By In mid-January, Kentucky's famous reputation for fast horses and whiskey puts dozens of experts, advocates, executives, and regulators squarely on the pulse of innovation and regulation at ASTM Committee Week. Ta. It was my first time participating, and I ended up going into the deep end of the pool.
For those unfamiliar, ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) was founded in 1898 and ( ANSIand ISO) and have developed and published voluntary, consensus-based technical standards in nearly every imaginable category of materials, products, systems, and services.one of The oldest ASTM standardIt literally keeps the trains running on time. This is the standard for guiding steel rails. And as of just a few years ago, in 2017, cannabis was a newcomer; attended the party.
This was my first time attending an ASTM Committee Week meeting, and the ASTM international organization provided me with ample training in advance. resource To understand the process, including online training, videoand a warm welcome at the new member information session.
At first, the concept of developing standards through consensus seemed daunting, but knowledgeable and helpful ASTM staff members explained the process with complete transparency, and soon all the mystery was removed. was solved. Just like passing a bill on Capitol Hill, it can be a long process involving debate, clarification, negotiation, and modification before it is finally published as a standard.
Rather than being led by elected members of Congress, ASTM committee members include volunteers from a variety of stakeholders, including key universities, state and federal agencies, and public health agencies, as well as multiple It is made up of volunteers from commercial businesses, including businesses and corporations across the state. Testing laboratory.
The atmosphere was filled with a collective determination to shape the future of the cannabis and hemp industry. While legality remains a complex issue in the United States, the Global Commission has members from more than 30 countries, and progress at this event points the way to a prosperous and harmonious industry. It is a monumental step towards international standards.
Alena RodriguezCo-founder of the nonprofit S3 Collective, he has been immersed in the world of ASTM standards for several years. Rodriguez said: “As an active member of ASTM’s D37 Committee on Cannabis and Chair of the Laboratory Subcommittee, I am driven by the belief that standards are the foundation for improving the world. Being involved in the development of global consensus standards provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders like me to ensure our voices are heard. D37 is the most accessible standards development organization and By sitting at the same table with industry executives, subcontractors, scientists, consumers, and regulators from nearly 40 countries, we believe that Our goal is for the ASTM D37 standard to be referenced or adopted by regulations around the world. In the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Considering that there are already over 6,000 references to ASTM standards in other industries alone, it seems within reach. Standard development will ultimately ensure market integrity. I am proud to be able to contribute to this important effort.”
Deep understanding is at the heart of this work. The work we do today goes beyond just compliance and adhering to best practices. It's about crafting future legalization and regulatory language that can stand the test of time and streamline complex industry issues while building safer markets. for example, International Intoxicating Cannabinoid Product Symbol (IICPS), identifies consumer products that contain intoxicating cannabinoids. In the past, each state conjured up its own symbol, creating a chaotic situation for both consumers and businesses. But the ASTM committee is trying to rewrite this narrative. This establishes order, creates universal symbols that transcend state boundaries, and reduces the burden on operators to adapt to non-standardized symbols.
darwin millardAlso known as the Spock of Cannabis, he is also an active member of the ASTM D37 committee and serves as committee chair. D37.08 (Personal/Home Cannabis Equipment and Appliances) and Co-Chair D37.04 (Processing and handling). ASTM International’s Technical Committee on Cannabis D37 is one of the only truly impartial forums where all kinds of stakeholders from around the world can participate in shaping the market. ASTM D37 volunteer members are committed to creating technically accurate products through our established 125-year certification process. Market-related consensus standards. Like participatory democracy, the ASTM process may take longer, but it produces more robust and easier-to-use documentation. D37's Committee Week sees all of this in action and how competing interests can work together to create something that benefits everyone, not just the few. This is a great opportunity to see firsthand what we can do,” says Millard.
While immersed in ASTM Committee Week, I found myself navigating a maze. SubcommitteeEach meeting becomes a melting pot of ideas and insights.strategic planning and Government Liaison Task Group has developed an ever-expanding strategy, exhibiting a complex dance between planning and government cooperation. I also served on the Safe Transportation Subcommittee, where members reviewed the nuances of cannabis delivery services and addressed cannabis concerns. Driver safety and product security.
The ASTM committee space provides a unique opportunity for conservation-minded governments. public healthand the industry can speak freely about issues that are important to both parties.
Equally fascinating was the terminology subcommittee, Dictionary of Cannabis and Hemp Industry. Its mission is to establish a common language, a common terminology, the Rosetta Stone. A few days later, I still find myself tied to his five-page glossary that this tool created. This is a testament to its usefulness.
The symphony of breakout meetings culminated with topics such as devices and home appliances, sustainability, quality management systems, industrial hemp, and harmonious cooperation in joint initiative groups on vaporizer products. This process follows Robert's Rules of Order and is done carefully to ensure that all opinions are counted as the document passes through his ASTM voting process. This requires great care, but it ensures that the standards produced are thorough and take into account all points of view.
David Weirencourt, Vice-Chairman of the D37 Cannabis Committee, has been committed to this work since its establishment in 2017. “I will never forget attending D37’s first committee meeting over six years ago and witnessing the great discussions taking place between the heads of the Cannabis Commission.” Trade organizations, government officials, and industry technical experts. For more than a century, ASTM has maintained that the process is a collaboration between publicly conflicting stakeholders for the common goal of building functioning markets that adequately protect consumers without hindering innovation or trade. has been proven to promote As I enter his second term as vice president, the time I spend volunteering continues to pay off in knowledge, relationships, and strategic acumen. The members of ASTM D37 quickly became my second family. Whether it's a heated discussion on the floor or about kids, pets, or hobbies, at the end of the day, we all share a common vision: to make the world a better place by ensuring a minimum of safety and security. I know that we are connected by Cannabis all performance standards. ”
I would like to extend an invitation to my colleagues in the cannabis and hemp industry.consider Participation in ASTM, join the D37 Cannabis Committee and claim a seat at the table where important standards for the future of the industry are developed. This is not just about compliance. It's about piloting a plane that's already in the air. This is our chance to take a seat in the pilot's seat and guide the trajectory of the industry we care about.
Let's take advantage of this opportunity and move forward together.
