Hemp has gained popularity over the years because of its versatility and high market demand. The plant undergoes different processes to produce seed oil and fiber, which have extensive uses. Despite the uncertainty around the laws of hemp, the future of hemp production is promising, and for this reason, the business is slowly being recognized in mainstream media.
Hemp producers are expected to test their products for cannabinoid potency in certified laboratories. Testing ensures that products are safe for consumer use and meet the Federal requirements. The information below explains the importance of compliance transparency in the hemp supply chain, but first, you need to understand the hemp supply chain and what it entails.
What is the hemp supply chain?
A supply chain is a term that describes the entire process involved between the making and sale of commercial goods. Therefore, the hemp supply chain is the steps involved between cultivation and the sale of the final product to consumers. Many activities and people are part of each phase of the supply chain, and each plays a significant role.
Hemp’s supply chain is similar for CBD products and textiles. If you enjoy your CBD gummies after a long day at work and you want to trace their production, you can do that by tracing the hemp supply chain. The same applies to materials or items made out of industrial hemp. The following information explains the regulations hemp producers need to comply with when handling hemp from farm to consumers.
Rules and regulations governing hemp production
Although the hemp business is steadily rising, there is still a legal grey area because of the confusing history of the industry. Initially, the 2014 Farm Bill validated the growth of hemp due only for research purposes. However, things took a different turn when people seized this opportunity in the CBD industry.
Today’s large CBD industry originates from this space that operates freely without any laws. However, the United States legalized hemp at the federal level, but the FD is yet to give the official guidance or the way forward for the CND industry.
Hemp producers need to comply with both state laws to avoid falling on the wrong side of the law. An example of this regulation is testing your products to attain certain THC levels and product purity. The requirements vary from state to state, and it is essential to understand what your state requires of you. For example, selling full-spectrum CBD extracts with less than 0.3% THC levels is legal in Colorado. However, the same is illegal in a state like Idaho.
The good news is the production standards are getting better by the day as hemp continues to get recognized in mainstream media. Today, local authorities visit farms to test for THC potency, and in other regions, specialists test the flowers for impurities, such as pesticides.
Why is compliance transparency important in the hemp supply chain?
By following the state laws, you not only prevent trouble with the authorities, but you also ensure that your customers get quality products. Since the industry is still new and loosely governed by individual states, it leaves an entry point for shady operations. Some people may evade the supply chain’s testing part, which allows low quality and unsafe CBD products in the market.
Such malpractice puts consumers at risk for poisoning and other health problems. Because there is no centralized quality control, consumers need to establish the source of any products before use.
Compliance transparency facilitates consistency in the end products. Consistency is an essential aspect of any business, and it may have a negative or positive impact on your company. Global companies such as Coca-Cola have maintained the same color, aroma, and taste of their products. A Coca-Cola beverage in Colorado has a similar taste to the one sold in North Carolina.
Disparities in the products may result in business loss. For consistency in final products across different states, the hemp industry needs to standardize all the supply chain operations.
Hemp producers must comply with state laws for the success of their business and the good of the consumers. Before selling your products, get them tested for THC levels and overall quality in certified laboratories.
