CSQ Certification Program Approved for Safe Harbor Hemp Manufacturers in Colorado

St. Louis, Mo. — CSQ’s accredited certification program, along with its certification body, ASI, are both now approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) for Safe Harbor Hemp manufacturers for cGMP certification, per Colorado’s revised statutes that took effect July 1.

According to Colorado’s regulators, a Safe Harbor Hemp product is a hemp-derived compound or cannabinoid, whether a finished product or in the process of being produced, that is permitted to be manufactured, produced, packaged, processed or prepared in Colorado for export, but not permitted to be sold or distributed in Colorado.

Cannabis Safety & Quality (CSQ) is an ANAB-accredited certification program for the manufacture of cannabinoid products, and its cGMP certification is an solution for licensed Safe Harbor Hemp manufacturers who are now required to get audited by an accredited third-party certification body no later than July 1, 2025.

The first step Safe Harbor Hemp manufacturers must take to acquire a CSQ cGMP certification is to schedule an audit through ASI, an accredited certification body for all approved programs listed by the CDPHE.

Additionally, CSQ is stepping in to help Colorado’s marijuana operators navigate the updated reduced testing allowance requirements that took effect July 1. The revised statutes allow operators to reduce their testing requirements if they implement a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system in conformance with ASTM Standard D8250-19 and pass an internal audit assessing compliance with the rule’s requirements.

Since the new rule does not clarify how a licensed operator submits evidence of their self-assessment or proof of implementing a HACCP system, CSQ is developing resources to help operators exceed expectations with a Reduced Testing Allowance (RTA) Toolkit.

“Companies that truly implement these processes needed to qualify for reduced testing will at the end of the day produce safer and higher quality products,” said Darwin Millard, technical director of CSQ. “However, they are currently left in the dark in terms of where to start or what the state constitutes as acceptable evidence, so we are arming operators with tools to prove they’ve done everything right.”

The RTA Toolkit being developed in collaboration with Rootwurks, CSQ’s official training partner, will include:

• HACCP Preparation;
• Lead Auditor Training;
• RTA Compliance Guide, outlining everything a licensed operator should know before attempting to achieve an RTA; and
• RTA Compliance Document Packaging, including all necessary documentation to be submitted to the CO Marijuana Enforcement Division.

"The new processes outlined in Colorado’s revised statutes — in particular, HACCP preparation — will undoubtedly help companies create safer cannabis products and more compliant workplaces,” said Chase Eastman, CEO of Rootwurks. “Rootwurks developed a HACCP certification course to help companies increase safety despite budgetary and manpower shortcomings that often complicate safety training.”

CSQ and Rootwurks anticipate a Q3 launch date with more details and free resources coming soon.

For more information, contact Kim Ring at kring@asifood.com.