This article was written by Lydia Kariuki and published in “mycannabis” on 03 April 2024. The original article can be viewed here. Lydia is a Kenyan Cannabis journalist writing about our favourite plant in Africa. Myrtle is looking forward to meeting her when she attends the UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi in May.
ASTM International, previously recognized as the American Society for Testing and Materials, stands as a global standards organization dedicated to formulating and disseminating voluntary consensus technical standards across various materials, products, systems, and services. Established by Charles Benjamin Dudley on June 16, 1898, it is headquartered in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, United States. To date, ASTM has developed over 12,800 standards and it has over 30,000 volunteer members spread across 110 partner countries.
ASTM Committee D37 on Cannabis is a pioneering force dedicated to developing standards for the cannabis industry. From cultivation to laboratory testing, packaging to security, this committee spearheads the creation of guidelines that shape the future of the cannabis sector.
Membership and Contribution
One of the most striking aspects of ASTM Committee D37 is its inclusive approach to membership. Whether you’re a seasoned technical expert, a passionate advocate, or simply someone with a keen interest in cannabis standardization, there’s a place for you here. The committee welcomes individuals from all walks of life who are driven to contribute to the advancement of cannabis standards.
Meetings are held biannually, providing members with opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas, and drive progress. However, the work doesn’t stop there. Standards development is a year-round endeavor, facilitated through electronic tools and virtual meetings, ensuring continuous progress and adaptability to industry changes.
By joining ASTM International’s cannabis committee, members gain more than just a seat at the table. They become part of a global network of professionals committed to improving public health, safety, and overall quality of life. Benefits include direct involvement in standard development, access to informational webinars, and discounts on ASTM publications and events.
Subcommittees and Activities
ASTM Committee D37 comprises nine subcommittees, each focusing on specific aspects of cannabis standardization:
- Indoor and Outdoor Horticulture and Agriculture (D37.01): Addresses topics such as evapotranspiration rates, lighting requirements, and genetic tracking of cannabis biomass.
- Quality Management Systems (D37.02): Covers areas like recall procedures, standard operating procedures, and hazard analyses critical control points.
- Laboratory (D37.03): Focuses on analytical lab operations, test method validation, and determination of cannabinoids.
- Processing and Handling (D37.04): Includes standards for solvent-based extraction, packaging, labeling, and disposal of raw materials.
- Security and Transportation (D37.05): Deals with intrusion detection systems, video surveillance, access control, and transportation security.
- Personnel Training, Assessment, Credentialing (D37.06): Addresses credentialing of cannabis industry vocations.
- Industrial Hemp (D37.07): Covers standards for seeds, oils, food products, textiles, and construction materials.
- Cannabis Devices and Appliances (D37.08): Includes standards for vaporizers and personal cannabis growing appliances.
- Terminology (D37.91): Ensures consistency and clarity in the terminology used across standards.
Certification and Proficiency Programs
In addition to standard development, ASTM Committee D37 offers certification and proficiency testing programs to industry stakeholders. The Cannabis Certification Program, open to cultivators, extractors, and producers, draws from approved standards to ensure compliance and quality assurance.
The Water Activity in Whole Hemp Flower Proficiency Testing Program provides laboratories with a valuable tool for maintaining performance standards and quality assurance in cannabis testing.
Conclusion
As the cannabis industry continues to expand and evolve, the importance of standardization cannot be overstated. ASTM Committee D37 stands at the forefront of this movement, driving progress, promoting safety, and shaping the future of cannabis standards.
For more information on ASTM Committee D37 and how to get involved, visit www.astm.org/COMMITTEE/D37.
Overcoming Barriers to Entry – Voices from Around the World
Cape Town, January 27-28 2025
Fields of Green for ALL is very proud to be part of the planning committee for the very first ASTM D37 Conference to be held on the African continent.
This is a call for sponsors and speakers for this groundbreaking event.
Information on how to participate is here
and here.
Stigma is the over-arching barrier to entry in the Cannabis sector and the development of standards for quality assurance is the most powerful way of overcoming the enduring misconceptions around the harms of Cannabis.
Deadline for Sponsors (Updated): Deadline Extended to May 31, 2024
Deadline for Speakers (Call for Abstracts): Abstract Deadline Extended to June 30, 2024
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