Curtis Gerke

Legal cannabis is held to strict growing and production standards. Before being sold in stores, every product must pass through rigorous testing for pesticides, microbial growth (mold), toxins and/or heavy metals before it even reaches a shelf. These regulations aren’t just red tape; they’re the reason you can trust what is sold in legal retail stores. Legal cannabis is simply a safer choice.

Before any product hits the market, all legal cannabis products must come with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), which is a detailed lab report that confirms potency and screens for any contaminants. Health Canada and AGLC won’t accept any shipment without it. Think of it as a cannabis passport: no CoA, then no entry or “travel” to be sold to the public.

It’s a team effort. Both legal retailers and licensed producers (LPs) share responsibility of the safe distribution and sale of cannabis. From our side, the LP side we follow a series of strict quality controls standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency of all our cannabis products—from seed to sale.

SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)

• Growing: Controlled environment, pest management, and harvesting protocols.
• Processing: Clean extraction methods, equipment maintenance, and sanitation.
• Packaging: Child-resistant, tamper-evident, and compliant labeling.
• Security: Restricted access, surveillance, and inventory tracking.
• Training: Staff education, safety procedures, and emergency protocols.

Quality Control Measures

• Testing: Every batch is tested for potency, pesticides, microbes, heavy metals, and solvents.
• CoA (Certificate of Analysis): Required for all products before distribution.
• Quality Assurance Oversight: Dedicated team reviews all production and testing records.
• Mock Recalls: Regular drills to ensure readiness for real-world issues.

From the retailer side, they are the frontline and final checkpoint—verifying age, educating consumers on product types and uses, and making sure that all products and packaging tamperproof seals have not been damaged prior to sale.

We test twice. First before production, which helps us know we are using the best quality ingredients to make our products. The second testing happens again once the production is complete, and the finished products are ready for packaging. Every batch is then reviewed by our Quality Assurance (QA) team before anything leaves the facility. Testing as the start and finish makes sure high-quality products are available to Albertans though legal retail stores. 

When it comes to legal cannabis there are many benefits safety, variety, and convenience to name a few. Plus, you get peace of mind knowing your products are tested, traceable, and responsibly sourced. Cannabis with credentials. 

Recalls are rare, but when they happen, they’re fast and thorough to ensure public safety. They may be voluntary or not and must follow strict protocols which include immediate notification to both Health Canada and AGLC to stop sale of products. If products have been released, the licensed producer (LP) works closely with the province to ensure all retailers are notified and provided with instructions.

Every LP in the province is also required to run mock recalls in the unlikely event it is required. We’re all about safety and ensuring the best products are out there.

Resources:
Cannabis recalls, adverse reactions and reporting

One of the most exciting things coming to the Alberta market are QR codes being added to cannabis product packaging which provide direct links to lab results like the Certificate of Analysis (CoA). This allows Albertans to get more information on the products they’re purchasing right at their fingertips.

Packaging is all about safety and protecting children. Legal cannabis packaging is required to have a Child Resistant (CR) certification which makes sure children cannot easily open the legal packaging and product. Unintentional cannabis consumption among children in Alberta and Canada has risen since legalization. Although these packages may feel tricky to open, it is a small part to help keep our children safe.

Because safety shouldn’t be optional. Legal cannabis is tested, traceable and regulated. So, when you are choosing legal, you’re choosing peace of mind and supporting a system that puts consumer health first.

Oftentimes illegal cannabis producers skip out on quality measures like pest and disease because they cut safety measures to save money.

Education helps break down stigma and build understanding. Cannabis isn’t just about getting high. People need to know what the research shows for medical benefits, how important responsible use and moderation help keep the plant enjoyable. We want Albertans to make informed choices; we want them to know the facts when it comes to cannabis. The more you know, the better your experience can be.