Md. Code Regs. 14.17.11.03

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 26, December 27, 2024

Section 14.17.11.03 - Cannabis Processor Facility Operations

A. A processor shall:

(1) Create and enter timely and accurate data into the seed-to-sale tracking system to identify and track the processor's stock of cannabis from the time it is delivered or produced to the time it is delivered to another licensee; and

(2) At least monthly, conduct a physical inventory of the stock and compare the physical inventory of stock with the stock reflected in the seed-to-sale tracking system.

B. Receipt of Products Containing Cannabis.

(1) A processor may not:

(a) Acquire cannabis from an individual or entity in Maryland other than a licensee;

(b) Acquire cannabis from outside of Maryland unless authorized by the Administration; or

(c) Transport cannabis to any place outside of Maryland.

(2) Hemp.

(a) A processor may acquire hemp, as defined in Agriculture Article, § 14-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, from a person licensed to produce hemp by:

(i) The Maryland Department of Agriculture;

(ii) The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; or

(iii) An agency of another state pursuant to a hemp production plan that has been approved by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(b) Any product derived from hemp shall comply with:

(i) The testing standards established in COMAR 14.17.08 and the Technical Authority;

(ii) The relevant manufacturing standards established in this chapter and COMAR 14.17.13; and

(iii) The relevant packaging and labeling standards established in COMAR 14.17.18.

(c) A licensed processor shall follow the process for receiving cannabis established in this regulation.

C. Sanitary Storage of Cannabis. A processor shall:

(1) Maintain the cleanliness of any building or equipment used to store or display cannabis;

(2) Ensure cannabis is free from contamination;

(3) Require a processor agent to report any personal health condition that might compromise the cleanliness or quality of the cannabis the processor agent might handle;

(4) Dispose and segregate storage of any cannabis:

(a) That is outdated, damaged, deteriorated, misbranded, or adulterated; or

(b) Whose containers or packages have been improperly or accidentally opened.

D. Equipment Sanitation, Accuracy, and Maintenance of Logs. A processor shall:

(1) Maintain the sanitation of equipment that comes in contact with cannabis;

(2) Ensure all scales are National Type Evaluation Program-approved;

(3) Ensure that any scale, balance, or other measurement device and any automatic, mechanical, or electronic equipment is:

(a) Annually calibrated by a calibration laboratory accredited to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 17025 ISO/IEC by an accreditation body that is signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement; and

(b) Checked at least once each month to ensure accuracy;

(4) Maintain an accurate log recording the:

(a) Cleaning of equipment;

(b) The maintenance of equipment; and

(c) The calibration of equipment; and

(5) Make records and certifications required under §D(2) and (3) of this regulation available to the Administration available upon request.

E. Sanitation.

(1) Scales, surfaces, and other equipment use for the purposes of creating usable cannabis products shall be cleaned and sanitized:

(a) Between shifts;

(b) Between packaging, repackaging, or otherwise creation of usable cannabis products with different usable cannabis batches;

(c) Before beginning any packaging, repackaging, or otherwise creation of usable cannabis products; and

(d) After the completion of any packaging or creation of usable cannabis products.

(2) A processor shall maintain an accurate log of cleaning and sanitation required under §E(1) of this regulation.

Md. Code Regs. 14.17.11.03

Regulation .03 adopted effective 50:14 Md. R. 559, eff. 7/1/2023 (EMERGENCY); adopted effective 51:14 Md. R. 676, eff. 6/7/2024, exp. 8/31/2024 (Emergency); adopted effective 51:14 Md. R. 678, eff. 7/22/2024.