, well-controlled product rather than a risky substance.

3. Demonstrating Responsibility and Readiness

As federal legalization becomes more likely, being able to show readiness is critical. Cannabis businesses that have already adopted cGMP standards will be able to point to their compliance as proof that they are prepared to operate in a fully regulated market. This sense of responsibility and professionalism can go a long way in alleviating fears about the industry's ability to manage federal oversight.

cGMP Compliance Is Key to a Responsible Future for Cannabis

As cannabis legalization approaches a crucial moment, the industry must address the concerns of those opposed to it. By adhering to cGMP standards and preparing for FDA regulation now, cannabis businesses can show that they are committed to producing safe, consistent, and transparent products. This proactive approach will not only ease the fears of skeptics but also help create a pathway toward broader societal acceptance.

If the industry can demonstrate that it is ready for legalization—and willing to operate at the highest levels of safety and quality—it may win over more voters in the upcoming election and help ensure a smoother transition to a fully legalized market.

About the Author

Kim Stuck is the CEO and founder of Allay Consulting. Direct correspondence to: kim.stuck@allayconsulting.com.