Unlike conventional crops, cannabis faces a unique challenge as it lacks federal recognition as a legal product. While the USDA bestows organic certification upon fruits and vegetables grown in organic conditions, cannabis lacks a federal equivalent. This gap is filled by the Clean Green Certification Program, established in 2004 to rigorously set standards for the cannabis market. Clean Green Certification applies USDA-certified organic standards to Illicit's cannabis products, guaranteeing the use of organic farming practices.
Clean Green Certified is a third-party certification program that incorporates elements of the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) and international organic programs, along with sustainable farming practices. As cannabis is not eligible for USDA organic certification, being Clean Green Certified is the closest equivalent. While Clean Green growers can't legally label their products as "organic," the certification serves as a vote of confidence for consumers, assuring them that their cannabis is at least as organic as the vegetables sold in supermarkets.
LONGEST-RUNNING ORGANIC & REGENERATIVE CANNABIS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM IN THE WORLD
CLEAN GREEN GROWERS & PROCESSORS HAVE WON MORE AWARDS THAN ANY OTHER CANNABIS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
THE CLOSEST EQUIVALENT CANNABIS PRODUCTS CAN GET TO USDA ORGANIC
Clean Green aligns its evaluation of cannabis cultivators' growing practices with USDA certification standards. Attaining Clean Green Certified status is no simple feat. The comprehensive certification process involves a meticulous application, intensive inspections of crops, facilities, and operations, along with simulated exercises to ensure preparedness.
Illicit's Clean Green Certification application process involves three crucial stages:
LEGAL COMPLIANCE:
Growers consult with compliance attorneys to achieve site compliance, focusing on record-keeping and recall/tracing exercises to prevent contamination.
CULTIVATION METHODS
Illicit provides detailed information on cultivation practices, including water and energy uses, soil erosion control, border area management, and pesticide use. A certifier meticulously inspects Illicit's inputs, including fertilizers, pest control sprays, and soil amendments.
AGRICULTURE INSPECTION
The health of Illicit's growing plants and cultivation areas undergo scrutiny, checking for mold, pests, and potential contaminants. Samples are sent to qualified labs for analysis. The inspection extends to drying, curing, trimming, and processing facilities ensuring cleanliness and proper storage of harvested cannabis.
Chris Van Hook, attorney and founder of Clean Green Certified, initiated the program in 2004 in response to growers' requests to certify their cannabis as organic. Approx. 95% of the Clean Green Certification is based on the USDA’s NOP, meaning Clean Green Certified cannabis producers would be eligible for organic certification as soon as it becomes available.
Just like organic farming, Illicit cultivators must be engaged managers, heavily involved in plant care and monitoring to prevent pest problems without resorting to pesticides.
Illicit: Elevating Cannabis, Sustainably.