ECCO Launches Nonprofit Certification to Elevate Cannabis Safety and Quality Standards in California

The Environmental & Consumer Compliance Organization (ECCO) has emerged as a beacon of hope for consumers and brands within the California cannabis industry, introducing a nonprofit, voluntary brand certification aimed at ensuring product safety and quality. Founded in response to a 2024 exposé that uncovered harmful substances in state-compliant cannabis products, ECCO's mission is to foster a healthier, more transparent marketplace through rigorous monthly testing for over 100 contaminants.

ECCO's founding members, including notable industry figures such as Ford Smith of Ultranative and Thomas Martin of Raw Garden, have united under the organization's banner to address the glaring gaps in current cannabis safety and quality assurance standards. Their collective vision is to inspire change by setting higher benchmarks for product safety, thereby protecting consumers and elevating industry standards.

The certification process is both thorough and transparent, involving preliminary enrollment, onboarding, monthly random testing of products, and annual recertification. Products that meet ECCO's stringent standards are awarded a certification mark, a symbol of trust and quality for consumers. Furthermore, ECCO commits to quarterly updates of its standards to adapt to emerging risks and research, ensuring ongoing consumer protection.

For brands, ECCO certification represents an opportunity to differentiate themselves in a crowded market by demonstrating a commitment to safety, sustainability, and transparency. For consumers, it offers peace of mind, knowing that products bearing the ECCO mark have undergone rigorous testing and meet the highest safety standards. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, initiatives like ECCO play a pivotal role in shaping its future, ensuring that consumer safety and product quality remain at the forefront of industry priorities.