
The Global Cannabis Partnership (GCP) released the world’s first responsible cannabis framework at the annual World Cannabis Congress in New Brunswick this week.
The GCP says the new certification standards “will encourage and validate actions by members of the global cannabis industry to advance environmental stewardship, social responsibility and good governance.” The group’s 45-member organizations, including Cannabis New Brunswick, Canopy Growth, and Aphria, have all agreed to adhere to the framework.
The Responsible Cannabis Framework goes beyond basic compliance and regulations, and expects members to evaluate, develop, implement, measure, and disclose their environmental, social, and governance initiatives.
Minimum requirements of the framework include:
* Environmental Elements: measure and minimize greenhouse gas emissions, water management, packaging materials, and waste reduction strategies to reduce consumption and environmental impact, and agricultural practices to reduce human and environmental health impacts
* Social Elements: responsible use, community engagement and investment, product safety and quality assurance protocols, support and disseminated peer-reviewed scientific research, and social justice
* Governance Elements: adhere to ethical guidelines, compliance with laws and regulations, and diversity and inclusion
GCP members have up to a year to complete work necessary to apply for one of four certification categories. Read more about the framework here.
Social responsibility and the environmental impact of the cannabis industry are ongoing concerns in Canada and other jurisdictions. Many retailers have made social responsibility and customer education the core of their business. Provinces are also exploring ways to manage the ‘costs’ of social responsibility – like Manitoba imposing a social responsibility tax.
Photo courtesy of Esteban Lopez