Cannabis products are subject to comprehensive regulatory compliance both at the federal and state levels. The 2014 U.S. Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp, which includes products generally derived from Cannabis sativa plants with a delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more than 0.3 percent by dry weight. Moreover, under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has jurisdiction over hemp-based products, particularly products containing cannabidiol (CBD), including edibles, infusions, tinctures, oils, ointments, and various types of consumable. In Washington state, under the 2012 Initiative 502 (I-502), cannabis is a regulated industry. In addition to testing THC concentration, cannabis crops must be tested for pesticides.

The burden placed on cannabis industry businesses by these regulatory schemes is significant and the penalties for non-compliance can be severe. While we do not directly handle regulatory compliance issues, we are able to help you protect your know-how through patent and trade secret avenues that cover the mechanics of laboratory testing and procedures.