Emergency and Proposed Rules for Medical and Adult Use Cannabis

As of January 20th, 2023, the state of Missouri’s new Emergency and Proposed Rules for Medical and Adult Use Cannabis went into effect.  All cannabis businesses in the state are required to implement a Quality Management System by August 1st, 2023. 

19 CSR 100-1.100(4)(c)
Licensees shall implement a quality management system using a published standard, such as those offered by International Organization for Standardization, ASTM International, Cannabis Safety and Quality, or Foundation of Cannabis Unified Standards, within one (1) year of the date the facility receives department approval to operate. The chosen standard shall be applicable to the licensee’s facility type and be implemented with emphasis on regulatory compliance.

Adult Use Rule Variance Waiver
Licensees must be in compliance with 19 CSR 100-1.100(4)(C) by August 1, 2023.

What is a Quality Management System?

A QMS is a set of policies, processes, and procedures that direct and control business activities to satisfy the needs of customers, meet statutory requirements, and assure products and services are of consistent quality.

How will a Quality Management System help my cannabis business?

With an emphasis on continuous improvement, a well-designed and implemented QMS will help your cannabis business become more effective and efficient, minimize waste, lower costs, improve performance, strengthen training efforts, and delight customers.

How can FOCUS help?

For most cannabis businesses, developing a quality management system is a foreign concept that can seem completely daunting. FOCUS has developed tailor-made tools specifically for the Missouri marketplace to streamline the process and assure you have the support and resources necessary to become compliant, without interrupting business operations. From customized consulting to individual service options, FOCUS possesses the experience and knowledge to ensure your cannabis business develops of an effective Quality Management System that will actually help your business run more efficiently and improve your bottom line.

How does FOCUS differ from the other companies mentioned in the Missouri rules?

As the original cannabis-specific standards development organization, founded by a former vertically integrated cannabis business owner, FOCUS takes an intuitive and practical approach to everything we do.  With first-hand knowledge of just how demanding running a thriving cannabis business can be, we understand the day-to-day challenges of running your business is a full-time job.  We have developed tailor-made resources to simplify the QMS development process and assure you are compliant with Missouri’s new regulations by the August 1st deadline.

Whether you have a skilled compliance team in place, or have one person overseeing these efforts, FOCUS offers customized solutions to meet you where you are and hold your hand throughout the process.

What is the process for Missouri licensees engage with FOCUS?
  1. Fill out the FOCUS website contact form.
  2. Download a complimentary copy of the appropriate FOCUS Standard. FOCUS will reach out to schedule an introductory call and provide a complimentary copy of the standards.
  3. Determine which option works best for your business.

Option 1: QMS Select

QMS Select is a business solution designed for the specific needs of busy cannabis businesses looking to improve operational efficiencies and strengthen the bottom line. This process is designed to increase an organization’s production and performance, resulting in higher quality products at a lower total cost, establishing a competitive advantage over the competition in the marketplace. Engagement begins with an assessment of a cannabis company’s adherence to all applicable local and state regulations, in addition to FOCUS Standards requirements.  Concurrently, customer feedback surveys and business surveys for Executives, Management and Staff will be conducted. A review of the organization’s roles and reporting structure, as well as the complaint handling process, will be performed by FOCUS to identify additional areas for improvement. The information collected will be used to create a customized report that details the necessary improvements to develop an effective Quality Management System.  Along with the report, clients receive access to an implementation package of guidance documents, policies, procedures, and logs, as well as two QMS training licenses, and an online documentation management collaboration site. Upon completion, clients have the opportunity to utilize the report to make the improvements in house, hire another consultant, or work with FOCUS. Clients choosing to work with FOCUS will receive the first month of ongoing consulting free. A Certificate of Compliance, as well as a FOCUS QMS seal to be placed on products and branding materials, will be provided to clients who complete the QMS Select process. 

Option Two: QMS Basics

OMS Basics is a do-it-yourself toolkit designed for cannabis companies with the inhouse expertise and resources to develop an effective Quality Management System on their own.  Client’s receive a comprehensive Implementation Package of templates including policies, procedures, logs, and forms, all aligned with FOCUS standards, customized for either cultivation, manufacturing, or retail. 

Interested in learning more? Use the contact form below to schedule a complementary introductory call about how FOCUS can help your Missouri cannabis business.

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