All cannabis products are required to undergo rigorous testing before hitting store shelves. At times, these strict standards can cause a product to fail testing or be part of a recall.
Because cannabis is classified as a Schedule 1 Federally Controlled Substance, getting rid of these products that can no longer be sold can suddenly become a very difficult problem to have.
It’s a challenge that you may face more often than you think if you’re a cannabis business. According to the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), as many as one in five batches fail to pass the newest stipulations in California. If cannabis products are in your possession when they fail to pass inspection or are recalled, you will need to take the appropriate steps to ensure that they are safely and legally disposed of.
That’s where cannabis disposal services can help. Cannabis waste services can effectively manage the disposal of recalled or failed cannabis products, addressing the difficult problem of eliminating them in compliance with federal and state regulations. These specialized services possess the expertise and infrastructure needed to handle cannabis waste properly and to minimize any potential environmental and public health risks.
Why Your Cannabis Products Fail Testing
In California, routine monitoring of cannabis products includes:
- Testing for residual solvents, pesticides and other foreign materials
- Checking all packaging and labeling before transporting to a retailer
- Utilizing child-resistant packaging on all cannabis products
- Limiting edible packages to 100 milligrams of THC per package and 10 milligrams of THC per serving
Another significant reason why cannabis products may fail inspections or be recalled is inaccurate claims on the packaging, particularly regarding THC levels or CBD levels in the product. This cause is by far the largest driver of failed tests in California.
Cannabis Destruction Solutions
The cannabis industry is becoming more and more competitive, requiring hard work and dedication to manufacturing a high-quality product. It can be disappointing when your team’s hard work doesn’t pass lab testing. However, it’s important to prepare for the possibility that one of your batches doesn’t qualify for remediation and re-testing and, therefore must undergo destruction.
If you plan to destroy recalled cannabis products or products that do not pass lab inspection, state law mandates that you must quarantine the product for at least 72 hours. You must attach any relevant documents to the recalled products and must fulfill any track and trace reporting requirements.
The California Cannabis Track and Trace (CCTT) system tracks the movement of cannabis and cannabis products throughout the supply chain. The Department of Cannabis Control describes this process as “seed to sale” tracking.
After the quarantine period is over, you must render the product unusable and unrecognizable. Destruction must also take place using video surveillance.
Recalls and failed inspections can be stressful situations, putting pressure on your brand and your bottom line. Working with a qualified cannabis waste management company can help ensure these products are quickly and safely destroyed so you can return your focus to your company. An experienced disposal company will also work with you to make sure you have an established cannabis destruction plan in place so if a similar situation arises again, you can handle it with ease.
What To Look For In Disposal Services
By partnering with cannabis disposal services, you can better navigate the complexities of product recalls and failed testing while
still prioritizing environmental and public safety.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of several benefits, including increased compliance for your business, better efficiency through regular assessments that identify areas for improvement, and possible reduced waste disposal costs.
Disposing of hazardous waste can be more costly, so if a certain type of waste can be classified as non-hazardous, it can safe your company money in the long run. A disposal company experienced in transporting cannabis waste will evaluate all of the waste types that your business generates so that it can look for ways to reduce your disposal costs over time.
When selecting a cannabis waste management company to work with, look for a partner that knows state and federal regulations related to cannabis waste, including any special storage and handling procedures that are relevant to your day-to-day operations.
Comprehensive waste management services that are offered should also include:
- Collection
- Secured storage areas when awaiting transportation
- Transportation to the appropriate disposal site
- Proof of final disposal
- Proof of recycling and repurposing
- Giving you a manifest to ensure you can enter the required details for the track-and-trace reporting requirements
- Certified weighing upon drop-off at licensed compost facilities and recycling centers
- Consultations on best practices that can help your company improve compliance
- Regular monitoring of evolving state and federal legislation
As we mentioned above, it’s required that you have a legal waste management plan in place if you generate cannabis waste. A qualified cannabis waste disposal company will help you not only develop one, but maintain it as rules regarding cannabis waste evolve. For example, one area of consideration in a waste management plan is how you store your waste and the containers you use to transport it. UN-rated containers are ideal since they are air-tight for maximum odor protection, a key area of compliance. The best containers will also include biodegradable lining to prevent odor and spillage.
A Path For Recalled Products
Especially for growers, there are few options for remediation once it’s been determined that products have failed testing or are unsafe for sale. Recalled products can also cause several disruptions along the supply chain.
Experienced cannabis disposal services can help you determine any courses of action you have in either correcting your product or properly disposing of it if that is your only option.
If your company finds itself in need of cannabis destruction, it’s important to work with a certified and licensed disposal service that offers compliant, eco-friendly methods so that you can rest assured that your company is in good hands.
