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BSCG – HOW CAN YOU STAY CBD SAFE Lesson 4
May 9, 2022
Banned Substances Control Group
With the regulatory uncertainties behind CBD and hemp, third-party certification can provide some comfort to brands and consumers. The meteoric rise of CBD and hemp products has been exciting for everyone. The expansion has brought fierce competition, making it hard for companies to rise above the crowd. Fortunately, third-party certification provides distinct advantages to brands in the CBD and hemp product realm. A certification seal demonstrates a deep commitment to quality and builds trust among customers or consumers. In so doing, certification may provide a surprising return on investment.
What is Third Party Certification?
Third-party certification often focuses on these areas or a combination of them, these are:
Auditing the production and quality control (QC) process:
- Testing to verify label claims or check for environmental contaminants
- Specialty options that focus on things like gluten, non-GMO,organic, or protection against WADA (World Anti-
Doping Agency)-prohibited substances or other unwanted agents.
Some certification providers focus broadly on multiple areas while others may focus on one area only.
How to get your Peace of Mind?
To accomplish the job, third-party certification providers perform one or more tasks. The process might include an audit of good manufacturing or agricultural practices, or it may include third-party testing to confirm product specifications are met or check for unwanted substances or contaminants. Sometimes, it’s both. Other important elements that may be included are label compliance reviews and website claims assessments.
Programs may be offered to companies at different levels of the CBD and hemp product industry. Some provide services broadly to finished product brands, raw material providers and manufacturers, while others focus more narrowly on one or two levels. In the case of CBD and hemp products, there is an extra level to consider for growers and producers of hemp plants who sometimes produce their own raw materials as well.
Better for Everyone
Finished product brands need to know the raw materials they are using are legally produced and meet percent limits for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC) content.
Without this, they may face huge setbacks and legal risks. Consumers want to know the product they’re using provides what it claims and is not going to cause unwanted effects or potential harm by having too much Δ-9-THC or other hidden impurities.
