US (MO): CSQ publishes revised standards for certification process

CSQ has published its revised standards, initiating the official public comment period for industry stakeholders to weigh in on the updated program and audit requirements. Following four years of certifying some of the industry's most well-known brands, CSQ's revisions are meant to make the certification process more approachable and streamlined for operators across the supply chain.

The CSQ Certification Program was modified to include a level-based system for more flexibility and to better fit licensed operator's business and regulatory needs. Audit requirements were updated based on current industry trends, latest research, and regulatory changes for cultivation, manufacturing, and extraction. The CSQ Dietary Supplement Standard was also converted into an Addendum and expanded to cover the requirements for establishing the botanical identity of dietary supplement materials. The intent of this update is so these additional audit requirements can complement any of CSQ's standards.

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Most importantly, CSQ's unaccredited and accredited programs were merged, making all CSQ's certification offerings accredited.

"This updated standard is the result of countless hours of dedication, collaboration, and expertise. CSQ 2.0 is more than just an update - it's a smarter, stronger framework that raises the bar for product safety and quality assurance," said Tyler Williams, Founder of CSQ.

The major overhaul was put in motion by Technical Director, Darwin Millard who pulls from decades of industry experience and standards development through organizations like ASTM International.

"It's crucial for operators and regulators to weigh in on this, because not only does the revised program need to be market relevant, but it also needs to be implementable and enforceable without becoming overburdensome. Your opinion matters and will help us improve our standards and positively impact the cannabis industries, both marijuana and hemp," said Millard.

The CSQ Certification Program is based on ASTM, ISO, cGMP, HACCP, and other internationally recognized standards and best practices. These changes are intended to provide a roadmap for organizations to continuously improve their processes and achieve a best-in-class Cannabis Safety & Quality Management System.