Cannabiz Media Client Spotlight – ASTM International

Be the first to know when new content like this is available!

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications of new posts, local news and industry insights.

Thanks! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

ASTM International is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to developing standards in 148 industries, including the cannabis industry. Jim Thomas is vice president of sales and marketing for ASTM International.

Cannabiz Media recently spoke with Jim to learn more about the state of cannabis industry standards and the future, and how he is using the Cannabiz Media License Database to support marketing, sales and business development initiatives for ASTM International.

Why does ASTM International use the Cannabiz Media License Database?

Jim uses the Cannabiz Media License Database to find the right people to connect ASTM International with so the organization can provide training on standards, build relationships and more.

“I can say that the list you have in the Cannabiz Media License Database is fantastic,” shares Jim. “We’ve been able to really incrementally build out some of our programs that cater specifically to the cannabis space labs, and I think that’s tremendous value.”

For Jim and the ASTM International team, reaching out to the right people is critical. He explains, “What was really great is that the Cannabiz Media License Database allowed us to strategically pinpoint the types of organizations we wanted to work with.”

As Jim explains, there is a need for education and standards in the cannabis industry, and using the Cannabiz Media License Database, ASTM International is able to get that information to the right people. “We are committed to raising awareness,” he says. “We need to be able to get the right people to give them that information because a lot of people just don’t know. New lab managers come along and they may not know what they could offer their staff for efficiencies, improvements and a competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

What’s next for ASTM International?

Through its 1,200 member and growing D37 Committee, ASTM International brings a wide range of volunteer experience and expertise to the development of standards for the cannabis industry. “D37 does a really fantastic job,” says Jim. “They issue test methods and standards, and there are a lot of work items. At ASTM we work on proficiency testing programs, training and certification for the cannabis industry.”

ASTM International also actively works with many other organizations to create industry standards for cannabis. Jim explains, “We’re working with a number of different organizations in the industry to try and get more content out there because this industry is going to need it. Ultimately, the industry will be legal across the board federally, and you want to show that the industry can regulate itself – and work toward safety and sustainability. To do that, you need to incorporate voluntary consensus standards, and I believe they will come from multiple organizations, not just ASTM.”

Looking ahead, ASTM plans to develop cannabis industry standards for domestic and international markets. “The strategy should be to make sure American companies in this industry can export their products, because that’s next,” says Jim. “Right now we’re talking state by state, but you think about global trade and people who build huge, successful companies – they have to be able to export. And in order to be able to export, you must be able to import this country. And for them to be able to import, there must be standards that are respected and accepted internationally.”

For more information on ASTM International and to hear additional insights from Jim, follow the link and listen to Cannabiz Media’s latest Cannacurio Podcast episode with Jim as a special guest.

To learn more about how subscribing to the Cannabiz Media License Database can help your business like it helps ASTM International, follow the link and schedule a free demo.