California wants designations of origin for its cannabis

The California Food and Drug Administration (CDFA) intends to create a system of appellations of origin to regulate the names of products. cannabis varieties from specific regions. In the same way that Bordeaux or Champagne are in France, small-scale cannabis growers in the Emerald Triangle, a region of Northern California historically linked to its outdoor cultivation, want regulation to ensure that Mendocino or Humboldt cannabis actually means something.

The development of new varieties, specific effects and the need to stand out are among the most constant concerns of cannabis growers. The growers' business is actually quite small, with prices falling in most countries. States where cannabis has become legal. Growers who put time and money into producing the highest quality product possible want to make sure their customers know why their cannabis costs more.

«The Mendocino, Humboldt and Trinity counties each have a worldwide reputation for growing excellent cannabis.» explains Munn, grower in Covelo, Mendocino County. «This appellation has a rich history of cultivation, nutrient-rich soil, a perfect microclimate and the clear water of the Eel River watershed. All this greatly affects the end result and quality of our cannabis.»

The CDFA wants to follow in the footsteps of the French Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, which reward the quality of local produce by distinguishing it from industrial products. Small Californian growers hope that a government decision in their favor via these appellations d'origine will help them fight against the mega-farms that are beginning to corner the bulk of the cannabis market.

Some growers have already set up their own labels CalOrigin with SICPA, the Société Industrielle et Commerciale de Produits Alimentaires, which secures most of the world's banknotes and passports. A stamp affixed to the cannabis jars, together with a QR code and the county logo, enable the cannabis to be tracked from grower to point of sale.

The announced deadline for setting up these designations at state level has been set by the CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing, CDFA's cannabis department, by January 1, 2021 at the latest.