Since the legalization of CBD in 2018, the CBD industry has experienced significant growth. However, the lack of regulation and comprehensive testing has led to challenges in determining the quality, effectiveness, and purity of CBD products. This has created an opportunity for unscrupulous companies to make questionable claims about their products. To address this issue, the FDA has established a standard called Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) that can assist consumers in identifying legitimate CBD manufacturers. In this blog post, we will explore why cGMP is crucial in ensuring the quality and safety of CBD products.
Understanding cGMP
According to the FDA, cGMPs are a set of guidelines that ensure proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities. Originally developed for pharmaceutical manufacturing, cGMP is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for the implementation of best practices and the use of up-to-date processing and testing procedures.
cGMP and CBD
When applied correctly, cGMP helps regulate the transformation of raw materials into finished CBD products for human consumption. Similar to the regulations governing food and drugs, cGMP ensures the quality of CBD products available to consumers. This certification guarantees that CBD products are produced safely, hygienically, and in accordance with best practices. When combined with a product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA), cGMP certification provides assurance to consumers that they are purchasing a safe, accurately labeled, and effective CBD product.
The Benefits of cGMP
As the CBD industry continues to expand, the need for effective quality control measures becomes increasingly important. Unfortunately, the number of companies taking advantage of consumers in this partially regulated industry is also growing. As a result, reputable hemp product manufacturers and CBD processors are seeking cGMP certification to differentiate themselves. When purchasing CBD products, it is advisable to not only request a COA but also inquire about the cGMP status of the manufacturer. A reputable and knowledgeable retailer will also value cGMP as an important quality assurance measure.
In the evolving CBD industry, ensuring the quality and safety of CBD products is paramount. The establishment of cGMP by the FDA offers a valuable framework for manufacturers to adhere to best practices in producing CBD products. Consumers should prioritize purchasing CBD products from manufacturers with cGMP certification, in addition to requesting a COA. By doing so, consumers can have confidence in the safety, cleanliness, accuracy of labeling, and effectiveness of the CBD products they purchase. As the CBD industry continues to mature, the adoption of cGMP standards will contribute to a higher level of trust and reliability in the market.
*The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
