Compliance Culture in the Cannabis Industry

Compliance is not just about structure; it’s also about culture. Part of the way cannabis owners can improve compliance is by building the necessary structures, procedures, checks, and balances into their business practices. The other piece, however, is encouraging buy-in from employees. A good example can be found in the correctional system concept, “all employees of a correctional institution are correctional workers first.” Translation: everyone who works in a correctional facility – from the officers to the food workers - are responsible for the safety and security of that institution in some way, shape, or form. Similarly, in the cannabis industry, compliance is the responsibility of everyone. From Chief Executive Officers to sales associates, to janitors – all are responsible for keeping up with the ever-evolving cannabis regulations.

So, how do you create a culture of compliance within your organization?

INSTRUCTIONS

Begin by completing the following

View Part I of the CCIA 4th Annual Policy Conference Panel on compliance 

Read Karen A. Parker Attilio Di Mattia Fatima Shaik Juan Carlos Cerón Ortega Robert Whittle (2019) Risk Management within the Cannabis Industry: Building a Framework for the Cannabis IndustryLinks to an external site.. (Pay close attention to and take notes on Section 4.1.2). See upload

Listen to Culture of Cannabis ComplianceLinks to an external site. [audio, 07:55] Transcript Download Transcript[PDF, 75 kb] See upload

Next, respond to the following:

Discuss what it means to build a culture of compliance in the cannabis industry. How does that translate to your own business or organization? Who in your organization needs to know these regulations and how do you keep them informed on updates and changes?

What tips from the CCIA video did you find useful? Explain how you would apply them.