Ask Our Experts: Qualities for Selecting a Product Manufacturer
Q: What are some things to look for when selecting a CBD manufacturer?
By New Frontier Data
A: As a rule of thumb, there are five primary considerations when considering a producer:
- Where do they source their hemp? Was the hemp grown from a licensed producer? Is the hemp grown domestically, or imported? What are their cultivation practices? Legitimate manufacturers will happily provide transparency about their operations.
- Do they have the appropriate licenses and certifications? Regulations vary from state to state, so due diligence about local rules governing hemp-CBD manufacturing are fundamental. Aside from proof of licensing, there are certifications to look for: At minimum, a manufacturer should have an ISO 9001 Certification (the standard for all product manufacturers), along with a Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) certification, indicating that the products they produce are made consistently and according to quality standards.
- Do they have a certificate of analysis for the products they produce? There is a notorious level of uncertainty right now around standards and advertised amounts of CBD. Some products may also contain harmful levels of heavy metal or other carcinogens. A certificate of analysis helps to ensure that one’s products safely contain the proper amount of CBD as advertised.
- For what other companies do they produce goods? Is it a reputable company? Do they sell quality products? If the potential manufacturer works with other reputable and established companies, it fosters a higher degree of confidence about aligning with them. It cannot hurt to ask around: How are they viewed by other companies? Have they been happy with their relationship? Asking questions is inexpensive; surprises are not.
- What is their production capacity, and what does their facility look like? It is vital to select a manufacturer capable of meeting one’s demand. Likewise, a tour of a manufacturer’s facility increases one’s understanding and confidence about their being able to fulfill a client’s standards. Their having ISO and GMP certifications are encouraging, but any reluctance to show a client their facility introduces some doubt about working with them.
