The Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division to Now Require Emissions Testing and Shelf Stability Testing for Cannabis Oil Concentrates
October 12, 2020
DENVER — A coalition of cannabis vaporizer brands, that includes The Blinc Group, Inc., PAX Labs™ and the Colorado Cannabis Manufacturers Association, applauds the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division for the adoption of new industry-leading testing standards for cannabis concentrates. Effective October 10, these updated regulations address evolving testing needs for improved consumer safety.
New emissions testing rules modify procedures so that mandated analyses are conducted on the vape cartridge aerosol that is produced through combustion of the product, rather than the raw oil contained in the cartridge — which is what the consumer is ultimately inhaling. Shelf stability rules require manufacturers to label vaporizer cartridges with an expiration date based on scientific understanding of consumer safety and quality. The MED’s update of these rules is one more way that the regulated market ensures the safety of its products.
“These new regulations are a great and necessary step towards better protecting the health of consumers who choose to vape. These changes will better align the cannabis industry with best practices from other industries and provide consumers with a safer product that is more accurately tested,” said Arnaud Dumas de Rauly, CEO and Co-founder of the Blinc Group.
“We’re pleased to see Colorado continue to adopt industry-leading cannabis policy, grounded in research and science. This change marks a common sense evolution of testing protocols that not only supports increased consumer safety, but further separates the regulated market from the illicit one,” said Echo Rufer, PhD, DABT, Head of Biocompatibility and Toxicology at PAX Labs. “As cannabis products continue to evolve, our testing methods must as well, and we see both aerosol testing and shelf stability testing as two critical pieces of that.”
“We applaud the collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and our regulatory bodies. Emissions testing of vaporizer cartridges maintains Colorado as a leader in cannabis testing. Such forward-thinking policy continues to protect the safety of patients and consumers,” said Kevin Gallagher, Executive Director and Founder of the Colorado Cannabis Manufacturers Association. “Our membership is eager to implement the new testing standards, and further drive quality throughout the supply chain.”
The updated Colorado Marijuana Rules, 1 CCR 212-3, for emissions testing and expiration dates will go into effect on January 1, 2021 but provide the industry with sufficient time to come into compliance. On behalf of our coalition partners, we thank the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division, the Science & Policy Working Group, the Testing Subcommittee, and all other stakeholders that engaged in this process for their tireless work to help create and refine these new safety regulations.
About the Blinc Group
Headquartered in New York City, the Blinc Group designs, develops, supplies, and supports premium cannabis vaping hardware. The company offers a curated collection of proven cartridges, batteries, ready to use vaporizers and complete bespoke device development to multi-state operators, licensed producers, and brands. Blinc completes the value chain by providing its clients access to a suite of support services ranging from research and development, production, testing, standard operating procedures, training and all the way to go-to-market strategy and brand communications consulting. With full control of the supply chain, the company’s unique “Powered by Blinc” process enables clients to provide innovative, safe, and quality-controlled products to cannabis consumers worldwide. To learn more about Blinc, visit https://www.theblincgroup.com.
About PAX Labs
Headquartered in San Francisco, PAX Labs™ is the leader in premium cannabis vaporizer technology, with award-winning devices for both oil concentrates and flower. Counting over 2 million devices sold, PAX Labs has revolutionized the consumer experience through innovation and product design that takes the guesswork out of cannabis and delivers quality, safety and predictability. PAX Labs is committed to its mission of establishing cannabis as a force for good. PAX Labs does not manufacture, produce or sell cannabis. For more information, visit pax.com.
About CCMA
The Colorado Cannabis Manufacturers Association (CCMA) is committed to work with state regulatory bodies to ensure the development of sound policies to promote business efficiency, innovation and consumer safety, thereby ensuring a sustainable supply chain and thriving community. The group represents licensed Colorado cannabis manufacturers through the advancement of legislation, advocacy and industry collaboration. For more information, visit https://www.cocannabismanufacturers.com/
For press inquiries, please call Gretchen Gailey at (202) 489-3821, or email press@theblincgroup.com
