Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Cannabis Operations

INTRODUCTION

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are closely linked to compliance. Remember, compliance is not only a prerequisite to obtaining a license but also important in maintaining one. Having a strong set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) tied directly to compliance regulations is essential. For this activity, you will use the regulation(s) you worked within Module 4 to create draft standard operating procedure (SOP) for the categories of security and transportation.

INSTRUCTIONS

Begin by completing the following:

Read Badertscher, K. and K. (2017, January 7). Step Up Your Cannabis Business SOPs: 12 Tips

Listen to Building Success for Your Cannabis Business  [audio, 05:48] Transcript Download Transcript [PDF, 170 KB]

Review Templates/Examples of SOPs:

Maui Medical Dispensary Standard Operating Procedures (Links to an external site.) [PDF, 40,000 KB]

Keystone Heights LLC Draft Standard Operating Procedures (Links to an external site.) [PDF, 40, 724 KB]

A good place to start is to ask the question, “What SOPs do the regulations require?” Next, fill in the gaps with actionable steps and explain each from start to finish. Be certain you are linking the categories to required state and local regulations and guidelines. Your SOP should be roughly 2-3 pages. Remember, be clear and concise in your explanations.

Some “tips” from an expert in the field to think about as you are working on your SOP’s:

1. Always write an SOP so that a new employee who just walked in the business could pick it up and perform the job. If someone who has never done the job before has to ask a question - you may need to add more detail. Ask for feedback from co-workers before implementing them. Some employees learn best through photo explanations. Don’t be afraid to include photo steps on how to perform a job for more hands-on SOPS (i.e. disassembly of equipment or sampling)

2. Ask your employees how they do a job before writing the SOP. At the end of the day, your production and quality employees are the frontline workers. They know the tips and tricks on how to get the job done efficiently. Work together with them to write processes that make sense for the business while still maintaining product safety, personal safety, and quality.

3. An SOP is never really “finished”. You will find that you are constantly revising and tweaking SOPs, especially when first getting started. Set yourself a calendar reminder to review all your SOPs every couple of months during the first year or two to make sure they still make sense for the business.

4. STAY ORGANIZED. For food safety audits, you will be required to show an auditor all of your great SOP writing skills. Keep all documents organized at all times. Make sure you stay on top of document control by revising version numbers and recording edits made. Typically a few weeks before the audit, I will skim every SOP for final changes and then print out and organize in a binder the week before or the week of so you make sure you are showing the most up to date information.

5. Try to make training as fun as possible. SOPs can be SO BORING. Try to get employees involved when training with pop quiz questions, candy, role-playing. Sitting in a room and reading SOPS one after the other is not going to be an effective way for employees to learn.

Your SOP should begin with a brief summary of why your business needs an SOP for security and transportation. You will be creating at least 2 SOPs with at least one being for transportation and one being for security.