GMP webinar perspectives

On April 24, 2024, the GMP collective presented the twentieth episode of the webinar series titled: “Bridging the Gaps: Dealing with Current Challenges in the Global Cannabis and Hemp Industry” “When Things Go Wrong.” This episode focused on both the challenges and opportunities surrounding cannabis regulation in the U.S. and around the world. Guests who discussed their experiences on this topic included Gillian Schauer, executive director of the Cannabis Regulates Association (CANNRA), and Martin Woodbridge, a consultant with Woodbridge Research who provides regulatory advice on cannabis-based medicines in Asia, Australasia and Europe.

The first question from moderator Bethany Moore, director of content strategy and market development at GMP Collective, was: “What are the biggest challenges facing regulators and how do they vary by jurisdiction and cannabis and hemp?” Gillian Schauer explained the role of regulators, highlighted the challenges facing laboratories and product safety, and discussed the pervasive challenge of regulation without federal minimum standards. Overall, she said, the most important common issue is ensuring consumer safety in the market for cannabinoid products. Martin Woodbridge provided an international perspective, first explaining the different designations for cannabis based on its different uses (industrial, medical, recreational) and the segmentation of markets and licensing of specific uses. He explained that these definitions need transparency and common ground around the world to create effective standards. He referred to the ASTM International Adult-Consumer Use vs. article Medical Use, which he co-authored with David Vaillencourt, CEO of GMP Collective, and to the upcoming ASTM Commission Workshop on June 10, 2024, as the beginnings of a global approach to harmonizing industry standards and practices.

The presenters then discussed the challenges they heard from industry operators and whether they differ depending on location. The webinar also discussed interstate commerce, MSOs, and international trade. Schauer noted: “(Interstate commerce) has been going on through existing interstate markets for decades, centuries. It’s probably about cannabinoids and hemp that can be sold online, that can be sold in different states… one of the difficult discussions we’ve been having at CANNRA for over a year now is asking states to think about what their landscape will look like back then, when all the borders fall and what will be particularly effective in their country.

An overview of regulatory and safety compliance gaps and their impact on the long-term sustainability of cannabis and the hemp industry was also discussed. From an international perspective, Woodbridge said: “Licensing helps decide who can be involved in the industry and what range of activities they can be involved in. Then we can start developing applicable standards and what that entails. these products for this licensed activity, for this industry, for this specific type of application. And when we have much more clarity on this, that will be the biggest step we can take in the future.

Finally, speakers proposed steps that stakeholders, regulators and legislators can take to proactively collaborate and shape future regulation.

Finally, David described the value of bringing multiple perspectives to bear when crafting regulations in the cannabis industry. “It’s difficult and complicated, but by doing it in a safe space, being constructive, and providing evidence and data to provide our perspective, I think we’ve made probably the best change ever to really create a future framework that actually works.”

Learn more about GMP Collective’s webinars here or watch the full recording of this episode here.