In a pioneering effort, Canada, through the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), has submitted a proposal to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to establish a new Technical Committee to develop international standards for safety, security, and good production practices for cannabis facilities and operations.
The proposed work includes standardization in safety, quality systems and handling of cannabis throughout the supply chain. This includes growing, processing, production, packaging, distribution, and sales. The standards will also cover terminology, test methods, equipment and operating procedures, waste management and air quality. Voting on the proposal closes on 14 August 2024. The outcome of the vote will determine whether work on developing these standards can begin.
This initiative will promote safety and quality within the rapidly growing cannabis industry. It aims to create an international consensus that can help harmonize rules and practices across different jurisdictions where cannabis production is legal. The proposed committee will work with existing ISO committees and other international bodies to ensure that the new standards are in line with existing regulations and best practices. In addition to creating new standards, the committee will develop technical guides and reports to support the needs of the industry.
If approved, the proposal will be a major step forward in ensuring that the cannabis industry has robust and uniform standards that protect both workers and consumers, as well as promote sustainable and safe production.
What is ISO?
ISO standards are international standards that are developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These cover a variety of areas, including production, quality, safety, and efficiency. The purpose of ISO standards is to ensure that products, services, and systems are safe, reliable, and of good quality. They are used globally to harmonise and improve industry practices, foster innovation and ensure compatibility and interoperability between different systems and services.