Legal framework

It is essential that all cannabinoid producers and sellers foster an understanding of the laws and regulations in their respective sectors (food supplements, cosmetics and inhalables), moving towards a state of full compliance. All members of the ACI, without exception, intend to pursue the necessary authorisations to legally distribute cannabinoid products.

The ACI will engage closely with the FSA to facilitate prompt submissions of quality novel food applications, putting our members on the legal pathway to compliance. The ACI will pursue clarification on a grace period for those submitting a novel food application.

The ACI will ensure that partners who rely on other suppliers’ cannabinoid extract in their finished products are able to work with signatories to the charter who are fully engaged in the novel food application process.

Testing

Quality and safety will be established through robust testing, using bespoke analytical quality by design. Test methods will demonstrate validation, from sample preparation to limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). Inter-lab testing will be undertaken to confirm validation, with each method being validated to accommodate specific product ranges.

Test methods will indicate stability to ensure that product degradation is taken into account when setting expiry dates, choosing packaging materials and deciding on storage conditions.

The ACI will facilitate a testing programme whereby submitted raw material or finished products, from all members, will be tested at accredited laboratories.

Labelling

ACI members will abide by labelling rules which ensure that consumers understand what they are buying and are not misled.

The Advertising Standards Authority’s guidelines have been used as a basis for ACI labelling rules. These include, but are not limited to, rules such as no medical claims and inclusion of daily dose, use-by date, list of ingredients, quantity of cannabinoids per package, standard dose, and instructions for use.

Manufacturing

The supply chain from raw material to commercial sale requires adherence to quality-management systems; continuous improvement should be the basis for any cannabinoid-based manufacturing organisation.

All ACI members will ensure consistency in product quality through compliance with EU food safety laws. Additionally, the ACI has produced a set of manufacturing standards for our members based on those of the BRC (British Retail Consortium). These have been updated to cover CBD (and other cannabis-derived ingredients), which require special control over controlled substances. ACI members will adhere to these standards to ensure their products are safe and of high quality.

Controlled Substances

Without exception, the ACI’s UK members will adhere to UK law on scheduled substances. The ACI will work with analytical testing houses to establish the LOD/LOQ for controlled substances.

Each EU member state will have different rulings on this subject. Working with regulators, we will help with market-specific product development.

Marketing ethics

All ACI members commit to providing clear, honest and ethical marketing messages.

All advertising, whether online, offline or in-store, should not make reference through its imagery or language to medical claims (as defined by the MHRA), sexuality (e.g. unclothed men or women, suggestive imagery), violence (e.g. weaponry, aggressive behaviour), illegal behaviour (any recognised crime), political affiliation (including extremism as well as moderate politics), or religion.

Sustainability and Social Impact

There is an opportunity for the cannabinoid industry to shape business activity, ensuring it is future-facing in its commitment to social and environmental good. ACI members must adhere to the ACI’s Sustainability and Social Impact principles, which are aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This will ensure that the industry is committed to tackling the world’s most pressing problems, including land and natural resource use, responsible waste management, fair employment and plastic pollution.