EPA settles with Missouri-based CBD company for $320,000

Recently, a Missouri-based CBD company faced penalties upward of $300,000, sparking initial assumptions of improper pesticide use in hemp cultivation. However, the surprising revelation was that the company was penalized by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for violating regulations related to the sale and distribution of hand sanitizer.

Although the connection between hand sanitizer and pesticides may seem unconventional, it stems from the FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act), an act promulgated by the EPA. This act governs pesticide registration and defines pesticides as substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests, encompassing substances like hand sanitizers that combat microbes.

According to regulations, distributing or selling unregistered pesticides is prohibited, and the EPA can restrict their distribution, sale, or use in any state. This underscores the significance of thorough regulatory assessments and effective change management. Having a trusted resource capable of identifying such risks is crucial for ensuring safety, compliance, and sustainability in a growing industry, such as cannabis.

In the post-COVID-19 era, there is a growing trend in antimicrobial products, including those containing CBD/THC. As the landscape evolves, new innovations bring forth opportunities, but the failure to adhere to a straightforward registration process, which typically incurs an annual fee of $3,000-$5,000, has now resulted in severe financial repercussions for the aforementioned company.

   

Delta Compliance boasts years of expertise in identifying these types of nuances in project development and change management, assisting operators in safeguarding their investments. Schedule a free consultation today to leverage our insights as we help you navigate the complexities of environmental compliance.

Talya Mayfield is the CEO and Principal Consultant for Delta Compliance Consulting. Talya has a B.S. in Biology, an M.S. in Industrial Engineering Management, and a Certificate in Lean Six Sigma. She spent 8 years in cement manufacturing and hazardous waste working on a range of environmental compliance requirements, from improving safety and employee exposure to hazardous material management and disposal permitting. She has now merged this expertise with her love of all things cannabis, and launched Delta Compliance Consulting to help cannabis operators run safe, compliant and successful facilities. Delta Compliance consultants are certified in Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management, as well as OSHA-30. Contact us and let the certified experts assist you with all your compliance and risk management needs.