Which key control activity within the CRMF is most effective at identifying new internal and external influences that may affect risk?

The key control activity within the Cannabis Risk Management Framework (CRMF) that is most effective at identifying new internal and external influences that may affect risk is change management. This process involves systematically assessing changes within the organization—whether they are operational, procedural, regulatory, or technological—and evaluating how these changes can introduce new risks or alter existing ones.

Change management focuses on understanding the implications of changes in the environment, the business model, or the regulatory framework. By keeping an ongoing dialogue about upcoming changes, organizations can proactively identify and prepare for potential impacts, allowing them to mitigate risks effectively before they manifest into issues.

While continuous improvement is important for enhancing processes and outcomes, it is more focused on making iterative enhancements rather than directly identifying new risks. Resource allocation is about distributing resources in a way that optimally supports operational needs, and incident response pertains to managing and addressing risks that have already manifested. Neither of these functions specifically targets the identification of new influences on risk in the way that change management does.