Welcome to the National Cannabis Industry Association’s (NCIA) insightful webinar recording, “Committee Insights: Where Risk Assessment Integrity Meets Policy.” Hosted by NCIA’s Cannabis Manufacturing Committee and originally broadcast on Tuesday, October 24th, 2023, this session provided a deep dive into the complex but critical intersection of cannabis industry risk assessment and policy development. This blog post will highlight key discussions and insights from the panel, offering a condensed overview of the critical issues explored during the webinar, continue reading and view the full recording below.

Comprehensive Risk Assessment for Vape Product Manufacturers

The panelists underscored the importance of thorough risk assessments for vape product manufacturers, especially in the highly regulated cannabis and hemp sectors. The conversation centered on essential areas of concern, including the potential for fraud, liability, and the significance of ingredient selection, particularly terpenes. Material of construction and employee safety were also key factors that were addressed.

Hardware Risks and Due Diligence

The webinar uncovered the risks associated with hardware components and vendors. It shed light on the due diligence required when introducing new vape products, which includes vetting hardware suppliers and partners. Addressing concerns related to shrinkage and theft was another significant aspect of risk management. Additionally, the panel stressed the importance of setting safety guidelines based on industry standards such as ASTM.

Safety Standards and Ingredient Considerations

The discussion dived into the implications of safety standards, especially ASTM, and their role in determining acceptable safety levels within the industry. The panel emphasized the importance of ingredient considerations, particularly in preventing E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI). Risk assessment for ingredients was a major focus, as it plays a critical role in product safety and integrity.

Implications of Fraud and Counterfeit Products

A crucial point discussed was the far-reaching implications of fraud, counterfeit products, and negligence within the cannabis and hemp industry. The panelists delved into the legal considerations when unknowingly selling dangerous products. They also highlighted the industry’s ongoing struggle with counterfeiting and the need for robust prevention measures to protect consumers.

Regulatory Challenges and Industry Growth

The webinar touched upon the challenges of navigating regulatory environments for both regulators and operators. The panelists emphasized the need for striking a balance between regulation and innovation to ensure the industry’s growth while maintaining product safety. The conversation also addressed the evolving landscape of marketing and advertising regulations, emphasizing the need for clear guidance in these areas.

Essential Insights from Industry Experts

Learn more about our distinguished panel of NCIA member experts including hardware & product manufacturers, toxicologists, legal professionals and regulators each of which brought their unique perspective and insights to our comprehensive exploration.

Gillian Schauer
Executive Director
Cannabis Regulator’s Association

Raza Lawrence
Counsel
Zuber Lawler Group

Shawna Vreeke
Head of Research
True Terpenes

Josh Borodin
Head of Product
GREENTANK

James Granger
Chief Political Officer
Cliintel Capital

Darwin Millard (Moderator)
The GMP Collective

Previous and Future Editions of this Series

This is the third of five in a multi-part series of #IndustryEssentials webinars. You can watch Parts I & II plus register Part IV & V at the links below.

Episode I – Committee Insights: Mapping the Vape Landscape: Where are We and Where Do We Go from Here?” – [Watch Here]

Episode II – Committee Insights: Cannabis Vaping – Avoid Being an Easy Target – [Watch Here]

Episode IV: Committee Insights: Cannabis Vaping – Beyond the Pen – [Date & Time TBD]

Episode V: Committee Insights: Dabinar Special Edition – Dabbing 101 – [Date & Time TBD]

For access to our full webinar recording archive, featuring 100+ episodes from five separate recurring series, head here.

Join NCIA and Be Part of Future Speaking Opportunities

If you’re eager to share your expertise and insights with our dynamic cannabis community, we encourage you to consider becoming a member of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA). Our member-led committees, such as the Cannabis Manufacturing Committee, offer numerous opportunities to participate in our webinars and events as a speaker. By joining NCIA, you’ll be well-positioned to become a part of our expert panelists in the future. Don’t miss the chance to contribute to meaningful discussions that help shape the cannabis industry.

Learn more about NCIA membership and the benefits it offers here.

Explore Sponsorship Opportunities

For those interested in sponsoring future webinars and events to reach a broad and engaged audience within the cannabis industry, we invite you to fill out our sponsorship inquiry form. Our team will be happy to provide you with more details on how you can collaborate with NCIA to promote your brand and engage with our community.

Complete the sponsorship inquiry form here.

Your involvement with NCIA opens doors to a wealth of opportunities in the ever-evolving cannabis industry. We look forward to having you as part of our vibrant community!

A Valuable Resource for Industry Professionals

NCIA’s “Committee Insights” series serves as a comprehensive resource for cannabis and hemp industry professionals and this episode offers valuable insights into the critical role of risk assessment and policy development in shaping the future of cannabis operations. By exploring our full recording, you’ll gain invaluable insights and stay informed about the latest developments in the ever-evolving cannabis industry.

Stay Connected with NCIA

Thank you for being a part of our dynamic cannabis community. NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinar series is our premier digital educational platform, offering timely and essential insights precisely when you need them. This session is part of our Committee Insights series, produced in collaboration with our member-led committees. Sign up today to receive more industry insights and updates to stay ahead in the evolving cannabis and hemp sectors.