I am in the process of setting up a cannabis testing and extraction lab. What are the top three crucial factors you believe are essential to consider while setting up a cannabis lab for successful lab operations in this rapidly evolving industry?

When setting up a cannabis lab, location is an important consideration in ensuring successful lab operations. Cannabis remains federally illegal in the US, so it’s essential to be well-versed in the specific laws and regulations of your state. Accessibility and proximity to resources are also important factors to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, the location must be secure and comply with zoning restrictions, avoiding areas near schools, children’s parks, or churches to adhere to regulatory requirements and maintain community harmony.

The second most important consideration would be regulatory compliance. Cannabis extraction facilities are required to operate under cGMP, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and OSHA. cGMP defines the minimum requirements for the facilities, processes, & controls used in the manufacturing, processing, and packaging of a drug product. These requirements include good documentation and record-keeping practices, regulation of airflow to prevent contamination, effective quality control processes, and more. The NFPA strives to eliminate injury, loss, or death due to fire and electrical hazards. NFPA publishes codes and standards intended to minimize such risks. OSHA ensures safe and healthy working conditions by providing relevant training, education, and assistance to staff. Cannabis testing labs need to follow regulatory guidelines such as ISO/IEC 17025. Both cannabis extraction and testing labs must have the necessary resources and a quality management system in place to comply with regulations.

Thirdly, it’s extremely important that the staff is well-trained to handle potential hazards in the facility. It includes training staff on the safe disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Training should enable staff to identify, classify, characterize, and dispose of all types of hazardous waste.