What standard must pharmaceutical-grade cannabis meet?

Pharmaceutical-grade cannabis must adhere to strict pharmaceutical standards to ensure its safety, efficacy, and quality for medical use. These standards are set forth by regulatory agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, which oversee the production of pharmaceutical products. This includes comprehensive requirements for cultivation, processing, testing, labeling, and distribution, which are necessary to ensure that the final product is free from contaminants, has consistent potency, and meets all health regulations.

This level of rigor in standards is essential because pharmaceutical-grade cannabis is used for therapeutic purposes, meaning patients rely on its precise formulation and safety. Meeting these pharmaceutical standards not only guarantees that the product is effective but also addresses patient safety concerns, thereby elevating the product beyond typical cannabis standards that might only require adherence to local regulations or general quality guidelines.