AHPA Cannabis Committee offers regulatory advice to states

The Cannabis Committee of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) last week delivered draft recommendations on the regulation of distribution (dispensing) of medical marijuana to regulators in three states that allow such practice.

The recommendations seek to ensure best practices at the point of distribution between provider and consumer and cover such issues as product acquisition, physical facilities, security, personnel training, and requirements for purchase.

The committee's recommendations were delivered to regulatory offices in California, Colorado, and Massachusetts and will shortly be sent to the other states that have legalized medical marijuana and to the District of Columbia.

"The AHPA Cannabis Committee includes in its charter a responsibility to develop policy recommendations that support safe use of products derived from Cannabis species," said Michael McGuffin, AHPA president. "This initial work should be well-received by state regulators, who share our commitment to ensuring safe access to medical marijuana for their citizens."

The AHPA Cannabis Committee was founded in 2010 to address issues related to the safe use and responsible commerce of legally marketed products derived from Cannabis species. The committee, in cooperation with Americans for Safe Access (ASA), has over the past year coordinated the development of recommendations to state regulators on best practice regulations in several areas, including cultivation; manufacturing, packaging and labeling; laboratory practice; and distribution.

ASA is the largest national, member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists, and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research through legislation, education, litigation, grassroots actions, advocacy, and services for patients and caregivers.

"The committee would not have achieved the work completed to date without the support of Americans for Safe Access," added McGuffin. "ASA's guidance, contacts, and outreach will continue to be essential to completion of the committee's tasks."

The AHPA Cannabis Committee will continue its efforts to develop recommendations to state regulators in each of the other areas where regulations may be implemented and will deliver these as they are completed over the next several months.