The board of directors of ASTM International has approved the formation of a committee on cannabis.
ASTM Committee D37 on cannabis was formed to develop standards for cannabis and its products and processes. The activities of the committee are focused on meeting the needs of the cannabis industry and addressing quality and safety through developing voluntary consensus standards. Subcommittees will focus on developing test methods, practices and guides for cultivation, quality assurance, laboratory considerations, packaging, and security.
Close to 100 industry representatives, laboratories, associations, and others have been involved in organizing the new group.
Dr. Ralph Paroli will serve as the committee’s first chairman. Paroli is the immediate past chairman of the board and director of R&D in measurement science and standards at the National Research Council of Canada.
“This committee will help meet a need for safety and standardization in this fast-growing industry,” Paroli said.
“With decades of experience working with industries such as agriculture, packaging, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, ASTM International and its members are uniquely qualified to develop standards for the cannabis industry.
ASTM International President Kathie Morgan said “While ASTM International is not an advocacy organization, we are pleased to help convene experts and leaders in this industry as they build a foundation of strong technical standards.”
According to organizers, the initial focus of the committee will be on standards development in six technical areas, which will be its subcommittees:
- Indoor and outdoor horticulture and agriculture
- Quality management systems
- Laboratory
- Processing and handling
- Security and transportation
- Personnel training, assessment, and credentialing.
The committee will hold its first official meeting June 11-12 in Toronto, Canada.