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Navigating Colorado’s New Cannabis Regulations by Cannabis & Tech Today

The Cannabis Safety & Quality (CSQ) certification program has been approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) for Safe Harbor Hemp manufacturers. This approval allows hemp product manufacturers to obtain cGMP certification, an essential step to remaining compliant with the state’s new regulations that came into effect on July 1, 2024. The new laws require Safe Harbor Hemp manufacturers to be certified by an accredited third-party auditor by July 1, 2025, ensuring they meet stringent safety and quality standards.

Safe Harbor Hemp, a category unique to Colorado, refers to hemp-derived compounds or cannabinoids that are manufactured within the state but only for export, as they cannot be sold locally. By obtaining CSQ certification, companies can demonstrate their adherence to federal good manufacturing practices, positioning them to maintain compliance under the state’s strict regulatory framework​.

CSQ certification, coupled with a strategic partnership with Rootwurks, is paving the way for safer cannabis products in Colorado. Earlier in 2024, Rootwurks partnered with ASI, the certification body for CSQ, to provide affordable HACCP certification courses and a suite of compliance tools. These resources simplify the rigorous training and documentation processes required by the industry​.

For cannabis operators, the new regulations introduce the potential for reduced testing allowances, provided they implement a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system. This system must comply with ASTM Standard D8250-19 and pass an internal audit. To help businesses navigate this complex terrain, CSQ is partnering with Rootwurks to create a Reduced Testing Allowance (RTA) Toolkit, a comprehensive package that includes HACCP preparation, lead auditor training, and necessary compliance documentation​.

The RTA Toolkit, expected to launch in Q3 2024, is being developed specifically to address the lack of clarity around compliance documentation. Colorado’s new laws don’t clearly outline how companies should provide proof of implementing a HACCP system or submit evidence of compliance. The Toolkit, which draws on Rootwurks’ extensive training expertise and ASI’s auditing experience, will fill this gap, ensuring operators have everything they need to meet regulatory standards​.

Initiatives like these are invaluable for cannabis producers, equipping them with the tools to thrive under new, stringent regulations while continuing to deliver safe, high-quality products.

For more details on CSQ certification and the RTA Toolkit, visit CSQ’s official website​.

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