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You are here: Home / Archives for standards

OREGON: New OHA Cannabis Testing Rules

June 27, 2022 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

Effective July 1, 2022

OREGON:  The Oregon Health Authority writes rules for testing cannabis that affect both the medical and recreational market. This bulletin serves as a reminder that there are cannabis testing rule changes that take effect July 1, 2022. You may review the testing rules, found in Division 7 and 64, in full at healtheroregon.org/ommprules. 

In addition, guidance documents are available to help understand some of the changes along with a timeline. All guides can be found at healthoregon.org/marijuanatesting

For more details, please see the full text of the rules and corresponding rulemaking documents at the following website:

Healthoregon.org/ommprules

If you have any questions or would prefer a hardcopy be sent, please contact PublicHealth.Rules@dhsoha.state.or.us.

Filed Under: Business, Homepage Tagged With: 2022 Oregon cannabis testing, cannabis industry news, cannabis testing, MJ Legal News, mjnews, OHA, Oregon, standards, the business of cannabis

New ASTM International Standard Aids Hempseed Quality and Freshness for Food

October 29, 2021 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

PENNSYLVANIA: ASTM International’s cannabis committee (D37) has approved a new standard that will provide a method for rapid, visual, on-site assessment of hemp seed spoilage. The new standard (D8400) will assist in managing food quality and productivity while maintaining consumer safety.

ASTM International member Terry Grajczyk, Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance, says that the new standard is geared toward those who store hempseed for later processing into food or food ingredients.

“We want farmers, food companies, consumers, and all the links in between to know that this guide is supported by their sector as an achievable and credible way to assess potential spoiling and help their business deliver acceptable products,” says Grajczyk.

Grajczyk notes that the new standard outlines procedures to prepare hempseed for visual color comparison to a color chart and to adapt if needed to each company’s or farmer’s quality management of stored hempseed. Companies can add their decision trees on what to do if hempseed is close to spoiling and look for alternative uses if needed.

“Avoiding spoilage of hempseed and eventual throwaway of product can be proactive way to responsibly avoid wastage of would-be food products,” says Grajczyk. “The establishment of clear standards creates common terms of trade in domestic and international markets.”

This effort directly relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #12 on responsible consumption and production, among others.

Filed Under: Hemp, Homepage Tagged With: ASTM International, Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance, Hemp, hempseed, PA, Pennsylvania, standards, the business of hemp, United Nations Sustainable Development Goal

Real Talk About Hemp Regulation

July 13, 2021 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

Rules and regulations in hemp and CBD are not four-letter words.

By Jason Waggoner, Senior Vice President, General Manager, EcoGen Biosciences

The Farm Bill legalizing hemp was passed and signed into law in December of 2018. Yet, as of today, nearly two years later, the industry still hasn’t received concrete direction or guidance from the FDA. But, with the introduction of the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act, we could see that change.

Introduced by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden in May of 2021, the bill has support from the Consumer Brands Association, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, Hemp Roundtable, and more. Senator Wyden said in a statement, “CBD products are legally being used and produced across the nation. Yet because the FDA has failed to update its regulations, consumers and producers remain in a regulatory gray zone. It’s been more than two years since I worked with colleagues to have Congress legalize hemp and hemp-derived products. It’s long past time for the FDA to get with the program, for the sake of American consumers and farmers.”

At EcoGen, we have been closely following the introduction of the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act to Congress, and we applaud lawmakers for continuing to strive for federal legislation that allows safe and open access to high-quality hemp-derived products. Without going into significant detail, the bill intends to provide the pathway for the use of CBD in dietary supplements, so long as those supplements adhere to all other regulations associated with the product.

We believe this is simply the next step in the evolution of the hemp industry, and specifically, the CBD market. This bill signifies the next iteration of regulation necessary for bringing CBD to the consumer.

FDA guidance is the last link in the chain of commerce

Governance and regulation are often mentioned with a negative connotation. Many producers fear government oversight, but it’s a common misconception that federal guidance will ultimately lead to the death of the small business. In fact, the opposite could be true.

Mom-and-pop operators are going out of business right now, and even some larger enterprises are struggling. The source of the problem isn’t regulation; it’s actually due to a lack of regulation.

Without regulation and FDA guidance, we can’t sell our products. The lack of regulation prevents retailers from entering the space, and without retailers, products can’t be sold. So, many of the producers, who were banking on regulation and a proper market, went bankrupt.

Large or small, many organizations are doing things the right way. For those producers, when regulation comes, they’ll be able to pivot quickly and adjust to the market. Those who have prepared for it will be more victorious than others.

Being rewarded for a job well done

With many of us having CPG backgrounds, the depth of experience at EcoGen runs deep. We understand that there are consumer safety concerns in hemp and CBD production. Today, consumers simply don’t know where the material in their products comes from. Unfortunately, there are just as many players manufacturing products with a total disregard for safety as there are producers who put consumer safety first.

Regulations help improve product quality through safe employment initiatives, benefit programs for employees, and OSHA standards. Demonstrating the discipline to execute policies for a good working environment, safety and quality assurance programs, proper recall procedures, and supply chains ultimately benefits the consumer. I say with confidence that having the discipline to adhere to regulations will produce a better end product.

Companies like EcoGen aren’t rewarded for going above and beyond in the current market without the necessary regulation. Setting the standards for regulations means carrying costs that many others aren’t incurring. Competing against less scrupulous companies puts reputable producers at a disadvantage. Regulation will level the playing field and reward the companies that are ahead of the curve.

The CBD crash started long before COVID-19

Although 2020 impacted retails sales for almost every industry, the pandemic was not the sole cause of the CBD market crash. Instead, retail sales and online sales declined when the repeat cycle began, and buyers didn’t repeat – which has everything to do with the quality and efficacy of the product.

If the products aren’t efficacious or don’t deliver on the consumer’s expectations, they’ll most likely not repurchase them. Whatever the benefit might be, many consumers are seeking a result from CBD. But without regulation, we can’t educate for that. As it stands, it’s impossible to educate consumers or inform them how to be effective with CBD.

The lack of regulation is breeding a ‘smoke and mirrors’ industry as a result of not having clarity from the governing bodies. Frankly, they’ve created a burgeoning industry full of confusion.

The research is there

Historically, the argument has always been, “We need more research.” Today, that delineation can’t be drawn. All across the globe, research on hemp and how it impacts the human endocannabinoid system has been steadily on the rise. Whether or not it’s the research the FDA would like to see is debatable, but without question, there’s plenty of data available.

The hemp industry and farmers deserve more clarity and guidelines as we work to develop one of the fastest-growing markets in the world — and it’s exciting to watch us move closer to accomplishing that goal. There has been some confusion in the market due to a lack of regulation, but the future looks bright. EcoGen is excited to remain an industry leader and set the bar for compliance, quality testing, and product innovation as new federal legislation develops.

Filed Under: Hemp, Homepage Tagged With: cannabis research, CBD, CBD market crash, clinical lab standards, CPG, EcoGen Biosciences, FDA, Hemp, Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act, Jason Waggoner, mjnews, MJNews Network, standards, the business of hemp, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden

ASTM International Committee Activity Focuses on Cannabis and Consumer Safety

June 21, 2021 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

PENNSYLVANIA:  A proposed standard from ASTM International’s cannabis committee (D37) aims to help ensure product quality and improve consumer safety in the cannabis industry. The standard is being created with support from contributions of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).

A 2020 Journal of Natural Products article by USP and members of its Cannabis Expert Panel, “Cannabis Inflorescence for Medical Purposes: USP Considerations for Quality Attributes,” serves as the scientific basis of the standard. Authors include active ASTM International cannabis committee members participating in the development of this standard.

“Science always informs and drives standards development and the work of USP is foundational to the methodologies of this proposed cannabis standard,” said David Vaillencourt, CEO of GMP Collective and ASTM International member. “The information provided by USP allows for the construction of a strong standard to support quality cannabis products and ultimately protect consumer health.”

The proposed standard (WK73439) will provide the first science-based methodology to classify different varieties of cannabis flower (chemotypes). Differentiating between these chemotypes in the creation and analysis of cannabis products will help ensure product quality and reduce the risk of contamination.

“The main driver and motivation behind this paper on cannabis for medical use, and everything we do, is to support global public health,” said Shawna Embrey, senior director of growth programs at USP. “Developing standards in this area is key to furthering the cannabis industry overall, with an emphasis on science-based standardization to support our number one goal, helping to protect consumer safety.”

According to Vaillencourt, the proposed ASTM International standard will provide a way to appropriately classify the three dominant types of cannabis for medical purposes and to help support regulatory bodies, testing laboratories, and cannabis cultivators.

USP is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the world’s top experts in health and science to develop quality standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. Through standards, advocacy, and education, USP helps increase the availability of quality medicines, supplements, and food for billions of people worldwide. To view the USP paper on cannabis inflorescence for medical purposes, click here.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. To learn more about cannabis committee participation and membership, visit www.astmcannabis.org.

ASTM International is a not-for-profit non-governmental organization that develops voluntary consensus standards and defers to appropriate government authorities to determine the legal and regulatory framework regarding the control and use of cannabis.

 

Filed Under: Business, Homepage Tagged With: ASTM, ASTM International Committee Activity Focuses on Cannabis and Consumer Safety, cannabis news, cannabis regulations, Consumer safety, mjnews, MJNews Network, product testing, standards, testing standards 2021, the business of cannabis, the business of marijuana, United States Pharmacopeia (USP).

Digipath’s Chief Science Officer Calls For Cannabis Testing Science Standardization

November 3, 2017 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

NEVADA: Digipath, an independent cannabis testing laboratory and media firm, announced that its Chief Science Officer, Dr. Cindy Orser, has been invited to present on the science of cannabis at two upcoming events occurring in Nevada and California.

The first event will be at the Annual meeting of the California Association of Toxicologists entitled A House Full of Tox, being hosted by the Henderson Police Department’s and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s forensic laboratories, and will take place Monday, November 6 and Tuesday, November 7 at the Golden Nugget hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. From 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on Tuesday, November 7, Dr. Orser will present on the current state of cannabis science in Nevada to enable California Toxicologists to get a snapshot of what’s to come in California with the role of a regulated cannabis industry.

The second speaking invitation came from the Genetic and Environmental Toxicology Association (GETA) of Northern Californiai. The event is entitled, The Science of Cannabis: Endocannabinoid Signaling and Pesticides in Cannabis Cultivation, and will take place Thursday, December 7 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Elihu M. Harris State Office Building in Oakland, California.  Dr. Orser will present on the need for standardization in the cannabis industry as a prelude to the ensuing regulatory challenges ahead for the State of California under a newly regulated cannabis industry.

Dr. Cindy Orser, Chief Science Officer of Digipath, commented, “Digipath Labs is enthusiastic about participating in the scientific discussion regarding California’s burgeoning cannabis industry.”

 

Filed Under: Events, Homepage Tagged With: California, Cannabis labs, Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay, Chief Science Officer, Dr. Cindy Orser, Genetic and Environmental Toxicology Association (GETA) of Northern California, lab standards, legal marijuana industry, Nevada, standards, the business of cannabis, the business of labs

Kirke LLC/Metro Denver Telluride Health Center LLC Voluntarily Recalls Medical Marijuana Due to Pesticide Residues

August 11, 2017 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

COLORADO: A Denver marijuana cultivation business Kirke LLC/Metro Denver Telluride Health Center LLC, doing business as The Hemp Center Colorado Springs and The Hemp Center, is voluntarily recalling all medical marijuana due to the presence of potentially unsafe pesticide residues.

Samples of marijuana tested during a (DEH) investigation contained residual levels of Avermectin, Bifenazate, Imidacloprid and Myclobutanil, pesticides that the Colorado Department of Agriculture has determined cannot be used legally on marijuana in Colorado.
Medical marijuana plant materials subject to this recall were sold at The Hemp Center Colorado Springs located at 2501 West Colorado Avenue, Suite 106 in Colorado Springs, and The Hemp Center located at 2430 West Main Street in Littleton. All medical marijuana bearing labels with OPC codes of 403-00892 or 403-00899 are subject to this recall. Kirke LLC/Metro Denver Telluride Health Center LLC’s grow facility is located in Denver.
 

Product Identity: Source OPC: Purchased From:
All Medical Marijuana 403-00892, 403-00899 The Hemp Center Colorado Springs
2501 W Colorado Ave. Suite 106
Colorado Springs, CO  80904
License # 402-00597
All Medical Marijuana 403-00892, 403-00899 The Hemp Center
2430 W Main St
Littleton, CO  80120
License # 402-00602

Consumers who have these recalled products should dispose of the products or return them to the store from which they were purchased. For more information about the recall, contact The Hemp Center Colorado Springs or The Hemp Center at info@the-hemp-center.com.

There have been no reports of illness. The possible health impact of consuming marijuana products with unapproved pesticide residues is unknown. Short- and long-term health impacts may exist depending on the specific product, duration, frequency, level of exposure and route of exposure. Consumers with concerns about their personal health should contact their physician with related questions.

The Denver Department of Environmental Health (DEH) is investigating this issue and overseeing the recall process to remove potentially contaminated products from commercial circulation. DEH conducts inspections of marijuana-infused product manufacturers and retail locations in Denver and investigates related complaints.  

Consumers with questions or concerns about recalled product or pesticide residues in marijuana products are encouraged to contact the product retailer and/or the DEH Public Health Inspections division at phicomments@denvergov.org or 720-913-1311.

As Denver’s nationally-accredited local public health agency, the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) is dedicated to advancing Denver’s environmental and public health goals. DEH Divisions include Denver Animal Protection, Community Health, Environmental Quality, Office of the Medical Examiner and Public Health Inspections.
 
For more information about Environmental Health visit www.denvergov.org/EnvironmentalHealth
 

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: CO, Colorado, Colorado marijuana regulations, Denver, Denver Department of Environmental Health, Kirke LLC/ Metro Denver Telluride Health Center, legal cannabis, medical marijuana, mjnews, mmj, pesticide recall, pesticides, standards, Telluride, the business of cannabis, the business of marijuana

Lightscale Labs Announces Cannabis Pesticide Testing In Oregon

July 21, 2017 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

OREGON: Lightscale Labs has joined a short list of accredited laboratories in Oregon how offering the full suite of compliance testing required for recreational and medical cannabis products.

“Pesticide testing is a critical component of making cannabis safer for Oregonians,” said Justin Ouellette, CEO of Lightscale Labs. “Cannabis producers and consumers alike have spoken loudly in favor of rigorous safety standards, but achieving those standards is a complex process and it’s meant that lab testing has generally fallen behind the incredible pace of the industry as a whole. We’re now starting to catch up.”

Oregon is unique among states that have legalized cannabis for its focus on health and safety. To receive a license to test cannabis, a laboratory must be accredited by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and undergo the same scrutiny as environmental labs that traditionally offer food, water, and soil testing. The accreditation process can be lengthy, creating a bottleneck for cannabis production in the state. With its new pesticide testing services, Lightscale Labs has significantly improved that bottleneck.

Recently, the OHA considered relaxing certain testing standards. “It’s important to find the right balance,” said Ouellette. “We all want to see the cannabis industry grow healthy and strong, and that means keeping lab testing requirements realistic. We hope Oregon will continue to serve as a model for the rest of the country, prioritizing public safety and evaluating the rules as the industry evolves and our scientific understanding improves.”

Filed Under: Homepage, Technology Tagged With: labs, licensed cannabis business, OR, Oregon, Oregon lab, standards, testing

Ensuring The Safety Of Marijuana Edibles

November 29, 2015 by MJ News Network 3 Comments

Imagine being informed by your local city health department that you are not allowed to include a nutrition facts label on the popular products you make and sell for human consumption. Julianna Carella faced that very problem relative to gourmet snack items she produces at her Oakland, Calif.-based business, Auntie Dolores Kitchen.

“In 2010 the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) told us we had to take the nutrition label off our products,” says Carella, the company’s founder and CEO.

To be sure, Part 101 – Food Labeling of Title 21 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1, Subchapter B holds no authority over any Auntie Dolores commercial offering.

Imagine further that, even though you’re clearly turning out pretzels, assorted cookies, glazed pecans, chili lime peanuts, cheese biscuits, caramel corn, and fudge brownies for retail sales, your manufacturing facilities and products are not subject to any state or federal food laws, regulations, or inspections. Not for now, anyway.

Filed Under: Business, Homepage Tagged With: cannabis edibles, contaminations, food quality and safety, purity, quality assurance and cannabis, standards, the business of cannabis, the business of marijuana

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Oregon Legislators, Law Enforcement, Licensees Tell OLCC “Illegal Cannabis Threatens All of Us”

Southern Oregon Hospitality and Wine Industry provide feedback OREGON:  Illegal marijuana activity has not only disrupted the legal cannabis industry, but it’s also jeopardizing southern Oregon’s wine industry, according to testimony the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) heard this week. That was one of many issues that came to light during the Commission’s two-day Read the full article…

Black Market Group Announces California Launch of ‘Higher Frequency Flower’ Cannabis Brand Founded by Hip Hop Legend Rakim on BET Weekend

New York’s legendary MC, Rakim, enters the California cannabis market in partnership with female-founded Black Market Group to connect conscious cultivators and curious consumers through a socially-informed and frequency-influenced cannabis brand CALIFORNIA: Female-founded Black Market Group (BMG – @blackmarketcertified) announced Higher Frequency Flower’s arrival in the California market. Conceived and curated by legendary Hip-Hop lyricist Read the full article…

ASTM International New Standard Provides Specifications for Hempseed Food Products

A new ASTM International standard will provide credible and achievable specifications for food-grade hempseed products. The new standard, soon to be published as D8440, was developed by ASTM’s cannabis committee (D37).  According to ASTM International member Clarence Shwaluk, the new standard identifies food safety and quality thresholds for dehulled hempseed, toasted hempseed, hempseed oil and Read the full article…

California Cannabis Control Summit Returns Live October 12-13, 2022

CALIFORNIA: Don’t miss your opportunity to get best practices for policy and regulation, enforcement, public health and safety, and more from key stakeholders! Mark your calendar for October 12-13, 2022 in Sacramento, CA to hear from regulators and join key players in the cannabis industry in-person once again. TURN ON. TUNE IN. CATCH THE BUZZ Read the full article…

OLCC Cannabis Industry Listening Session Is June 15th

OLCC Commission in southern Oregon June 15th OREGON:  The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission will host a listening session with Oregon’s cannabis industry in Ashland the evening of Wednesday, June 15th.  The town-hall style discussion takes place at Southern Oregon University (SOU), in Stevenson Union (Rogue River Room) from 6 to 8 PM. Commission staff will provide Read the full article…

Black Market Group Announces California Launch of ‘Higher Frequency Flower’ Cannabis Brand Founded by Hip Hop Legend Rakim on BET Weekend

ASTM International New Standard Provides Specifications for Hempseed Food Products

California Cannabis Control Summit Returns Live October 12-13, 2022

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