PH&S, ATACH & ASTM International Launch Certification Pilot Program
The Policy Center for Public Health and Safety (“PH&S”), American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (“ATACH”), and ASTM International are pleased to announce the launching of a pilot program as the first step toward a multifaceted industry certification program focused upon cannabis and hemp operations as well as financial institutions that serve the industry. The certification pilot will be administered by ASTM International, the international leader in consensus based cannabis standards, PH&S, who is spearheading efforts to coordinate with law enforcement for this historic program and independently present results, and observed by the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (“ATACH”), who participated in the standards development process. The pilot program is currently underway and the results will be submitted by PH&S to the Attorneys General Association cannabis policy committee which is composed of a bipartisan group of state attorneys general for review and consideration.
“The Policy Center for Public Health and Safety is leading the discussion with law enforcement as this historic industry certification pilot program works to address the concerns of state attorneys general by assessing marketplace issues, filling in regulatory gaps, and taking into account consumer protection in this emerging market,“ said Fred Niehaus, Chair, Policy Center for Public Health & Safety.
“ASTM international is the world leader in developing cannabis standards and we are proud to administer this pilot to fill a marketplace need,” says Kathie Morgan, ASTM International president. “This effort coincides with the work of ASTM International’s cannabis committee (D37) which includes over 900 members and governments from 28 different countries. We believe delivering the first certification program for cannabis and hemp by an accredited body is a critical step.”
“State attorneys general are interested in innovative and credible programs, such as this pilot, which provide support to law-enforcement and assist in assessing issues related to public health and safety, consumer protection and the rule of law,” said Karen White, Executive Director of The Conference of Western Attorneys General (“CWAG”) and The Attorney General Alliance (“AGA”).
“Following signing of the historic memorandum of understanding between ATACH and ASTM International to facilitate industry standards development, this pilot program is exactly the type of effort we envisioned to address the marketplace need and satisfy the growing desire to validate standards we have helped develop,” said Michael Bronstein, President, American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH).
Ultimately, the overarching certification is anticipated to be implemented through an industry independent 501(c)3 which has been established.
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About PH&S
The Policy Center for Public Health & Safety (“PH&S”), a 501(c)4, was founded to facilitate constructive dialogue on state-legalized cannabis issues among state, federal, and international regulators. The current advisory board is comprised of Fred Niehaus, Chairman of the Policy Center for Public Health & Safety, Jahna Lindemuth, former Alaska Attorney General, Richard Carleton, CEO of the Canadian Securities Exchange, Sean Tonner, Managing Partner Peachwood AG, LLC, Lewis Koski, COO of Metrc, Cameron Bishop, Vice President, Public Affairs & Stakeholder Relations, Ben Kimbro, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Harvest, as well as Sundie Seefried, CEO of Partner Colorado Credit Union. PH&S’s efforts grew out of interaction with state Attorneys General and their representatives at the 2015 Conference of Western Attorneys General (CWAG) meeting and has continued to participate with attorneys generals organizations since that time.
About ATACH
The American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (“ATACH”) is the leading United States 501(c)(6) cannabis industry trade organization promoting the expansion and protection of legal sales of cannabis and hemp for industrial, medical, and adult use. ATACH has been named “Trade Association of the Year” and “Corporate Grassroots Organization of the Year” by Campaigns & Electionsmagazine. ATACH’s membership consists of the most influential businesses in the industry, fifteen organizational memorandum of understanding relationships with state level associations and national organizations.
About ASTM International
Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life. We integrate consensus standards – developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts – and innovative services to improve lives… Helping our world work better.
