Following two public comment periods in April and July, the finalized CSQ 2.0 Certification Program is now available for all licensed cannabis and hemp operators, retailers and distributors. The fully accredited new program includes a level-based system that’s flexible enough to meet any licensed operator’s business and regulatory needs.
The modular framework of CSQ 2.0 acts as a roadmap for organizations to continuously improve their processes at their own pace. The CSQ standards are made up of five individual modules comprising scope-specific audit requirements for each certification program. The overall certification program has been divided into three levels of conformance, with each level containing an increasing number of modules and corresponding audit requirements.
CSQ 2.0 includes three updated standards for cultivation, manufacturing and extraction, two completely new standards for licensed dispensaries and distributors, and one addendum for dietary supplements that can be added to any of the CSQ standards.
Details about each accredited safety and quality management, process certification program are as follows:
- CSQ Manufacturing is a current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) conformant certification for the manufacture of cannabinoid-containing products.
- CSQ Extraction is a cGMP conformant certification for producing cannabinoid-containing substances from any cannabis plant, including the glandular trichomes (resin glands), concentrates and extracts, isolated and purified cannabinoids, and converted and manufactured cannabinoids.
- CSQ Cultivation is a Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (cGACP) and cGMP conformant certification for the cultivation and production of cannabinoid herbal material products.
- CSQ Warehousing & Distribution is a current Good Distribution Practices (cGDP) conformant certification for the handling, storage, and distribution of cannabinoid-containing materials and products at legal warehouses or distribution locations.
- CSQ Retail & Deli-Style is a Good Handling Practices (cGHP) conformant certification for the sale of cannabinoid-containing products at a legal retail location. Divided into two versions, the CSQ Deli-Style standard oversees the packing and labeling of cannabinoid herbal materials at the point of sale, the production of cannabinoid pre-rolls at the retail location, and when the end consumer is exposed to cannabinoid herbal materials while in-store. Since deli-style activities closely align with product manufacturing processes, the CSQ Retail Deli-Style standard uniquely conforms with both cGHP and cGMP requirements.
- CSQ Dietary Supplement Addendum is meant for establishing the botanical identity of dietary supplement materials, and can be combined with any of CSQ’s standards.
Certification audits to the new CSQ 2.0 program will begin January 2026, providing current certified sites three months to digest the new structure and prepare for recertification. CSQ is hosting monthly overviews to ease the transition for certified sites. Overview webinars are scheduled to take place on October 24, November 3 and December 10 with registration links available on the CSQ website.
In tandem with the revitalized program launch, CSQ is also introducing a new and improved website which walks visitors through the ins and outs of CSQ 2.0 while listing all current certified sites, and highlighting the newly appointed members of the Technical Advisory Committee. Visit www.csqcertification.com for more details.