Laws vs. Regulations vs. Standards

Complicated terminology and varied definitions often confuse the difference between laws, regulations, and standards.   Knowing what each is and how they interact is crucial to understanding the critical role standards play in the cannabis industry today.

In general, legislative bodies pass laws, government agencies develop regulations to implement the laws, and development agencies create and approve accredited standards.

Standards

Standards make things work by providing specifications (guidelines or requirements) for products, services and systems.  If used consistently, they ensure quality, safety and efficiency. They may take the form of a Reference Document that provides details about the criteria involved.

Regulations

Detailed instructions on how laws are to be enforced or carried out and are sometimes referred to as “rules” or “administrative laws.”  They carry the force of law – their application is mandatory.

Laws

The system of rules, or statutes made by the government of a country, state, city.  Statutes are enacted by legislative body, then signed by the ranking official (President/Governor).  Everyone must follow them to be legal.