Have you considered your testing and QA process?
The analytical testing license allows holders to perform testing and chemical transformation activities on cannabis. There are a couple of notable restrictions however, around destruction. For example, all samples of a lot or batch must be destroyed within 90 days of testing. If testing has not begun within 120 days of sample receipt, then those samples must also be destroyed. This speaks to the importance of proper process planning for your facility. It's easy to get overwhelmed.
Our Master Grower's proven high-density grow method will form part of the cultivation planning process we undertake with you, assuming you're interested in cultivation operations. This is crucial to ensure that you're prepared to test all of the material you produce, without any bottlenecks.
Physical security requirements are less stringent than with other license classes, which makes sense considering the destruction protocols previously discussed. Though listed personnel on an analytical testing application are different. These nuances can be complex. Don't risk your license. We can assist with an appropriate testing facility plan.
Your Partner Master Grower, Shlomo Booklin
GrowerIQ's Master Grower, Shlomo Booklin, has worked as Head Grower for some of Canada's leading cannabis cultivation operations, such as Tilray and MedReleaf. Having managed the production of over 100 million plants, he has refined his growing techniques and trained others in the industry on how to produce safe for consumer, high-quality, cost-effective products. Unlike some other consulting firms, GrowerIQ brings you deep industry experience. Shlomo's 30+ years of commercial growing experience means that our experts will help craft your application submission taking into account what actually works in practice.
What should I expect during the analytical testing license application process?
Health Canada wants to ensure that you've thought out every aspect of your business, and included those plans in your application. This includes obvious areas like your physical security (though we do not need to submit an Organizational Security Plan with the analytical testing application) standard cultivation, and production plans, but also extends to business organizational structure, key investors, and your facility's Standard Operating Procedures. Ensuring that your analytical testing application contains the requisite level of detail is one way to help the application process flow smoothly. The experts at GrowerIQ inform our planning process with actual comments received from Health Canada's review of previous applications.
The analytical testing license does not include provisions around enhanced security like visual monitoring devices and intrusion detection, which is targeted more specifically at the larger cultivation and processing licenses. Beyond physical security, you will also need to identify on your application the specific individual who will fill the Head of Laboratory role. That is a unique requirement for this specific license class.
A significant change to the application process occurred in May 2019. Now, the Health Canada licensing process requires you to have a fully-built out facility before they will review your application.
Don't know where to begin? We can simplify the process.
The analytical testing license class has fewer stringent security (video monitoring), and personnel requirements. In exchange, must destroy product according to a precise schedule.
Let's discuss your project in order to determine which of the license classes best supports you, what your differentiation strategy should be, and how to model your expenses. Nothing is more frustrating than spending time and money pursuing a class of license, only to find that it doesn't meet your long-term needs. Find out more on our consulting services by clicking the link below, or starting a chat to the right.
About GrowerIQ
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.