ASTM D37 Passes Cannabis Vape Ingredient Safety Standards Based on Framework by True Terpenes Head of Research

HILLSBORO, Ore – In a groundbreaking move for the cannabis industry, True Terpenes, the leader in terpene innovation and safety, has announced the passage of two new ASTM International Global Standards for the safety assessment of non-cannabinoid ingredients in cannabis vape products. These standards, based on research published by True Terpenes Head of Research & Toxicology Shawna Vreeke, Ph.D., in collaboration with Echoleah Ruffer, Ph.D., DABT,  represent a significant advancement in science-based regulatory frameworks designed to safeguard consumer health.

The newly adopted standards, ASTM D8587-24 and ASTM D8588-24, provide a comprehensive methodology for toxicological risk assessments:

1. ASTM D8587-24: This guide outlines a scientific process for evaluating toxicological data on non-cannabinoid ingredients. It also offers solutions for instances when critical data may be unavailable, ensuring a robust risk assessment even under challenging conditions.
2. ASTM D8588-24: This standard establishes a detailed approach for calculating safe daily inhalation exposure limits of non-cannabinoid ingredients. By setting clear guidelines, it helps manufacturers maintain the safety of cannabinoid vape formulations and enables transparent risk comparisons between new and existing products.

Together, these standards fill a critical knowledge gap in the fast-growing vape segment of the cannabis industry. Due to cannabis’s federal scheduling status, regulatory guidance has historically been fragmented or arbitrary. With vape pens continuing to dominate consumer demand, the standards come at a pivotal time for both consumer protection and industry growth.

Science-Backed Standards for a Safer Industry

The science behind these standards is part of True Terpenes’ long-standing commitment to consumer safety. Dr. Vreeke’s extensive research, first highlighted in a peer-reviewed paper titled A First-Tier Framework for Assessing Toxicological Risk from Vaporized Cannabis Concentrates, has laid the foundation for these new regulations. Her ongoing work as part of the True Terpenes Continuous Materials Review ensures that all products are developed using the latest safety data. “My goal is always to protect the end consumer and to take the burden of determining product safety off the consumer’s shoulders,” noted Dr. Vreeke. “Regardless of their purpose for use, cannabis consumers have the right to the safest products possible.”

Industry Impact: Responsible Growth and Consumer Trust

True Terpenes’ commitment to rigorous safety measures is echoed by Chris Campagna, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer. “Cannabis brands shouldn’t have to choose between innovation and consumer trust. With these ASTM standards, we’re setting a foundation to protect both, allowing brands to grow responsibly while consumers can feel safe with each product they choose.”

As the cannabis market continues to evolve, these standards offer regulators a reliable framework based on solid toxicological research rather than arbitrary ingredient bans. Darwin Millard, the Technical Director of Cannabis Safety and Quality and Chair of ASTM Intl. D37.08, praised the success of the standards, whose passage involved a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including toxicologists, vape product manufacturers, and consumer advocates. “Without safety data for inhalation, regulators have been left with very few options other than ingredient restrictions and bans,” said Millard. “These standards provide a means of determining limits when used in cannabinoid products intended for vaporization and will help to generate needed safety data.”

A Path Forward for the Cannabis Industry

With 38 states and the District of Columbia now allowing some form of cannabis consumption, the passage of these ASTM standards marks a turning point. They not only address regulatory inconsistencies but also set a precedent for how science-based regulations can bolster both consumer safety and industry resilience.

True Terpenes continues to be a driving force in setting industry benchmarks for safety and innovation, empowering brands worldwide to meet evolving challenges head-on.

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Read the full press release here: ASTM D37 Passes Standards for Cannabis Vape Ingredient Safety Based on Framework by True Terpenes Head of Research

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