What is the Seed-to-Sale Model?
The seed-to-sale model is a comprehensive tracking system that follows cannabis products from when they are planted as seeds to the final sale to the consumer. This system allows regulators to monitor the production process and ensure that all cannabis products are grown, processed, and sold under strict guidelines. The seed-to-sale model provides transparency and accountability throughout the production process, which is critical in ensuring the safety of cannabis products.
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Cannabis Cultivation in Ontario
The seed to sale journey begins with cannabis cultivation. In Ontario, cultivators must obtain a federal license from Health Canada to legally grow cannabis. The licensing process is rigorous, requiring potential cultivators to meet specific criteria and comply with the Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations. Licensed producers (LPs) can grow cannabis in indoor facilities, greenhouses, or outdoor farms, depending on their license type.
1.1. Seed Selection and Germination
Cannabis cultivation starts with selecting the right seeds or clones. LPs choose seeds based on the desired traits, such as yield, potency, resistance to pests, and growth characteristics. Once seeds are selected, they are germinated in a controlled environment to ensure optimal growth conditions.
1.2. Vegetative Growth
Following germination, seedlings are transferred to a vegetative growth area. This stage usually lasts between 3-8 weeks, depending on the strain and the growing method. During this phase, plants receive 18-24 hours of light per day to encourage growth and prevent flowering.
1.3. Flowering Stage
Upon reaching maturity, the light cycle is reduced to 12 hours per day to induce the flowering stage. This stage lasts between 7-12 weeks, with the plants producing buds rich in cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. Growers closely monitor temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels during this stage to optimize bud development.
1.4. Harvesting
When plants reach their peak maturity, they are harvested, and the buds are carefully removed from the stems. The harvested buds then undergo a drying process, which typically takes 7-14 days.
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Cannabis Processing
After cultivation, the cannabis plants undergo processing to prepare them for distribution and sale. This stage includes the following steps:
2.1. Drying and Curing
Drying and curing are essential steps in preserving the quality and potency of cannabis. The drying process removes excess moisture, while curing allows the buds to develop their full flavor and aroma profile. Proper curing also helps to eliminate any residual chlorophyll, which can negatively impact taste.
2.2. Trimming
After drying and curing, cannabis buds are meticulously trimmed to remove excess leaves and stems. This process not only enhances the buds’ aesthetic appeal but also ensures that the final product has a consistent potency.
2.3. Extraction and Concentration
Cannabis extracts, such as oils, tinctures, and concentrates, are produced by separating cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. Various extraction methods exist, including CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, and hydrocarbon extraction. The choice of extraction method depends on the desired end product and its intended use.
2.4. Product Manufacturing
Manufacturers create a wide range of cannabis-infused products, including edibles, topicals, and capsules, using the extracted cannabinoids and terpenes. These products must meet strict quality and safety standards, as outlined by Health Canada.
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Quality Assurance and Testing
To ensure the safety and quality of cannabis products, licensed producers must adhere to stringent quality assurance and testing requirements. This includes testing for potency, contaminants, and residual solvents. Only products that meet Health Canada’s strict standards
Licensing:
All cannabis producers, processors, and retailers in Ontario must obtain a license from the AGCO. The licensing process involves a thorough review of the applicant’s business plan, security measures, and compliance with regulations. The AGCO conducts regular inspections to ensure that license holders comply with regulations and maintain safety standards.
Inventory Tracking:
All cannabis products in Ontario must be tracked from when they are planted as seeds to the final sale to the consumer. The tracking system ensures that all cannabis products are grown, processed, and sold under strict guidelines. The inventory tracking system provides regulators with real-time access to data on cannabis products, including the strain, location, and quantity.
Packaging and Labeling:
All cannabis products in Ontario must be packaged and labelled in accordance with strict guidelines. The packaging must be child-resistant, tamper-evident, and opaque to ensure the safety of children and prevent tampering. The labelling must include the strain name, THC and CBD content, and other important information such as the date of production and best-before date.
Testing:
All cannabis products in Ontario must be tested for potency, purity, and contaminants. The testing ensures that all cannabis products meet safety standards and are free from harmful substances. The testing must be conducted by an accredited laboratory, and the results must be reported to the AGCO.
Transportation:
All cannabis products in Ontario must be transported in accordance with strict guidelines. The transportation must be secure, and the products must be accompanied by a manifest that includes information on the products being transported, the destination, and the route. The transportation must also comply with regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.
Sales:
All cannabis products in Ontario must be sold through licensed retailers or the online Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS). The sales must comply with strict guidelines, including age verification, limits on the quantity sold, and restrictions on the advertising and promotion of cannabis products.
Conclusion
Seed-to-sale tracking is a crucial aspect of the cannabis industry in Ontario, Canada. It enables cannabis companies to comply with regulations, ensures quality control, provides transparency to consumers, manages inventory, and analyzes data to improve the production process. Although implementing a seed-to-sale system can be costly, the benefits of implementing the method can outweigh the costs