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Portfolio:Past, Present, and Future of Cannabis Laboratory Testing and Regulation in the United States/Final thoughts and resources

Revision as of 15:38, 13 June 2019 by Shawndouglas (talk | contribs) (→‎Citation information for this chapter: Updated in May 2019)

This last section of the guide provides closing thoughts to tie together what was previously discussed. It also provides a directory of cannabis testing, standards, etc. resources for readers wanting to learn more.

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6. Final thoughts

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This guide has attempted to provide insight into various aspects of the current status of laboratory testing of cannabis in the U.S. By extension, it has required a closer look at many non-testing or tangentially related aspects of cannabis, including history, regulations, standards, methods, equipment, and software. The guide has also attempted to look at the potential future of testing, a more difficult feat that has required inspection of—and speculation on—a mix of statistics and politics, as well as government and social policy and how they may all affect the future of cannabis testing. We learned that many point fingers at the U.S. federal government for being responsible for several cannabis-related issues, including lack of clear government support for cannabis research, lack of standardization of testing and analysis methods for said research, and wavering policy that remains inconsistent at best. At root is the fact that the federal government maintains cannabis (and its constituents) as a Schedule I drug, by extension declaring that it has no respectable medical use. This and related decisions have slowed down the academic study of cannabis (in the U.S.), including its analysis, quality testing, and research and use as a medical treatment. The development, implementation, and reassessment of cultivation and testing standards and methods have largely been piecemeal; additionally, those efforts have been enacted in an environment where, despite the legal status in a state, fear that the federal government will inevitably intervene slows progress even further.

Despite these barriers, the speed at which U.S. states have adopted some form of legalization of cannabis has pushed scientists and researchers to collaborate and improve standards and methods. Necessity continues to be the mother of invention, driving those in the industry to adapt or perish in a difficult, inconsistent market. State officials are teaming up at industry conferences and sharing ideas. Non-profit organizations are joining forces with major standards agencies to expand and improve good laboratory practices. Researchers—whether on their own or with the help of others internationally—are learning more about the various cannabinoids and their interaction with terpenes, driving new insight into potential therapeutic remedies. Overall public perception about marijuana consumption and use is gradually shifting towards a positive light, even when so little is still understood about the long-term ramifications of its use. Commercial interests are taking notice, and so are international treaty makers. All of this adds up to forward momentum in the cannabis industry, with warts and all.

Many factors will affect the future of cannabis regulation, testing, and research; in the process, we're certain to see both ups and downs as political and social climates continue to change. However, as marijuana consumption and hemp-based manufacturing methods continue to see expanded support, consumers and manufacturers, as well as all those involved in between, will always clamor for a safer product that is "as advertised." Laboratory analysis will play an important role in that effort, whether it's in the medical research lab, the quality control lab, or the manufacturer's lab. It will be imperative for all interested parties to further work together to ensure methods are sound and standardized in a realistic and beneficial way to ensure that in the end consumers will get the best possible product available.

7. Resources

Key reading







Reference material








Law and regulation







Standards and guidance

(See each sub-committee for proposed and approved standards)







Testing






(Note year; still provides historical perspective)


New York State Department of Health:





Accreditation and certification






Publications and blogs

Education and training


Scientific conferences and trade shows













Associations, organizations, and interest groups

Global and national

Table 1. Global and national entities
Entity Description from website
Agricultural Genomics Foundation "non-profit organization that aims to understand the biology of new and emerging crops with industrial and medical value such as Cannabis and educate the public about the scientific findings"
American Cannabis Nurses Association "national organization dedicated to expanding the knowledge base of endo-cannabinoid therapeutics among nurses"
American Chemical Society, Cannabis Chemistry Subdivision "to be recognized as the leading chemistry authority on the safe & beneficial processing, extraction, and purity analysis of cannabis products"
American Herbal Products Association "national trade association and voice of the herbal products industry"
American Oil Chemists Society "advances the science and technology of oils, fats, proteins, surfactants, and related materials, enriching the lives of people everywhere"
American Trade Association for Cannabis & Hemp "a 501(c)(6) trade organization ... founded to promote the expansion, protection, and preservation of businesses engaged in the legal trade of industrial, medical, and recreational cannabis and hemp based products"
Americans for Safe Access "national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research"
Association of Cannabinoid Specialists "ensures the highest standards in the practice of cannabis medicine, safeguards patient care with clinical best practices, and interfaces with other stakeholders in the cannabis community"
Cannabis Council of Canada "national organization of Canada’s licensed producers of Cannabis under Health Canada’s federal Cannabis Act"
Cannabis Horticultural Association "an authoritative and first choice for people seeking to learn how to cultivate clean, high grade cannabis through the objective information and education on sustainable and regenerative management practices"
Cannabis Marketing Association "to bring a positive perception to, and authentic understanding of, cannabis and its consumers around the world"
Cannabis Science Interest (CSI) Group part of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, "aims to promote discussion and knowledge dissemination about cutting edge scientific findings as well as changes in policy and legal status of cannabis, in order to generate innovative ideas for NIDA's research portfolio and dissemination/outreach strategies for all audiences"
Center for the Study of Cannabis and Social Policy "to promote public and private efforts to use cannabis legalization to end the war on drugs, or 'prohibition'"
Doctors for Cannabis Regulation "a non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy for the legalization, taxation and—above all—the effective regulation of marijuana in the United States"
European Cannabis Association "offer support in the areas of consulting and development of standards for the production of medicinal cannabis"
European Medicinal Cannabis Association "to advance patient access to medicinal cannabis treatments, and improve the health outcomes of patients across Europe"
Foundation of Cannabis Unified Standards "to protect public health, consumer safety, and safeguard the environment by promoting integrity in the cannabis industry"
Hemp Industries Association "a non-profit trade association representing more than one-thousand (1,000) supporters, farmers and business members serving the hemp industries since 1994"
International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines "to advance knowledge on cannabis, cannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and related topics especially with regard to their therapeutic potential"
International Cannabinoid Research Society "to (1) foster cannabinoid research; (2) promote the exchange of scientific information and perspectives about Cannabis, the cannabinoids, and endocannabinoids through the organization of scientific meetings; (3) serve as a source of reliable information regarding the chemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic uses, toxicology and the behavioral, psychological, and social effects of cannabis and its constituents"
International Cannabis Bar Association "to educate and connect with other cannabis industry lawyers for the purpose of providing excellent, ethical, and advanced legal assistance to this growing industry"
International Cannabis Farmers Association "a broad group of cannabis farmers, scientists, and stakeholders working together to promote the unique quality and ecological benefits of traditionally farmed cannabis and cannabis-derived products while preserving the heritage of traditional farming communities"
International Institute for Cannabinoids "a multi-national cooperation in the field of cannabinoid research ... [that] achieves its goals through the implementation of research, development, analysis, education, training, counseling, monitoring, publishing, informing, raising awareness, proposing expert opinions or standpoints, offering expert advice and similar"
Medical Cannabis Institute, The "provides online medical education for healthcare professionals who want to learn about medical cannabis and its potential clinical application"
Medical Cannabis Society "to foster a model medical cannabis industry in the United States through education and leadership"
Minority Cannabis Business Association "501(c)(6) not-for-profit business league created to serve the specific needs of minority cannabis entrepreneurs, workers, and patients/consumers"
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies "a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana"
National Association of Cannabis Businesses "a self-governing community, focused on differentiating themselves to regulators, the public and others brands or competitors as the most legitimate, professional and trustworthy businesses in the industry"
National Cannabis Industry Association "working together to defend the responsible cannabis industry and create more opportunities for small businesses in our sector"
National Cannabis Risk Management Association "to offer innovative risk management services that will enable our members to thrive from seed to consumer in the emerging cannabis industry"
National Hemp Association "to support the growth and development of all aspects of the industrial hemp industry"
NORML "to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable"
Patients Out of Time "a non-profit 501c3 corporation of the Commonwealth of Virginia that provides education to all disciplines of health care professionals; their specialty and professional organizations; the legal profession; and the public at large, about medical cannabis (marijuana)"
Project CBD "to create a world where cannabis empowers people to take an active role in their health"
Smart Approaches to Marijuana "an alliance of organizations and individuals dedicated to a health-first approach to marijuana policy"
Society of Cannabis Clinicians "a 5013 non-profit organization dedicated to educating physicians about the medical use of cannabis"
Transnational Institute, The "to strengthen international social movements with rigorous research, reliable information, sound analysis and constructive proposals that advance progressive, democratic policy change and common solutions to global problems"
U.S. Cannabis Council "to build a future of legal access to cannabis delivered through an equitable and values-driven industry by advancing federal cannabis legalization and promoting restorative justice for communities harmed by cannabis prohibition"
Veterans Cannabis Project "to improving US military veterans’ quality of life through the opportunity of cannabis"
Women Grow "a for-profit entity that serves as a catalyst for women to influence and succeed in the cannabis industry as the end of marijuana prohibition occurs on a national scale"

Regional

Table 2. Regional entities
Entity Region/locality served Description from website
Alaska Marijuana Industry Association Alaska to "promote and advocate for a vibrant and reasonably regulated Alaska-based marijuana industry"
Arkansas Cannabis Industry Association Arkansas "a 501(c)(6) cannabis industry trade association advocating for laws, regulations and public policies that foster a healthy, professional and accountable medical cannabis industry in our state"; the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Association merged with it in December 2018
California Cannabis Industry Association California "to promote the growth of a responsible and legitimate cannabis industry and work for a favorable social, economic, and legal environment for our industry in the state of California"
Cannabis Business Association of Illinois Illinois "a non-profit statewide association that represents member cannabis businesses licensed by the state of Illinois"; formerly the Medical Cannabis Alliance of Illinois
Cannabis Trade Council Colorado "to help the cannabis industry to grow and flourish through self-regulation while keeping the needs of the patient foremost"
Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce Colorado "a nonprofit chamber of cannabis businesses that focuses on policies at the state and local levels of government"
Colorado Leads Colorado "a pro-business alliance created to help educate the general public about the economic and community benefits of a safe, regulated medical and recreational cannabis industry"
Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network Delaware "to build and support a network of business owners, professionals and grassroots activists advocating to legalize cannabis in the First State"
Florida for Care Florida "a non-profit 501C(4) founded in 2014 to advocate for the implementation of a strong, well-regulated, medical marijuana system under Amendment 2"
Hawaiʻi Cannabis Industry Association Hawaii "nurtures the legal cannabis industry’s long-term success by advancing the adoption of sound public policies and promoting awareness and understanding of the regulated cannabis industry’s contributions to Hawaiʻi’s wellbeing"
Las Vegas Medical Marijuana Association Nevada "a chamber of commerce for medical marijuana, organized to promote the medical marijuana industry in Nevada"
Marijuana Industry Group Colorado "to advance appropriate legislation, regulation and implementation of Colorado’s licensing and regulatory program"
Marijuana Industry Trade Association Arizona "professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and advocates united to build a strong and sustainable future for the cannabis industry in Arizona"
Maryland Cannabis Industry Association Maryland "a professional trade association advocating for laws, regulations and public policies that foster a healthy, professional and accountable medical cannabis industry in our state"
Maryland Cannabis Policy Coalition Maryland to improve honest dialogue, remove criminal penalties for possession, and ensure proper regulation and taxation of cannabis sales in Maryland, among other goals
Maryland Medical Dispensary Association Maryland "a professional trade association advocating for laws, regulations and public policies that foster a healthy, professional and secure medical cannabis industry in our state"
Maryland Wholesale Medical Cannabis Trade Association Maryland "promotes the responsible advancement of the medical cannabis industry in Maryland by fostering a favorable social, economic and legal climate"
Massachusetts Cannabis Business Association Massachusetts "advocates on behalf of our members to remove barriers, fight stigma, and bring cannabis into the mainstream of the Massachusetts economy"
Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Dispensers' Association Massachusetts "to provide guidelines, best practices, vendor support, government regulation compliance and up to date research and knowledge about our industry"
Medical Cannabis Coalition of Hawaii Hawaii "an independent community driven effort to support medical cannabis patients and caregivers in Hawai‘i"
Missouri Cannabis Industry Association Missouri "to promote and shape the legalization of cannabis in Missouri to ensure that the benefits and opportunities created by legalization will do the most good for the most people"
Medical Marijuana Business Association of Florida Florida "to protect and promote a rational and compassionate approach to Florida’s emerging medical marijuana regulatory framework, serve as a responsible business resource for policy makers, support and grow business opportunities for the emerging medical marijuana industry"
Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine Maine "a Maine trade association dedicated to the support and promotion of safe access to medical marijuana"
Michigan Cannabis Industry Association Michigan "advocates for a favorable policy environment in which cannabis can thrive"
Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association Michigan "Dedicated to providing safe, tested cannabis products to Michigan consumers in a regulated market"
Michigan Medical Marijuana Association Michigan not particularly clear on the website what their mission is
Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association Missouri "an association of business owners and professionals proactively working together to build a successful, safe, compliant medical cannabis industry"
Montana Cannabis Industry Association Montana "a safe, functional, responsible and accountable program that meets the needs of patients, communities, and providers"
MS Cannabis Trade Association Mississippi "to serve the diverse interests of the cannabis market from plant-touching to ancillary businesses, including, cultivation, processing, quality testing, manufacturing, retail, delivery, insurance, packaging, and various supporting services"
Nevada Cannabis Association Nevada "dedicated to developing and promoting best practices among Nevada cannabis businesses as well as supporting the efforts of cannabis establishments to provide high quality, safe cannabis to Nevada’s consumers"
New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association New Jersey "to promote sensible policy, responsible growth and development of New Jersey’s cannabis industry"
New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association New York "to protect and serve the patients in New York’s medical cannabis program while working collaboratively to establish a responsible, inclusive and competitive adult-use cannabis program"
Ohio Cannabis Association Ohio "promotes a responsible expansion of the industry in order to best serve every resident of Ohio"
Oklahoma Cannabis Industry Association Oklahoma "the establishment of an innovative, industry-leading cannabis industry in Oklahoma built upon industry collaboration, community partnerships, enhanced market development and analysis, and a robust presence at our policy making institutions"
Oregon Cannabis Association Oregon "a diverse group of cultivators, processors, retailers, entrepreneurs, and allied businesses ... [dedicated] to help one another thrive through networking events, educational workshops, and political representation"
Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association Oregon "a member supported non-profit trade association that lobbies and advocates on behalf of the cannabis industry and our members"
Texas Cannabis Industry Association Texas "promotes and works to ensure the favorable social, economic and legal environment necessary for a legitimate and responsible cannabis industry in Texas"
United Cannabis Business Association California "shape the regulated cannabis industry through our political efforts, while creating a network and community for the licensed industry"
Washington CannabBusiness Association Washington (state) "to advocate on behalf of our member companies in the legislative, regulatory, legal and public policy arenas"
Washington Sun and Craft Association Washington (state) "to advance and protect the interests of sun and craft cannabis growers through the development of rule and law that supports an economically and environmentally sustainable cannabis industry"

Consultancy and support services

The following entities are known to provide consulting and support services of various types to cannabis testing labs (as well as cultivators, dispensaries, etc.):

Licensed cultivators

Template:Licensed cultivators

Testing labs and pricing info

Template:Testing labs and pricing info

Citation information for this chapter

Chapters: 6. Final thoughts and 7. Resources

Title: Past, Present, and Future of Cannabis Laboratory Testing and Regulation in the United States

Edition: Second edition

Author for citation: Shawn E. Douglas

License for content: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Publication date: May 2019


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