420 with CNW — New Certification Will Help Stand
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States that have legalized the commercial production and sale of marijuana are required to have their products tested for THC levels and contaminants. THC is one of the main psychoactive compounds in marijuana, with the other being cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike CBD, however, THC induces a high when ingested.
Industry standards for such tests aren’t well-established, a situation that allows some laboratories to inflate levels of THC in an effort to meet client needs. Last week, two marijuana testing labs launched a new program to standardize procedures for testing the potency and purity of cannabis products.
For some time now, SC Labs and ACT Laboratories have assessed lab regulatory standards across states that have legalized marijuana to develop stringent and sensible quality standards. The new program, Trust in Testing, is a collaborative and transparent project by the two companies that will give consumers confidence that they are buying high-quality products.
A 2019 survey observed inconsistencies in reports from different laboratories, with the marijuana industry also seeing scandals such as cannabis products being cleared for sale by laboratories, despite the presence of contaminants such as mold.
In a statement, SC Labs CEO Jeff Journey stated that the identification of high-quality compliant laboratories would help decentralize decision-making. The company has licensed operations in Michigan, California, Colorado and Oregon. Journey believes that the new program will afford brands a way to identify laboratories that meet the set standards across different states.
ACT Laboratories CEO Michael Drozd then explained that, with testing fraud allegations increasing in the country, it was even more important for marijuana brands to test their products in order to ensure they were all safe and reliable. He added that poor quality testing data could affect brand reputation, resulting in fines, loss of business and legal action.
The Trust in Testing certification will also enable brands to establish their own standards when it comes to choosing a testing facility. The standards introduced include regular and more proficiency testing, internal employee ethics and training programs, and the use of advanced quality management systems, among other requirements. The certification has been designed to ensure that laboratories comply with state regulations while also affording their clients and consumers reliable and accurate results.
In addition, brands that use a lab certified by Trust in Testing for their products will be allowed to use the program’s seal on their packages. This will show consumers their commitment to quality.
ACT Laboratories and SC Labs are proud to be working together to create safer marijuana through a more reliable testing landscape in the country.
For companies such as IGC Pharma Inc. (NYSE American: IGC), which want their formulations to be approved by the FDA, no concerns about testing controversies exist because the FDA process is clear and companies must take their products through the stringent clinical development process.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to IGC Pharma Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/IGC
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