California Launches “OCal” Comparable-to-Organic Certification Program for Cannabis
By Lauren Mendelsohn
November 24, 2021
After much anticipation, California finalized the regulations for the OCal Comparable-to-Organic Cannabis Certification Program earlier this year and officially launched the program. So far, two certifying bodies for cultivators have been approved, California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Envirocann, and at least two licensed cannabis cultivators have gone through the OCal certification process. For manufacturers, two certifying bodies have been approved: CCOF and Pro-Cert Organic Systems LTD.
One of the licensed cultivators that have attained OCal Certification, Sonoma Hills Farm, had the following to say:
“The journey to this certification was a long road, but worth it. We’re thankful for CCOF’s leadership in driving this program not only for California, but as a model for other farms in what will hopefully be a national program in the near future. It’s not only good for the industry, it’s important for consumers to know how their cannabis is grown.” — Sonoma Hills Farm
At a basic level, the process of becoming OCal Certified involves submitting an application, passing annual inspections, and meeting standards that are consistent with the National Organic Program (NOP). Due to the status of cannabis under federal law, it is not eligible for certification directly under USDA’s NOP, hence why California created a separate comparable-to-organic program just for cannabis. In fact, California law and the DCC’s regulations prohibit cannabis licensees from using the word “organic” to describe their products. Business & Professions Code §26062.5; 4 C.C.R. §17408(A)(5)(a).
OCal Certification is only available for California-licensed cannabis cultivators and manufacturers. The California Department of Food & Agriculture’s (CDFA) regulations for cultivators participating in the OCal Program are available here, while the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued regulations for manufacturers participating in the OCal Program which are available here.
Cannabis licensees interested in OCal Certification can request CCOF’s application here, or can reach out to one of the other approved certifying bodies.
This is a developing story; stay tuned for further updates.
This information is provided as a public educational service and is not intended as legal advice. For specific questions regarding the OCal Program for licensed cultivators and manufacturers, or for other questions regarding cannabis laws and regulations in California, please contact the Law Offices of Omar Figueroa at info@omarfigueroa.com or 707-829-0215 to schedule a confidential legal consultation.