CSQ CERTIFICATION
The CSQ Certification Program and applicable standards were built around ISO/IEC 17067
CSQ 2.0 Certification:
The Global Standard for Cannabis Safety and Quality
CSQ 2.0 is an accredited, third-party safety and quality management certification for cannabis and hemp operations, covering every stage from seed to sale. Built on ASTM, ISO, cGMP, cGACP, cGDP, cGHP, and HACCP standards, CSQ 2.0 helps licensed operators protect consumers, strengthen their brand, and meet evolving regulatory requirements.
Notable brands that have earned CSQ certification
What Is CSQ 2.0 Certification?
CSQ 2.0 is the updated Cannabis Safety and Quality (CSQ) certification program, effective January 2026. It is an accredited, cGMP-conformant process certification that verifies cannabis and hemp operations meet rigorous safety, quality, and regulatory standards across the entire supply chain.
Originally launched in 2019, the CSQ program was created to promote industry best practices and improve the overall safety and quality of cannabis and cannabinoid products in the global market. CSQ 2.0 builds on that foundation with a streamlined tiered structure, expanded scope, and alignment with international standards including ASTM and ISO frameworks, as well as current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), current Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (cGACP), current Good Distribution Practices (cGDP), current Good Hygiene Practices (cGHP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
The CSQ Certification Program is built around ISO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 17067 conformity assessment standards, ensuring program credibility and global recognition. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) composed of industry stakeholders oversees the continuous development and improvement of the standards.
What Changed from CSQ to CSQ 2.0?
CSQ 2.0 introduces a clearer certification tier system and expands the scope of available standards to cover more of the cannabis supply chain. Here is how existing certifications map to the new structure:
Certification Levels
| Previous CSQ Certification | CSQ 2.0 Equivalent |
|---|---|
| CSQ GMP or CSQ GAP | CSQ Level 1 |
| CSQ GMP+ or CSQ GAP+ | CSQ Level 2 |
| CSQ 1.2 | CSQ Level 3 |
| CSQ 1.2 + 21 CFR 111 Addendum | CSQ Level 3 + CSQ Dietary Supplement Addendum |
Standards Scope
| Previous CSQ Standard | CSQ 2.0 Standard |
|---|---|
| Cultivation and Growing of Cannabis Plants | CSQ Cultivation |
| Manufacturing and Extraction of Cannabis | CSQ Extraction |
| Manufacturing of Cannabis Infused Food & Beverages | CSQ Manufacturing |
| Manufacturing of Cannabis Dietary Supplements | CSQ Manufacturing + CSQ Dietary Supplement Addendum |
| 21 CFR 111 Addendum | CSQ Dietary Supplement Addendum |
| (not available) | CSQ Retail & CSQ Deli-Style Retail New NEW |
| (not available) | CSQ Warehousing & Distribution New NEW |
Which CSQ 2.0 Standard Is Right for Your Operation?
The right CSQ 2.0 standard depends on where your operation falls in the cannabis supply chain. CSQ 2.0 offers five core standards, each designed for a specific segment, plus a dietary supplement addendum.
CSQ Cultivation
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CSQ Extraction
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CSQ Manufacturing
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CSQ Retail & Deli-Style Retail
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CSQ Warehousing & Distribution
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CSQ Dietary Supplement Addendum
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For cannabis growers and cultivators. Certifies that growing operations follow cGACP and cGMP requirements, covering soil quality, pest management, environmental controls, harvesting procedures, and post-harvest handling.
For cannabis processors and extractors. Verifies extraction operations meet cGMP requirements, addressing solvent handling, equipment calibration, quality control testing, and contamination prevention.
For manufacturers of cannabis-infused food, beverages, topicals, and finished products. Certifies manufacturing processes comply with cGMP requirements for ingredient sourcing, formulation, quality control, packaging, and labeling.
For licensed cannabis retail locations including dispensaries and deli-style operations. Certifies retail operations follow cGHP and cGMP requirements for inventory management, storage conditions, product handling, and customer-facing safety.
For cannabis warehousing, storage, and distribution facilities. Certifies operations meet cGDP requirements for safe, compliant handling, storage, and transport of cannabinoid products throughout the supply chain.
For operations manufacturing cannabis or hemp-derived dietary supplements. Layers onto the applicable CSQ standard and addresses requirements specific to dietary supplement manufacturing, including 21 CFR 111 compliance.
What Does the CSQ 2.0 Certification Process Look Like?
1
Audit Preparation
Download the current CSQ Certification Program Requirements, complete the CSQ Certification Program Overview training, and perform an internal audit to identify and correct any nonconformances before your certification audit.
2
Audit Planning
Select a CSQ Certification Body (such as Kiwa ASI) and schedule both the offsite document evaluation and the onsite facility evaluation.
3
Document Evaluation (Remote Audit)
Submit all applicable documentation to your Certification Body. Any nonconformances identified during the document review must be corrected before the onsite visit.
4
Facility Evaluation (Onsite Audit)
A trained CSQ auditor visits your facility to evaluate records, observe operations, and conduct a mock recall exercise.
5
Post-Audit
Your Certification Body provides an audit report identifying any nonconformances. Once all corrective actions are approved, your CSQ certificate is issued.
6
Maintenance
CSQ certification operates on an annual cycle. Your Certification Body arranges recertification audits, and you maintain continuous improvement of your internal CSQ program throughout the year.
Why Should Your Cannabis Operation Get CSQ 2.0 Certified?
Accredited CSQ 2.0 certification delivers measurable business value beyond basic regulatory compliance. Licensed cannabis and hemp operators who pursue certification gain advantages that directly impact their bottom line and brand reputation.
CSQ 2.0 certification mitigates business risk by establishing structured safety guards that protect your brand and operations. It demonstrates legitimacy and stability to investors, banking partners, and regulators, a critical differentiator in a competitive and scrutinized industry. Operators with accredited certification often qualify for lower banking and insurance premiums, as the certification provides documented evidence of risk management practices.
Certification also increases product safety, quality, and consistency, which builds consumer confidence and brand loyalty. In the event of a product recall, a certified quality management system simplifies the investigation process, reduces response time, and addresses affected products and consumers more quickly. It further enhances supply chain transparency and traceability from seed to sale, improving accountability between buyers and sellers at every step.
Notable brands that have earned CSQ certification include AYR Wellness, Green Thumb Industries, Cresco Labs, Curaleaf, Verano, Cookies, Jungle Boys, Planet 13, and Wana, among others.
Why Choose Kiwa ASI for Your CSQ 2.0 Certification Audit?
Kiwa ASI is a recognized CSQ Certification Body with deep expertise in cannabis safety and quality auditing. As part of the global Kiwa network, a Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) organization, Kiwa ASI brings nearly a century of auditing experience to the cannabis industry.
Kiwa ASI auditors are trained specifically in CSQ standards and cannabis industry best practices. Whether your operation involves cultivation, extraction, manufacturing, retail, or distribution, Kiwa ASI delivers consistent, thorough, and professional audits that help you earn and maintain your CSQ 2.0 certification.
Beyond CSQ, Kiwa ASI also offers cannabis cGMP audits and inspections for state-specific regulatory compliance, including programs for Florida, Maryland, and Missouri cannabis operations. This makes Kiwa ASI a single-source partner for cannabis operators who need both voluntary certification and regulatory compliance auditing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is CSQ 2.0 certification?
CSQ 2.0 is the updated Cannabis Safety and Quality certification program, effective January 2026. It is an accredited, third-party process certification that verifies cannabis and hemp operations meet international safety, quality, and regulatory standards based on ASTM, ISO, cGMP, cGACP, cGDP, cGHP, and HACCP frameworks. CSQ 2.0 covers the entire supply chain from cultivation through retail and distribution.
How is CSQ 2.0 different from the original CSQ certification?
CSQ 2.0 introduces a simplified three-level certification tier (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3), two brand-new standards for Retail and Warehousing & Distribution, and a reorganized Dietary Supplement Addendum. Existing CSQ-certified operations transition to the corresponding CSQ 2.0 level automatically.
What are the CSQ 2.0 certification levels?
CSQ 2.0 offers three levels. Level 1 corresponds to foundational GMP or GAP requirements. Level 2 adds enhanced controls (equivalent to the former GMP+ or GAP+). Level 3 represents the most comprehensive safety and quality management system, comparable to the former CSQ 1.2 certification.
How long does the CSQ 2.0 certification process take?
Timelines vary based on facility size, complexity, and readiness, but most operations can complete the full process, from preparation through certificate issuance, within a few months. CSQ certification cycles are annual, with recertification audits scheduled each year.
Who needs CSQ 2.0 certification?
Any licensed cannabis or hemp operation, including cultivators, extractors, manufacturers, retailers, and distributors, that wants to demonstrate a verified commitment to product safety and quality. Some state regulations may require or recognize third-party certification, and many buyers, investors, and insurance providers increasingly expect it.
Is Kiwa ASI an accredited CSQ Certification Body?
Yes. Kiwa ASI is a recognized CSQ Certification Body authorized to conduct CSQ audits and issue CSQ certifications. Kiwa ASI is part of the global Kiwa network, bringing decades of auditing expertise across food safety, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and cannabis.
All consulting services are offered through ASI Training and Consulting, LLC. All activity is conducted separately from our accredited certification body, ASI Food Safety, LLC, in order to safeguard against any conflicts of interest.