Government standards and regulations are essential for ensuring the safety of the general public and the production of high-quality, safe products. However, when it comes to cannabis products, this trusted process breaks down due to the lack of federal regulation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cannabis is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance with no recognized medical benefits and a high potential for abuse.
As a result, states with legal cannabis systems have taken it upon themselves to create their own regulations to ensure the safe production and sale of cannabis products within their borders. This has led to a patchwork of regulations, with significant differences in cannabis testing requirements across state lines. Some states mandate specific testing regimens, such as potency analysis and foreign material contamination screening, while others also require labs to achieve official accreditation, such as ISO/IEC 17025, to comply with their regulations.
Navigating these diverse regulations and understanding what is required for compliance can be a complex challenge for new cannabis testing facilities and existing laboratories looking to enter the cannabis industry. It’s important for these labs to understand and meet the mandatory analytical testing requirements set by each state. These requirements often include potency analysis, terpene analysis, residual solvent analysis, foreign material/contamination detection, and microbial safety testing.
Obtaining Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification is one way for cannabis testing laboratories to demonstrate excellence in their operations. GMP covers various aspects of the testing environment, including quality control, complaint and recall procedures, personnel requirements, and equipment standards. While GMP certification may not be currently required under state or local law in some regions, it may be necessary for companies planning import/export operations or aiming to future-proof their labs against potential changes in regulation upon federal legalization.
ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is another important requirement for cannabis testing labs operating in several states like California, Massachusetts, and Colorado. This accreditation demonstrates adherence to international laboratory standards and assures potential clients of the lab’s quality and reliability.
Achieving GMP certification or ISO/IEC accreditation is a complex process that involves assessing current operations and making necessary changes to meet the required standards. This includes documentation of practices, implementation of missing programs, staff training, and validation of testing methods. Many labs choose to seek the assistance of external consultants with expertise in regulatory compliance to increase their chances of successfully obtaining these certifications.
In conclusion, complying with government standards and regulations in the cannabis industry, particularly in relation to testing labs, is a complex process due to the lack of federal oversight. Cannabis testing facilities must navigate a patchwork of state regulations and meet mandatory analytical testing requirements. Obtaining GMP certification and ISO/IEC accreditation can demonstrate excellence and ensure compliance with international laboratory standards. External consultants can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the process of achieving and maintaining these certifications.
