Lee Smith, Cannabis Consultant - GMP Cultivation Standards in Cannabis

On this episode of Grow Sessions, entitled, “GMP Cultivation Standards in Cannabis,” we discuss the importance of GMP (good manufacturing practices) in cannabis cultivation with Lee Smith, a cultivation consultant and business owner within the industry. In any business, safe and clean manufacturing practices are crucial, and cannabis cultivation is no exception. Because cannabis is not just a plant, but a medicine that many people consume, cultivator’s must ensure they are meeting GMP standards and providing the best possible end result for users. This means adequate testing of the product and meeting health and safety standards during all phases of production. As the cannabis industry is still in its infancy, there are not many federal regulations of how the product is grown and handled. In fact, there are no official GMP or GAP (good agricultural practices) standards within the cannabis industry at this time. Some states, such as Massachusetts, have done a good job at leading the way in terms of cannabis regulation standards. Lee believes the core sector cannabis companies need to look at in terms of GMP are: organization, building facilities, production and processes, packaging and labeling and warehousing and distribution. If cultivator’s make sure they check off all of the safety boxes from the beginning, they can ensure a safe, clean product for consumers. Listen now to learn more about why the cannabis industry needs GMP standards in cultivation and how you can ensure your business is operating as safely as possible. About Lee SmithLee Smith is currently the director of the largest indoor cannabis nursery on the East Coast, Vanagarden. According to Lee, Vandergarden is the most technically advanced and forward thinking company he has ever worked with. Although he grew up in Massachusetts, Lee’s cannabis career started in Northern California in the mid 90’s. After moving to the Bay Area, he had the chance of meeting with Dennis Peron, who opened his mind to the critical role that cannabis would play in the field of emerging natural plant based therapies. Lee’s research delves into how the inflorescence expresses and how bar and other key environmental parameters can influence phloem and xylem. His cultivation experience has led him to  meet many out-of-the-box pioneers and farmers in the cannabis industry in his long journey  to becoming a grower, consultant and pioneer in this emerging field. If you have questions for Lee, you can reach him at [email protected] or through Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cannasmith/ Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast to receive upcoming episodes.