Marijuana expansion has always been an important debate in California as it was the first US state that legalized medical marijuana decades ago. The state legalized recreational cannabis in 2016. Then January 2018 marked the day that ended a legal prohibition on the use of marijuana. Now organic cannabis California is the next issue up for debate.
California has become the state that allows legal marijuana sales, especially for recreational purposes. According to the official estimates of state, approximately 400 cannabis businesses received licenses in the same year. With that, the sixth-largest economy of the world launched a new legal industry in the US.
Despite its legalization, marijuana still seems to have a long battle to fight. Cannabis farmers are trying hard to get cannabis an organic certification standard. This certification is not much different from the USDA organic label. (1) It is because the Federal Controlled Substances Act (2) still labels cannabis as Schedule I narcotic. That means cannabis cannot get a certification as an organic substance.
That is to say, organic cannabis California needs more time and effort to get the approval of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
Organic Cannabis California – Progress for Legal Marijuana Expansion
The good news is that the state government is putting an effort into modeling some standards called “OCal” in conjunction with USDA. (3) These close standards will help cannabis farmers receive their federal organic certification if the federal government legalizes cannabis.
OCal would create standards around the use of heavy metals, pesticides, and toxins in medical or recreational marijuana. However, the working group is considering addressing and highlighting the financial burden that accompanies with organic certification.
Those who want to become certified organic farmers, need to hire the services of a USDA-accredited certifying agent. These agents inspect a cannabis farm and evaluate the growing techniques. The whole procedure may cost an amount up to a thousand dollars, which can be an expensive deal for cannabis farmers. However, if CDFA approves, cannabis farmers may get an exemption from hiring USDA- accredited certifying agents.
While the difference between federal and state laws is a headache for the cannabis industry, many third-party certifications use it as an opportunity. Sun+Earth (4), for instance, is a non-profit private third-party that aims to promote environmental sustainability. This requires farmers to maintain soil quality through crop rotation, mulching, and improved soil fertility.
Marijuana and Addiction
With any controlled substance, there is always a chance of addiction. The habit may take a heavy toll on an individual and affect his/her mental and physical health. This is when the role of professional treatment to get rid of substance abuse comes into play.
If you or your loved one is suffering from marijuana addiction, Ocean Hills Recovery can help. We are equipped with the best clinical staff and provide a relaxing environment. Our rehab center offers personalized treatment programs the can help you overcome the addiction cycle. The evidence-based psychotherapy and 12-step treatment are vital to a successful recovery.
Bottom Line
Organic cannabis California will get CFDA approval in the coming years. Cannabis farmers are trying hard to address the issues related to organic certification that will make it even more prevalent.
Thus, if you are struggling with a marijuana addiction, you can call Ocean Hills Recovery to take your first step towards sobriety.
SOURCES:
(1) https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/organic-standards
(2) https://www.dea.gov/controlled-substances-act
(3) https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/calcannabis/ocal.html
(4) https://sunandearth.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Sun_Earth_Certified_Standards_02_07_2019.pdf
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