The Importance of Accreditation in the Cannabis Industry

Description:
Currently, the cannabis industry lacks a sense of standardization. Specifically, the standardization of testing methods has many cannabis users wondering if their products are truly safe. Third-party testing laboratories are able to combat this uncertainty by choosing to be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 assures that consistency, competency, repeatability, and reliability meet certain levels of quality that promote confidence in all parties involved. Additionally, as regulations are constantly changing, many states are looking to add accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 as a baseline requirement to bolster their cannabis programs. Other states are adding portions of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 to their own pre-established requirements. For example, Pennsylvania’s proficiency testing requirements are based on section 7.7.2 of the standard that states a laboratory shall participate in either a proficiency testing program or interlaboratory comparisons. Cannabis testing laboratories can ensure they are not only meeting ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements but also their states’ requirements when they choose to become accredited. The purpose of this discussion is to educate and discuss what accreditation is and the importance of becoming accredited in the cannabis industry. Attendees will be able to:
1. Understand what accreditation is and the process of becoming accredited
2. Understand the benefits of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 in the cannabis industry
3. Understand who A2LA is and the strengths of the cannabis accreditation program at A2LA

Speaker: chris gunning - A2LA