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The Ultimate Guide to a

GMP-Certified Cannabis Workflow

Have you been hearing about GMP, but you’re not sure what it is? Or perhaps you know what GMP is, but aren’t sure if it’s relevant to your business. We get it. Information and resources for GMP as it relates to cannabis cultivation are scattered and confusing. But don’t worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to get you and your commercial cannabis operations fully up to speed on everything GMP.

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SECTION 1:  WHAT IS GMP?
SECTION 2: WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
SECTION 3: GETTING READY
SECTION 4:  ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
SECTION 5:  REFERENCES

Section 1:

WHAT IS GMP?

Chapter 1:
What Does GMP Have To Do With the Cannabis Industry?

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices. In other words, it’s a set of rules and procedures related to the handling, cleaning, quality assurance and packaging processes in manufacturing facilities and the products they make.

Regardless of the licensing authority, the category under which cannabis is produced (medical or recreational use) or the form of the end-product (flower, concentrate, edible), cannabis is considered a drug and is subject to the various regulations and guidelines governing drugs. Many jurisdictions around the world, including Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the European Union, require the application of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in the manufacture of drugs intended for their marketplace. Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) countries[i] define GMP as the part of quality assurance that ensures that drugs are consistently produced and controlled in such a way to meet the quality standards appropriate to their intended use, as required by the marketing authorization [ii], [iii].

Essentially, GMP ensures that a food or drug product is safe for human consumption.

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Chapter 2:
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT APPLYING GMP?

Whether the cannabis is being grown and produced for local (in-state or in-country) consumption or for export abroad, virtually all cannabis legislation requires some level of production quality assurance. It’s not always GMP, but GMP is the standard that pharmaceutical companies need to apply to the production of their medicines, and the production of medical-grade cannabis is no different. The application of GMP to the harvesting and production of cannabis means the end-user can be sure that what they buy is safe to consume and that it is consistent each time they buy it.

While it’s true that in many jurisdictions there are no GMP requirements for cannabis products, it’s almost certain that in the future, cannabis regulations will require GMP certification for Licensed Producers (LPs) to receive and maintain their license. Even now, sales opportunities may be lost by not maintaining GMP certification. More and more consumers will expect to see the certification on the product they buy. For business to business cannabis sales, many LPs are already requiring GMP certification from any other LPs they buy product from.

Section 2:

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

Chapter 3:
BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF GMP

There are many requirements that constitute GMP, but this guide will focus on those aspects of GMP that relate to the harvesting and trimming of cannabis. Citations will be sourced from Canada’s GMP Guidelines[iv] which are harmonized with the requirements of other MRA countries.

At a high level, the basic requirements of a GMP program for cannabis harvesting and trimming can be summarized as follows:

Manufacturing processes are clearly defined and controlled to ensure consistency and compliance with approved specifications and procedures;
Critical steps of manufacturing processes and significant changes to the process are validated,
All necessary key elements for GMP are provided, including the following:

  • qualified and trained personnel,
  • adequate premises and space,
  • suitable equipment and services,
  • correct materials, containers and labels,
  • approved procedures and instructions,
  • suitable storage and transport.
Instructions and procedures are written in clear and easy-to-understand language; and
Operators are trained to carry out and document procedures.
Chapter 4:
DIVING INTO THE DETAILS OF GMP

To really get to know GMP, we need to dive into the details. The following section provides an in-depth review of the GMP requirements related to equipment, personnel and sanitation. This is directly from the Health Canada guidelines, and can be a bit complicated and difficult to read. Not ready? No problem. Skip ahead to the GMP Quick Start section.

Equipment

The equipment with which a lot or batch of a drug is fabricated, packaged / labelled or tested shall be designed, constructed, maintained, operated, and arranged in a manner that

  • permits the effective cleaning of its surfaces;
  • prevents the contamination of the drug and the addition of extraneous material to the drug; and
  • permits it to function in accordance with its intended use.

 

Rationale:

The purpose of these requirements is to prevent the contamination of drugs by other drugs, by dust, and by foreign materials such as rust, lubricant and particles coming from the equipment. Contamination problems may arise from poor maintenance, the misuse of equipment, exceeding the capacity of the equipment and the use of worn-out equipment. Equipment arranged in an orderly manner permits cleaning of adjacent areas and does not interfere with other processing operations. It also minimizes the circulation of personnel and optimizes the flow of materials. The fabrication of drugs of consistent quality requires that equipment perform in accordance with its intended use.

 

Interpretation of the Equipment requirements:

  • 1. The design, construction and location of equipment permit cleaning, sanitizing, and inspection of the equipment.

    • Equipment parts that come in contact with raw materials, in-process intermediates or drugs are accessible to cleaning or are removable.
  • 2. Equipment does not add extraneous material to the drug.

    • Surfaces that come in contact with raw materials, in-process intermediates or drugs are smooth and are made of material that is non-toxic, corrosion resistant, non-reactive to the drug being fabricated or packaged and capable of withstanding repeated cleaning or sanitizing.
    • The design is such that the possibility of a lubricant or other maintenance material contaminating the drug is minimized.
    • Equipment made of material that is prone to shed particles or to harbour microorganisms does not come in contact with or contaminate raw materials, in-process drugs or drugs.
    • Chain drives and transmission gears are enclosed or properly covered.
    • Tanks, hoppers and other similar fabricating equipment are equipped with covers.
  • 3. Equipment is maintained in a good state of repair.

    • Where a potential for contamination during fabrication or packaging of a drug exists, surfaces are free from cracks, peeling paint and other defects.
    • Gaskets are functional.
    • The use of temporary devices (e.g., tape) is avoided.
    • Equipment parts that come in contact with drugs are maintained in such a manner that drugs are fabricated or packaged within specifications. Equipment used for significant processing or testing operations is maintained in accordance with a written preventative maintenance program. Maintenance records are kept.
  • 4. For equipment used for significant processing or testing operations, usage logs are maintained.
Plain English Translation

Look for quality equipment that is easy to clean and made of materials that will not deteriorate. Keep your equipment in good shape.

Personnel

Every lot or batch of a drug shall be fabricated, packaged/labelled, tested and stored under the supervision of personnel who, having regard to the duties and responsibilities involved, have had such technical, academic, and other training as the Director considers satisfactory in the interests of the health of the consumer or purchaser.

 

Rationale:

Your senior management is responsible for providing adequate resources (materials, personnel, facilities and equipment). They must continually monitor and improve the effectiveness of your pharmaceutical quality system.

 

Who you hire is one of the most important elements in any pharmaceutical operation. Without proper staff with a quality mindset and training, it is almost impossible to fabricate, package/label, test or store good quality drugs.

 

It is essential that only qualified staff supervise the fabrication of drugs. These operations are highly technical in nature and require constant vigilance, attention to detail, and a high degree of employee competence. The reason products often fail to meet required standards is because of poorly trained staff or a lack of understanding of the importance of production control.

 

Interpretation of the Personnel requirements:

  • 1. The person in charge of your quality control department (if you are a fabricator, packager / labeller, tester, importer or distributor) and the person in charge of your manufacturing department (if you are a fabricator or packager / labeller):

    • must hold a Canadian university degree or a degree recognized as equivalent by a Canadian university or Canadian accreditation body in a science related to the work being carried out
    • must have practical experience in their area of responsibility
    • directly controls and personally supervises on site each working shift during which activities under their control are being conducted (for importers and distributors, the person in charge can be off-site in Canada if they are fully accessible to the quality control department and have enough knowledge of on-site operations to fulfill the responsibilities of the position)
    • may delegate duties and responsibility (for example, to cover all shifts) to a person who is qualified, while remaining accountable for those duties and responsibility (the person must have a diploma, certificate or other evidence of formal qualifications awarded after completion of a course of study at a university, college or technical institute in a science related to the work being carried out, combined with at least two years of relevant practical experience)
  • 2. The person in charge of the quality control department of a wholesaler:

    • must be qualified by relevant academic training and experience
    • may delegate duties and responsibility to someone who meets the requirements under interpretation 2.a
  • 3. The person responsible for packaging operations (including control over printed packaging materials and withdrawal of bulk drugs):

    • must be qualified by training and experience
    • is directly responsible to the person in charge of the manufacturing department (or a person having the same qualifications)
  • 4. Personnel in charge of secondary labelling operations and the quality control department:

    • must be qualified by relevant academic training and experience
    • can delegate their duties and responsibilities to a person who meets the requirements under interpretation 4.a
  • 5. Ensure enough personnel are available on site with the required qualifications and practical experience relevant to their responsibilities.

    • Do not place so many responsibilities on any one individual that quality is put at risk.
    • Record specific duties for all responsible staff in a written work description.
    • Ensure personnel have the authority to carry out their responsibilities.
    • When key personnel are absent, appoint qualified replacements to carry out their duties and functions.
    • Ensure all personnel conducting GMP activities are able to understand the written procedures for those activities.
  • 6. Your personnel must be aware of the principles of GMP that affect them. They must receive initial and continuing training relevant to their job responsibilities.

    • Follow a written program and use qualified trainers to train personnel (including technical, maintenance and cleaning staff).
    • Assess the effectiveness of continuing training periodically.
    • Provide training before implementing new or revised standard operating procedures (SOPs).
    • Maintain records of training.
    • Give specific training to personnel working in areas where highly active, toxic, infectious or sensitizing materials are handled. Ensure access to relevant information (e.g. safety data sheets)
    • Review the performance of all personnel periodically.
  • 7. Consultants and contractors must have the necessary qualifications, training and experience to advise on the subjects they are hired for.
Plain English Translation

People are the most important part of any cannabis cultivation operation. Without appropriate personnel with the right attitude and the right training, it is almost impossible to fabricate, package/label, test, or store good quality products.

The operations involved in the fabrication of cannabis products can be highly technical and require constant vigilance, attention to details and a high level of competence on the part of employees. Inadequate training of personnel or the lack of an appreciation for the importance of production control often accounts for the failure of a product to meet the required standards.

Sanitation

Every person who fabricates or packages/labels a drug shall have a written sanitation program that shall be implemented under the supervision of qualified personnel. The sanitation program shall include:

  • cleaning procedures for the premises where the drug is fabricated or packaged/labelled and for the equipment used in the fabrication or packaging/labelling of the drug; and
  • instructions on the sanitary fabrication and packaging/labelling of drugs and the handling of materials used in the fabrication and packaging/labelling of drugs.

 

Rationale:

Sanitation in a pharmaceutical plant, as well as employee attitude, influences the quality of drug products. The quality requirement for drug products demand that such products be fabricated and packaged in areas that are free from environmental contamination and free from contamination by another drug.

 

Interpretation of the Sanitation requirements:

  • 1. Every person who fabricates or packages/labels a drug shall have a written sanitation program available on the premises.
  • 2. The sanitation program contains procedures that describe the following:

    • cleaning requirements applicable to all production areas of the plant with emphasis on manufacturing areas that require special attention;
    • requirements applicable to processing equipment;
    • cleaning intervals;
    • products for cleaning and disinfection, along with their dilution and the equipment to be used;
    • the responsibilities of any outside contractor;
    • disposal procedures for waste material and debris;
  • 3. The sanitation program is implemented and is effective in preventing unsanitary conditions.

    • Cleaning procedures for manufacturing equipment are validated based on the Health Canada document entitled Cleaning Validation Guidelines (GUI-0028)
    • Residues from the cleaning process itself (e.g., detergents, solvents, etc.) are also removed from equipment.
    • Evidence is available demonstrating that routine cleaning and storage does not allow microbial proliferation; Where necessary, sanitizers and disinfectants are filtered to remove spores (e.g., isopropyl alcohol).

Dusty operations are contained. The use of unit or portable dust collectors is avoided in fabrication areas especially in dispensing, unless the effectiveness of their exhaust filtration is demonstrated and the units are regularly maintained in accordance with written approved procedures.

Plain English Translation

Make the time to develop and document your cleaning protocol. Train your team on it and follow it!

Chapter 5:
CLEANING VALIDATION GUIDELINES [v]

Once you have the equipment, personnel and sanitation program in place, it is necessary to validate the cleaning procedures that are employed. Following are the GMP guidelines for cleaning validation.

PRINCIPALS
    • The objective of the cleaning validation is to verify the effectiveness of the cleaning procedure for removal of product residues, degradation products, preservatives, excipients, and/or cleaning agents as well as the control of potential microbial contaminants. In addition, one needs to ensure there is no risk associated with cross-contamination of active ingredients.
    • Cleaning procedures must strictly follow carefully established and validated methods.
    • Appropriate cleaning procedures must be developed for all product-contact equipment used in the production process. Consideration should also be given to non-contact parts into which product may migrate (e.g., seals, flanges, mixing shaft, fans of ovens, heating elements, etc.).

Validation of Cleaning Process

  • Equipment cleaning validation may be performed concurrently with actual production steps during process development and clinical manufacturing. Validation programs should be continued through full scale commercial production.
  • It is usually not considered acceptable to test-until-clean. This concept involves cleaning, sampling, and testing with repetition of this sequence until an acceptable residue limit is attained.
  • Validation of cleaning processes should be based on a worst-case scenario including:
    • challenge of the cleaning process to show that the challenge soil can be recovered in sufficient quantity or demonstrate log removal to ensure that the cleaning process is indeed removing the soil to the required level, and
    • the use of reduced cleaning parameters such as overloading of contaminants, over drying of equipment surfaces, minimal concentration of cleaning agents, and/or minimum contact time of detergents.
  • At least three (3) consecutive applications of the cleaning procedure should be performed and shown to be successful in order to prove that the method is validated. Equipment which is similar in design and function may be grouped and a worst case established for validation.

Equipment

  • All processing equipment should be specifically designed to facilitate cleanability and permit visual inspection and whenever possible, the equipment should be made of smooth surfaces of non-reactive materials.
  • Critical areas (i.e., those hardest to clean) should be identified, particularly in large systems that employ semi-automatic or fully automatic clean-in-place (CIP) systems.
  • Dedicated product-contact equipment should be used for products which are difficult to remove (e.g., tarry or gummy residues in the bulk manufacturing), for equipment which is difficult to clean (e.g., bags for fluid bed dryers), or for products with a high safety risk (e.g., biologicals or products of high potency which may be difficult to detect below an acceptable limit).
  • In a bulk process, particularly for very potent chemicals such as some steroids, the issue of by-products needs to be considered if equipment is not dedicated.

Personnel

  • It is difficult to validate a manual cleaning procedure (i.e. an inherently variable/cleaning procedure). Therefore, operators carrying out manual cleaning procedures should be adequately trained, monitored, and periodically assessed.

Microbiological Considerations

  • Whether or not CIP systems are used for cleaning of processing equipment, microbiological aspects of equipment cleaning should be considered. This consists largely of preventive measures rather than removal of contamination once it has occurred.
  • There should be some documented evidence that routine cleaning and storage of equipment do not allow microbial proliferation. For example, equipment should be dried before storage, and under no circumstances should stagnant water be allowed to remain in equipment subsequent to cleaning operations. Time-frames for the storage of unclean equipment, prior to commencement of cleaning, as well as time frames and conditions for the storage of cleaned equipment should be established.

Documentation

  • Detailed cleaning procedure(s) are to be documented in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • A Cleaning Validation Protocol is required to define how the cleaning process will be validated, including detailed cleaning procedures to be used for each product, each manufacturing system or each piece of equipment.
  • When more complex cleaning procedures are required, it is important to document the critical cleaning steps. In this regard, specific documentation on the equipment itself which includes information about who cleaned it, when the cleaning was carried out, the product which was previously processed on the equipment being cleaned should be available. However, for relatively simple cleaning operations, the mere documentation that the overall cleaning process was performed might be sufficient.

Sampling, Rinsing, Rinse Samples and Detergents

  • There are two general types of sampling that are considered to be acceptable, direct surface sampling (swab method) and indirect sampling (use of rinse solutions). A combination of the two methods is generally the most desirable, particularly in circumstances where accessibility of equipment parts can mitigate against direct surface sampling.
  • Direct Surface Sampling:
    • Areas hardest to clean and which are reasonably accessible can be evaluated by direct sampling method, leading to establishing a level of contamination or residue per given surface area. Additionally, residues that are “dried out” or are insoluble can be sampled by physical removal.
    • The suitability of the material to be used for sampling and of the sampling medium should be determined. The ability to recover a sample accurately may be affected by the choice of sampling material. It is important to assure that the sampling medium and solvent (used for extraction from the medium) are satisfactory and can be readily used.
  • Rinse Samples:
    • Rinse samples allow sampling of a large surface area and of inaccessible systems or ones that cannot be routinely disassembled. However, consideration should be given to the fact that the residue or contaminant may be insoluble or may be physically occluded in the equipment.
    • A direct measurement of the residue or contaminant in the relevant solvent should be made when rinse samples are used to validate the cleaning process.
  • It is important to use visual inspection in addition to analytical methodology to ensure the process is acceptable.
  • When detergents are used in the cleaning process, their composition should be known to the user and their removal should be demonstrated.
  • Detergents should be easily removable, being used to facilitate the cleaning during the cleaning process. Acceptable limits should be defined for detergent residues after cleaning. The possibility of detergent breakdown should also be considered when validating cleaning procedures.

Establishment of Limits

Carry-over of product residues should meet defined criteria, which in this case could mean no quantity of residue to be visible on the equipment after cleaning procedures are performed.
Plain English Translation

This is where it all comes together. You’ve done the prep work, made the right equipment selections, put in place SOPs and trained your team. But does it all work as intended? Are you achieving the level of cleanliness required for your operations? These guidelines help you determine if your cleaning protocols and execution are adequate or need adjustment.

Section 3:

GETTING READY

Chapter 6:
HOW DO I GET MY OPERATIONS GMP-READY?

Ditch the Junk & Keep the Clean

This relates to the PREMESIS portion of compliance. GMP requires that pharmaceutical and/or food production environments are designed and constructed in a manner that permits cleanliness and orderliness while preventing contamination, so clean out that junk that’s been piling up in the corner of your cannabis drying room, check your building envelope for openings that could allow for pests to get in (and seal any that you find), and perform that floor to ceiling spring cleaning you’ve been putting off for a few harvests.

Once you have decluttered and performed a deep clean, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it earlier and be motivated to keep it that way!

Keep Maintenance Records! Inspect, Inspect and Inspect Again!

This relates to the EQUIPMENT portion of compliance. One of the goals of GMP is to prevent the contamination of drugs/food by dust, by other drugs/food, and by foreign materials such as rust, lubricant and particles coming from the equipment. There’s no time like the present to give your cannabis harvesting and processing equipment a thorough visual inspection and review your maintenance records. Not keeping records? Start now! Set up a maintenance and inspection schedule and stick to it. Most of the time, a little TLC will bring your gear up to snuff, but if you find yourself going through bulk quantities of WD40 or duct tape to patch up your equipment, perhaps it’s time to think about retiring your old stand-by and investing in a new piece of equipment.

And remember, GMP is not just about getting your equipment ship shape for inspection day, but about keeping it that way over the long term. Regular maintenance and record keeping are essential.

Keep Your Team Trained, and Get New Hires Up To Speed Fast

This relates to the PERSONNEL portion of compliance. People are the most important element in any pharmaceutical or food production operation – without the proper personnel with the appropriate attitude and sufficient training, it is almost impossible to fabricate, package, label, test, or store good quality drugs and/or food.

The operations involved in the fabrication of cannabis products are highly technical in nature and require constant vigilance, attention to details and a high degree of competence on the part of employees, therefore, your goal should be to adhere to the KISS Principle: Keep It Simple, Stupid. The KISS Principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complex. Keeping the KISS Principle in mind, perform a review of your SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). Are they simple and straightforward? Is unnecessary complexity avoided? Are there steps that can be automated or eliminated altogether?

Next, take a look at your onboarding practices for new employees or for people moving from one role to another within your organization. Are you setting them up for success or for failure? How long does it take to become fully competent in a given role and how much turnover are you experiencing for that position?

Improving your hiring practices, training program and SOPs is a big investment, but it can result in a big payoff too in the form of reduced turnover, fewer workplace injuries, increased production quality and, ultimately, a positive bump to your bottom line.

Clean Well, and On a Schedule

This relates to the SANITATION portion of compliance. Sanitation in a food or pharmaceutical plant influences the quality of food and drug products, and helps ensure the products are safe for consumption. A written sanitation program provides some assurance that levels of cleanliness in the plant are maintained and that the relevant regulatory provisions are satisfied.

If you don’t already have a written sanitation program, it’s never too late to start. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reviewing an existing program, your written sanitation program should address each of the following three key points:

  • Ensuring the cleanliness of the premises;
  • Ensuring the cleanliness of any and all equipment used in your operations; and
  • Ensuring employees are trained in and follow all required sanitation procedures.

Getting your cannabis cultivation facility GMP-certified (or at least aligned with GMP principles) can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. The hardest part is getting started! Follow the above four actions and you’ll be well on your way.

Chapter 7:
HOW DO I GET MY OPERATIONS GMP-CERTIFIED?

If you’re located in Canada, you’ll need to work with Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate. To get a jump start on the certification process, check out Health Canada’s GMP Audit Report Form.

As cannabis is not yet federally legal in the United States, GMP certification through the US Food & Drug Administration is not available, but more information on their GMP requirements can be found here: FDA cGMP Regulations.

Section 4:

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Chapter 8:
Edible Cannabis Products and HACCP

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) is an internationally recognized system used to enhance food safety throughout the food chain. A HACCP System consists of prerequisite programs and a HACCP Plan. Prerequisite programs are outside the HACCP Plan, but still within the HACCP System. They keep potential hazards from becoming serious enough to adversely impact the safety of foods produced. GMP is an example of a prerequisite program. The purpose of the HACCP Plan, or Food Safety Plan, is to prevent, eliminate or reduce potential food safety hazards to an acceptable level.

When making any cannabis-containing edible product, many raw ingredients, including cannabis will be required. If the company producing the edible is following HACCP, they will implement a prerequisite program to ensure that incoming materials (i.e. the raw ingredients) are safe and of good quality[vi]. Procuring cannabis from a GMP-certified supplier would meet this prerequisite by verifying the quality of this particular input material, thereby providing justification for not adding the processing of cannabis to the HACCP Plan[vii].

Chapter 9:
Sample GMP Audit Form – Equipment Section

The following table has been excerpted from Health Canada’s GMP Audit Report Form (FRM-0211[viii]). Section C.02.005 of the form pertains to equipment and has been completed assuming that the Mobius M108S is being used for trimming operations.

Equipment [C.02.005]
The equipment with which a lot or batch of a drug is fabricated, packaged/labelled or tested shall be designed, constructed, maintained, operated and arranged in a manner that:
(a)  permits the effective cleaning of its surfaces; Yes Now
(b)  prevents the contamination of the drug and the addition of extraneous material to the drug; and Yes No
(c)  permits it to function in accordance with its intended use. Yes No
If yes, describe.

  • All plant-touching parts of the M108S are smooth and made of non-toxic, corrosion-resistant, non-reactive materials, capable of withstanding repeated cleaning
  • All plant-touching parts of the M108S are accessible and/or removable for cleaning and can be effectively cleaned with non-toxic detergents or just water alone.
  • The Mobius does not have any inaccessible parts or hoses, which are exceptionally difficult to clean and have the potential to harbor microorganisms
  • The Mobius is a semi-closed system that generates minimal airborne material because the system separating the trim from the flower is built into the machine. There are no hoses or external vacuum/dust collecting components and the impeller housing is completely closed off, therefore it is not generating any airborne plant particulate.
  • SOPs for the M108S are simple and straightforward, ensuring consistency in operations and products.

If no, provide a rationale (e.g. Not applicable because…)
Deviations
Identify and describe any noted GMP deviation(s) and the rationale for the deviation, where applicable.

No. Observations Risk Classification

 
 Corrective actions
Detail the corrective action(s) taken and/or to be taken.
Attachments
Attach supporting documentation such as SOPs, action plans with timelines for each corrective action identified above.

Section 5:

REFERENCES

Chapter 11:
Recommended Reading
Business News Network While not specifically a cannabis-industry source, they provide more and better coverage of the industry than just about anyone. Not only that, much of their coverage includes interviews and videos. Their content is from a business-perspective (of course), and does tend to focus on Canadian companies, but that’s because they’re the biggest players in the game. Check out their Marijuana News page to stay up-to-date.
Marijuana Business Daily (AKA MJBizDaily) Marijuana Business Daily provides a good, focused look at not only the business, but also cannabis policy and political news from around the world. They are a news aggregator, so often gathering stories from external sources, but they do write their own deep coverage of important issues. A recent example was their province-by-province series looking at the policy rollouts here in Canada, and great coverage of the recent changes in California.
The Cannabist It’s for all things cannabis, not just for news. Their news section is great though. They mix in the more entertaining/less informative stories with the hard coverage, which is great for a lunch-break read (ex: Grandparents caught in Nebraska with 30lbs of pot gummies in the car). They’re located in Denver, so carry a lot of Colorado-centric stories, but they still have coverage from around the US and Canada.
Marijuana.com From the folks behind Weedmaps, Marijuana.com provides more feature writing than many of the other sites, thanks to scribes Monteray Bud and Duke London. Their coverage volume is lower than most on this list, with maybe 3-4 exclusive pieces per week, but the quality is very good.
Lift Lift is known for their strain reviews, but the news section on Lift’s site is getting better and better. They have a substantial list of contributors, including many that hold full-time positions at major players in the cannabis industry. They don’t aggregate stories from other sites, which is refreshing. Since they’re a Canadian company, much of the content is Canadian-focused, but so are we, so we’re okay with that.
GMP & Marketing Being able to include GMP as part of your brand messaging is just one more benefit of seeking this level of certification, but a valuable one. Read more about how GMP has become a marketing tactic to leverage with investors and consumers.
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