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Cannabis GMP Certification

Cannabis GMP Certification
GMP is a vital concept for any manufacturing business.  But what is it? And how does GMP apply to cannabis cultivation? ‘GMP’ stands for Good Manufacturing Practices, and is a system for ensuring that products are consistently manufactured and controlled according to quality standards appropriate for their intended use. The purpose of GMP is to minimize the risks involved in any production process which cannot be eliminated through testing of the final product. GMP covers all aspects of the production process (including raw materials, premises, equipment and personnel), and involves detailed written procedures, in the form of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which are essential for each process that could affect the quality of the finished product. Most importantly, GMP ensures that finished products are effective and safe for market distribution.

What is GMP Certification?

GMP certification is a comprehensive manufacturing quality control process that ensures the safety and accuracy of your product. It establishes regulations for production, storage, packaging, and distribution processes in order to ensure that products meet quality standards and customer specifications. GMP certification helps you demonstrate your commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
GMP Certification Requirements

Legal Requirements

While GMP is not completely standardized across all territories and countries, there is some form of quality assurance wherever cannabis is produced. Growers must ensure that hygiene of their product and equipment, and make sure that all products are handled with care, making consumer safety a top priority. Additionally, the pharmaceutical industry requires GMP licensing for the manufacture and sale of medicinal cannabis, making it difficult to maintain a cultivation business without it. In order to ensure the quality and safety of the product, laws dictate that cannabis manufacturers meet certain requirements, and GMP, though not always required, reflects a high standard of quality, and therefore ensures that all necessary conditions are met. As cannabis legislation advances, more and more districts will adopt these stringent guidelines, making GMP certification a must for any serious cultivators.

Who Requires GMP Certification?

GMP certification is required for a variety of industries and products, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and medical devices. Companies that are subject to FDA regulations must have their processes verified by third-party certifying organizations. Additionally, many states have their own laws and regulations requiring food manufacturers to obtain GMP certification before they can market and sell foods in that state.
GMP Certification Requirements

What are the steps to becoming GMP-certified?

To become GMP certified, you must review and understand the guidelines that apply to your industry, design and implement compliance processes, thoroughly document your policies and procedures, train staff on best practices, monitor processes and make improvements when necessary. You will also need to be audited by a third-party certifying organization to ensure your practices adhere to the necessary requirements. It’s important to note that certification can take up to 6 months or more, depending on the complexity of your operations.

Why is it important to maintain and renew GMP Certification Requirements?

Ensuring that you meet all the GMP certification requirements isn't a one-time action — it’s an ongoing process. Having good manufacturing practice (GMP) certification requires meeting and maintaining certain standards while producing products or providing services. This process needs to be carried out consistently, from when materials are first received until the finished product is delivered. Since these regulations change over time, renewing your GMP certification annually or at least every five years is advised.
GMP Certification Requirements
GMP Certification Requirements

Benefits of GMP

Currently, cannabis produced by GMP-certified growers are labelled as such, giving consumers peace of mind when making their purchase. Without it, sales can suffer, since discerning consumers want to know that they are buying quality products. Soon, any licensed producers of cannabis will be required to meet GMP standards in order to maintain the credibility and licensing of their business. By getting GMP certification now, you are not only promoting the quality of your product, but also saving yourself from potential licensing issues in the future.

GMP is not only relevant to cannabis cultivation, but also to a wide range of manufacturing industries, and is a standard model for the production of food and medicine. Though GMP has served as the golden standard in these industries for years, the cannabis industry has not been fully legislated under the same procedures. Manufacturing and sales of cannabis in one location might require GMP certification, while another location might operate under different legislation. Despite this, GMP remains the height of quality assurance for cannabis cultivation, and will become the industry standard with time.

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Getting your GMP Certification with Cannabis License Experts

So, you know that you need to get your GMP certification, but how should you go about it? The legal minds at Cannabis License Experts can help you navigate the complexities of cannabis regulation. Here are just a few of the benefits of our service:

Facility Inspection

CLE will ensure that your cultivation facility meets industry standards by identifying red flags or potential problems that would prevent you from operating at or above

Record Keeping

CLE analyzes your record keeping to ensure that no stone is left unturned, and that all information is up-to-date and accurate.

General Business Practice

CLE will evaluate your business model, staff, and processes so that your cultivation operation meets industry standards and works at peak performance.

Paperwork and Licensing

CLE handles the paperwork for you, making sure that all licensing requirements are met so that you can focus on growing!

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Cannabis License Experts is a compliance solutions provider consisting of in-house professionals with extensive Cannabis, Pharma, Food, Medical Device and Drug regulatory
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