CannaProcure

Creating cannabis labels that are both compliant and stylish has never been easier. With states legalizing the plant in different quantities, there is an ever-growing need for quality marketing materials such as sleek packages or informative brochures to showcase your products, which also have been able to withstand any legal scrutiny they may come across when it comes time to sell them on-site!

https://cannaprocure.com/cannabis-labeling-dos-and-donts/ 

One of the next big hurdles for the cannabis industry and marketing firms is professional sports sponsorships. As cannabis becomes more and more popular and less taboo, marketing efforts will be on the rise. Cannabis is a multibillion-dollar industry that has become a major political issue as more states see the tax revenue possibilities. It is a real possibility in the future to see pro athletes promoting CBD products for pain management or even a cannabis company naming a stadium.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article:

https://cannaprocure.com/long-legal-road-ahead-for-cannabis-sports-sponsorships/ 

The future of cannabis in New York looks bright with each passing day. Governor Hochul recently signed an amendment allowing the OCM, the office of cannabis management, to give conditional licenses to qualified adult use cultivators and processors.

To read more about New York's Conditional Licensing Program, click on the link below:

https://cannaprocure.com/a-closer-look-at-new-yorks-conditional-licensing-program/ 

#Cannaprocure   #ConditionalLicenses 

Fraud is Increasing in the Cannabis Testing Market. With more states legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use, regulation has become a prevalent topic throughout the industry. The markets for virtually all types of marijuana use (except for industrial hemp) have been rapidly growing at the state levels without any federal oversight.  One significant result is the inconsistencies from state to state between testing requirements and the licensing of third-party independent labs. 

Click on the link below to read the rest of this article:

https://cannaprocure.com/fraud-is-increasing-in-the-cannabis-testing-market/ 

https://cannaprocure.com/ensure-your-cannabis-delivery-service-is-compliant/

Read the rest of this article here: https://cannaprocure.com/every-cannabis-business-needs-do-insurance/

When people talk about CBD (cannabidiol), they usually refer to its relaxing effects and medical benefits. It is a natural product used for many years as part of traditional medicine. Today we have a better understanding of CBD, and with technological improvement, it is gaining unbelievable strides in popularity.

CBD and Animals

The endocannabinoid system is not just limited to humans- it exists in all mammals. Recent research has indicated that dogs possess even more receptors than people do! In the same way that CBD produces a calming and relaxing effect in people, it also does in other mammals.  

CBD is used to help dogs deal with stressful circumstances, such as traveling or hearing loud noises. Of course, you need to research your dog's issues and current medical situation to see if CBD is the right option for your pet.

CBD is Environmentally Friendly

The extraction of CBD from hemp is a very environmentally friendly process, especially compared to other medicines manufactured on an industrial scale. The fact is that cannabis is very easy to grow at a large scale, and the growing technology is constantly improving.

The extraction process of the plant is simple. The first step is homogenizing the cannabis leaves or seeds into a mixture. A non-polar solvent like supercritical carbon dioxide 2 is then used to extract the CBD. Carbon dioxide-2 can be drawn from the atmosphere, so it is a carbon-negative process, making it a very green method.

Using All of the Plant

It is not the end of plant when the CBD is extracted. The seeds from the hemp plant are a rich source of easily digestible proteins that are ideal for vegetarian and vegan diets. The plant's stem can also be used as a source of cellulose, which is used to make eco-friendly plastics, paper, textiles, and more. The fact that the entire plant is utilized for many purposes is one of the main reasons for the boom in the CBD industry.

The cannabis industry has seen immense popularity and growth over recent years. People want natural remedies for their health needs rather than conventional medicine. They are also looking for eco-friendly products rather than depleting the earth's resources. We must remain open-minded and responsive to technological developments and innovative ideas.

The discovery of bread has changed our world. Who would have thought tilling crops and brewing grains could make such delicious food? Our ancestors didn't know about these thousands of years ago, but they found out fast when it came time to raise their families with no more hunting or gathering what was available locally at first glance - only an appreciation for its nutritional value like all other foods during those times in history where there wasn’t much variety on offer outside one's palate due mostly because technology hadn't yet invented anything better than purely relying upon fresh ingredients straight off the vine/field.

When people talk about CBD, they usually refer to its medical benefits. This natural product has similar properties as bread in that technology and science make it more than just a good idea but something very important for our daily lives with new research coming out every day on how great this plant can really be.

CBD is for Everybody

The endocannabinoid system is not just limited to humans, and it exists in all mammals. Recent research has shown this fact, which indicated that dogs possess more receptors than people do! The way CBD affects our mind can be seen as normal because other animals share this same property too; they're only experiencing different responses from their individual experiences with the compound.

The medication used to help animals with stress disorders, such as traveling or hearing loud explosions, can be really useful in extreme need. Of course, this does not mean you should follow it blindly- always do research before approaching any animal medicine!

CBD is Environmentally Friendly

The extraction of CBD from hemp is a very environmentally friendly process. Compared to many other types of medicines manufactured on an industrial scale, it's more earth-friendly because of how easy they can grow cannabis in large amounts with new agricultural technology, which will always improve over time.

The extraction process is very simple and can be carried out with supercritical carbon dioxide. The first step in this chain of events, homogenizing the cannabis leaves or seeds into a fine powder before slowly pouring over non-polar solvent that will capture CBD, happened naturally due to its unique safety features, making it one of our greenest methods. 

All Parts of CBD are Useful

The seeds from the hemp plant are a rich source of easily digestible proteins that can be used as additives to vegetarian and vegan diets. They’re also perfect for those who want meat-like flavors without having any adverse effects on their health due to the use in supplements or food products such as adding it right before packaging, so people will know what they're eating.

With cannabinoids, consumers can enjoy various health benefits without sacrificing their fashion senses. The entire plant is versatile and contains many uses - one reason why it's become such a popular option for extracted products like CBD oil!

Our ancestors were not afraid to try something new, even if they couldn't fully understand its logic. The bread was initially considered "unnatural" by some people in ancient times. There's no way for them to know that this would eventually lead to one of humanity’s most popular foods.

Cannabis companies are starting to bet big on the untapped potential of the beverage sector. As more people begin to move away from smoking cannabis, we have seen tremendous growth in the industry’s edibles, oils, and lotion sectors. Consumers want to enjoy their cannabis product without the harmful effect of smoke inhalation. 

The beverage industry, which includes soft drinks, juice, coffee, bottled water, energy drinks, and others, is globally valued at around $1.5 trillion and $150 billion in the U.S. alone. Beverage companies are always looking to find the next major growth opportunity in their industry.

Several small and larger beverage makers have caught the attention of the major players in the beverage industry. These beverage entrepreneurs are experimenting with cannabis-infused beverages and test marketing them in several markets. 

The cannabis industry is booming, and the beverage world isn't exactly sure how to get in on the action. A few big names have jumped on board with this new trend, like Molson-Coors, which released their line of cannabis-infused beverages in Canada; PepsiCo created a hemp-infused energy drink, and Canopy Growth introduced a top selling CBD beverage. Jones Soda also announced the launch of a line of cannabis-infused sodas under the name Mary Jones. These are just a few prominent beverage industry names adding cannabis-infused, hemp-infused, or CBD-infused beverages to their product line. 

Cannabis infusions and alcoholic beverages go hand-in-hand. Some companies are pairing the two types of products together for an even more enjoyable experience! For instance, you can enjoy cocktails at certain establishments that have been infused with marijuana. Several states are planning to launch such adult-use markets, and other states are contemplating venues such as lounges and bars that can make such alcohol and cannabis-based drinks. 

Companies are betting that consumers will be more open to cannabis beverages as an alternative to alcohol consumption, which has various drawbacks.  Cannabis is becoming more popular with health-conscious consumers who avoid smoking and looking for alternative products that won't affect them the next day. 

It is like this analogy:  Cannabis beverages are to high-THC products, as beer and spiked seltzer beverages are to high-proof alcohol such as vodka, gin, and tequila.

The lower alcohol content of beer and spiked seltzer makes those drinks more appealing to more people in more situations.  By the same token cannabis-infused drinks can reach a broader consumer base than traditional cannabis products.

However, for cannabis-infused beverages to meet overall consumer acceptance and reach their growth potential, several things need to happen, according to industry experts.

State labeling, testing, and packaging requirements need to be cohesive for cannabis beverages to scale. The need for separate regulations makes sense because these drinks are often mistakenly grouped in with edibles when they have different needs and/or characteristics. Lastly, on-site consumption, like in bars and restaurants, is critical to mainstreaming cannabis beverages.

The federal government has yet to legalize cannabis, so companies are hesitant about entering the industry. Alcohol brands have been quicker than others because it's not illegal in conjunction with beverages like water or coffee drinks that don't contain any alcohol.

The cannabis industry is a hotbed for regulation. The federal government has been strict about who can produce and sell what. Still, state laws vary significantly from one state to the next, which creates an uneven playing field in advertising, packaging, labeling, and even dosing instructions. 

The end of federal prohibition will bring about a new era for infused cannabis beverages. The cannabis industry and regulators will need to prioritize policies and reconcile the regulatory conditions and state-by-state differences. We’re also likely to see the industry come together and advocate for responsible consumption, standard procedures, and best practices.

The federal cannabis prohibition is attracting companies that produce CBD-only drinks. Sales of these products are expected to hit $2.5 billion in 2021, and they're available where cannabis isn't legal.

You may have heard of cannabis-infused beverages sold in Canada, but you will soon be able to enjoy them across the United States. The market for these drinks is predicted to grow by leaps and bounds over the next few years - so don't be surprised if someday you find one on your local grocery store shelf.

Hemp has been legal in the U.S. for years to some extent. However, the USDA is trying to determine how it should be regulated. In March 2021, they released a final rule that will end the prohibition on hemp testing laboratories and require all of them to do whatever's necessary as compliant with this new federal law.

The hemp pilot programs allowed states to cultivate industrial hemp for research purposes. This agricultural act lifted restrictions and made it possible for farmers in those areas to increase their total acreage of industrial hemp from 0 to 90 thousand. 

As expected, some challenges arose with these hemp pilots programs. Those issues included inconsistent quality, varying laws between states, maintaining a consistent supply of seeds and pest control, and the knowledge and technology for hemp cultivation.

In December 2018, The Hemp Farming Act removed hemp from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. The USDA requires that a third-party laboratory test all hemp to maintain quality and THC levels below 0.3%. Hemp is a highly regulated crop because of its close association with cannabis which still ranks under Schedule 1 controlled substances. Once hemp THC levels exceed 0.3%, it becomes classified as cannabis and must follow different regulations from those previously applied to them. This Act, however, made hemp legal at the federal level with conditions.

The FDA released the much-anticipated framework to regulate America’s newest crop: hemp. The agency published an Interim Final Rule in October 2019; The final rule was published in January 2021, which contained several provisions based on public comments received during that trial period and lessons learned from the 2020 growing season. The Final Rule made significant changes to the USDA’s hemp testing rules that affect how testing labs operate. 

Effective March 22, 2021, here are the changes that testing labs must now adhere to. 

Changes in Sampling 

With the new hemp rule, growers will be able to test their plants anywhere from 5-8 inches from the main stem instead of the previous top third only. This provision offers greater flexibility and reduces the chances of "hot" hemp-which means greater than 0.3% THC levels.

Specific Lab Testing Methods

The Final Rule requires hemp testing laboratories to use reliable methods of detecting THC levels. These methods include post-decarboxylation methods that consider the conversion of THCA into THC after decarboxylation. Currently, the only acceptable practices for this are gas chromatography or liquid chromatography. USDA also expects that these facilities demonstrate consistent reliability, validity and must have high specificity for THC levels in their testing. 

Negligence Limit Change  

Negligence limit is the flexibility given to hemp farmers regarding the THC levels in testing. If hemp tested above 0.3% and lower than 0.5%, they would be considered negligent and not guilty of breaking federal laws. The new change increases the limit for negligence from 0.5% to 1%.

The increase is crucial. Samples testing at or above 0.3% THC must be destroyed, while those below are not a criminal offense.

Labs must be Registered with the DEA 

All hemp-testing laboratories must be registered with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). The USDA had extended the registration deadline to the last day of 2022, and those labs that have not complied by this deadline will be banned from testing hemp.

Measure of Uncertainty (MU)

The Final Rule requires that laboratories calculate and include the MU when reporting test results. This relates to the margin of doubt that exists for the result of any measurement, as well as how significant the doubt is.

ISO 17025 Standards

The USDA strongly recommends, but does not require, that all hemp testing laboratories be ISO 17025 compliant since they are more reliable and accurate.

Laboratory SOPs

Hemp testing labs should have SOPs in place for testing and retesting. Labs should also ensure that the technicians and all staff are following them.

Reporting

The results of all the lab tests must be shared, with the THC reported on a “dry weight” basis, with the licensed producers, appropriate State Department of Agriculture, and the USDA.

Remediating and Retesting 

Any hemp sample tests over 0.3% in THC must now be flagged. Previously, the producers had to destroy the entire plant. With the new changes, parts of the tested plant can be salvaged for retesting by the lab using the same procedures.

The hemp rule took full effect on the last day of 2021; the only extended deadline is the requirement that all hemp-testing labs register with the DEA.

Fast Track Your Labs with a LIMS

If you're looking for a way to simplify the compliance process, look no further than a cloud-based Laboratory Management Information System (LIMS). With this system in place, your lab can monitor samples and analyze results while maintaining internal quality protocols. Plus, there's never any need to worry about falling behind on rules with digitization because everything is automated. This system takes the time and hard work out of being compliant.

LIMS enables hemp testing laboratories to:

Track samples through their lifecycle

Automatically share results

Flag hot hemp samples

Generate certificates of analysis (COAs) in prescribed formats

Meet regulatory compliance

Manage SOPs, staff training, and QA/QC protocols

Hemp that tests over 0.3% in THC is considered cannabis and is therefore illegal under federal law. Consequently, hemp testing is a process that is strictly regulated. Hemp-testing laboratories must optimize their operations to ensure regulatory compliance and the validity of their test results; a LIMS makes this all possible.

Working with packaging suppliers and design partners who understand the cannabis market and have sustainability expertise is key to a brand’s growth and success. Consumer insights, design functionality, aesthetics, manufacturability, regulatory requirements, and sustainability are all needed to grow sales and build brand loyalty.

The world’s view is changing, but only recently have more people started to care about sustainability. Nowadays, we use the terms green-conscious and environmentally aware. Businesses also use circular economy or carbon footprints because sustainability is no longer just something on the fringe; consumers demand it.

Conscience-driven cannabis consumers are increasingly interested in brands that use responsible growing practices and environmentally sound manufacturing methods. In a survey conducted by Canivate Growing Systems, 79% of U.S. cannabis consumers said they support establishing environmental standards for the industry; this is something we’ll be seeing more often from now on. The Sustainable Cannabis Coalition promotes sustainability and best practices across all sectors within legal cannabis states.

Brands that want to be environmentally conscious should consider sustainable packaging. Brands can demonstrate their commitment to the environment through packaging materials and processes they utilize. It is a visible and tangible representation of your brand and one that matters to consumers. A research study found that consumers are willing to pay more for packaging-focused sustainability attributes, including recycled packaging, reduced packaging, and reusable packaging.

Cannabis packaging considers several factors like weight and distance traveled from supplier to manufacturer to determine how sustainable a product will ultimately become.  One key element of sustainable cannabis packaging is material circulation, using recycled and recyclable plastics and alternative materials.  It’s important to understand that not all plastics are created equal.  HDPE and PET are fully recyclable and have a ~30% recyclability rate.  Polypropylene, on the other hand, while recyclable, only has roughly a 3% recyclability rate.  Color can also play a role.  PET is valued because it is transparent, so colored and opaque plastics are not considered recyclable.

Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics are a popular alternative to traditional raw material options because they avoid ending up in landfills or the oceans. PCR materials allow brands to reduce their carbon footprint and be more sustainable, especially with the increased demand from consumers looking for environmentally conscious products. Bioplastics are another great way to go green! These environmentally-friendly plastics, derived from plants, never deplete our resources like oil.

Many brands are now using eco-friendly packaging options to be more environmentally conscious.  For example, Berlin Packaging offers pre-roll tubes that can decompose in industrial or municipal facilities while protecting the product inside.  With zero migration, odor, and visibility, these air-tight tubes maintain freshness and meet regulatory requirements.  They also sell a variety of paper tubes for pre-rolls and vape containers that are reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable.

Brand design and on-package messages are essential and should not be dismissed or underestimated.  We’re seeing many brands update their packaging’s primary display for this reason.  This change provides an opportunity to tell the whole story about how their company is improving its environmental

impact through clean farming and sustainable packaging.  We know that effective brand communication significantly impacts customers’ perceptions and behavior.  Effective and impactful messaging is a critical part of a sustainable packaging strategy.

Plastic waste is a serious global problem. Each year, about 8 million tons of plastic find their way into the oceans. 

Hemp is an excellent material for eco-friendly applications due to its high durability, low water absorption rate, and natural biodegradable qualities. The use of hemp byproducts that have the elastic properties of natural rubber will be particularly beneficial to remove plastic pollution. 

 Hemp Plastic Properties 

The hemp plant has a lot of cellulose in its stem.  Cellulose can easily be converted into bioplastics by a simple process.  Since hemp is a vegetable product, not an oil-based product,  hemp plastics can degrade within a few months rather than the centuries it takes now for plastics. 

The comeback of cannabis has been a major topic in the past decade. It all started with hemp clothes, followed by its seeds as dietary supplements, and now we are witnessing how this plant is transforming our world through a new plastic. 

What Makes Hemp Plastic Sustainable?

Clean manufacturing

The traditional process of making plastics is from using petroleum.  For the last 80 years, we’ve been refining crude oil and creating greenhouse gasses.  In contrast, manufacturing hemp plastic is relatively clean. All that is necessary is to extract the cellulose from the dried hemp stem.

Biodegradable

Hemp plastics are biodegradable- this is a huge bonus.  Landfills cannot hold more plastic, and hemp plastic degrades very quickly.  We can re-use landfills and create a sustainable future by converting used hemp plastics into compost.

Non-toxic

Chemicals produced by refineries are carcinogens, and constant exposure may lead to cancer. Many workers in the oil industry are exposed daily to these chemicals, which are a health risk. However, hemp plastics pose no such issues.

Hemp Cultivation is Environmentally Friendly

The cannabis plant has a surprising amount of potential and can be grown on any type of soil with the exception of cold weather or desert conditions. For example, Arizona is currently experiencing a drought which could make it an ideal location to grow hemp as farmers there would benefit from its cash crop that requires little water compared to other crops. 

Hemp has many uses

Hemp plastic isn’t the only product made from the stem. There are various products produced from hemp, including textiles and paper.

Less reliance on pesticides

The problem with spraying plants with pesticides is that they can easily seep into the groundwater and travel to rivers, contaminating our drinking water.  The cannabis plant needs minimal pesticides.

Less fertilizer

Plants are like sponges that soak up nutrients from the soil. This is why it’s important to apply synthetic fertilizers regularly.  However, this also seeps into the groundwater and eventually our drinking water. Fertilizers are also expensive and increase the cost of production.

However, Hemp plants need much less fertilizer than most other crops do – they need just enough to maintain their deep roots.

Prevents soil erosion

Cannabis plants are usually 6-9 feet tall and grow close together like sugar cane. An advantage is that the roots of many plants tightly bind the soil. Even after harvest, the roots remain and protect the soil from erosion.

Fast-growing

Hemp is a sustainable crop that takes less than five months to harvest. Farmers can alternate between hemp and winter crops and can recoup their investment in as little as six months. Moreover, every ton of hemp captures 1.6 tons of carbon dioxide from the air. It cleans the air and soil and is excellent for bioremediation.

Are downsides to hemp plastic?

The only potential problem is the lack of supply.  Farmers believed that sugarcane and cotton were the only cash crops for many years.  Cannabis has recently entered the picture.  It hasn’t even been four years since farming became legal in the United States.  As more growers know how easy it is to grow hemp, the lack of supply will be significantly eased. 

What is the future of Hemp Plastic

With its strength and durability, hemp plastic is an excellent replacement for traditional plastics.  In fact, many car companies have started researching how they might incorporate this new plastic into future designs.

With the rapid progression of cannabis products and medicines, there has been a significant shift in recent years from smoking marijuana to using other methods. The general adult-use market is now split into three popular categories: flower; vaporizers (such as vape pens), and edibles or capsules.

With the rise of technology, new ways of consumption have been developed other than smoking cannabis. Marketers predict that despite flower sales being fairly stable last year, we'll still see continued growth within non-flower categories, especially with medical marijuana.

Click on the link below to read more:

https://cannaprocure.com/innovations-in-dosing-technology/

The future of cannabis is bright. With the rise of cannabis legalization, many companies are taking advantage by marketing their products across state lines. However, this can be difficult because each state has different regulations that make it challenging for them to operate nationally.  Those who will succeed are the ones ready to take advantage when the opportunities do arise.

Click the link below to read more about the keys to success:  

https://cannaprocure.com/opportunities-are-key-to-success-in-the-cannabis-industry/ 

Any company, in any industry that wants to be successful and continue to grow must be able to adapt to change and ever-emerging technologies. 

Cannabis entrepreneurs need not only business acumen, but they also must be prepared for what will happen next--from licensing all the way down to building out capacity as legalization continues bringing more complexity into this industry every day.

Click on the link below to read more about how vertical farming is impacting the cannabis industry: 

https://cannaprocure.com/vertical-farming-is-transforming-the-cannabis-industry/