California Regulators to Develop of Organic Certification Program for Cannabis

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will be hosting a public meeting on July 24, 2019 to start the discussion around the creation of organic cannabis program that will be similar to the US National Organic Program. The meeting will help the regulatory agencies to implement California’s new law that establishes the implementation of an organic certification program by July 1, 2021.

During the meeting, state regulators will discuss the guidance and standards from the National Organic Program should be incorporated into California’s program. State regulators will also discuss the registration requirements for certifiers that are accredited with the USDA, the types of certification and the exemptions from certification.

The comparable-to-organic cannabis program is intended to help differentiate the California cannabis market and brands from national competitors. The program is similar to efforts in Humboldt County to establish an organic standard.