In the ever-evolving California cannabis industry, consumers seeking products that align with their values of sustainability, quality, and transparency need to try OCal certified cannabis. For those who prioritize organic cultivation practices, the OCal certification has become the trusted seal of approval. But what exactly does it mean to be OCal certified, and why should consumers care?
Understanding OCal Certification
OCal is a California certification program for cannabis products. Cannabis products cultivated under the standards set forth in this program are given a seal of certification deeming them “comparable-to-organic.”
Cannabis is still considered a controlled substance under federal law; therefore, cannabis products can’t be labeled as “USDA Organic”—which is a federally regulated term. In the state of California however, where cannabis has been legalized for both recreational and medicinal use, there is a certification that is comparable to the National Organic Program—OCal Certification.
Introduced in 2021, OCal is the state-run equivalent to “USDA Organic”. This program ensures that cannabis cultivators and manufacturers adhere to cultivation standards like those required by the USDA for traditional agricultural products.
The certification applies to all types of cannabis products. Whether it’s flower, edibles, prerolls, tinctures, or vapes, OCal certification guarantees the product was grown and processed abiding by the highest standards.
What It Takes to Earn OCal Certification
Achieving OCal certification is no small feat—it’s a rigorous process that holds producers to the highest standards. Cultivators must use natural fertilizers and pest control methods that align with organic farming principles. Soil must be free of prohibited substances for at least three years prior to certification.
Protecting the environment is a major focus of the Ocal program; therefore, certified growers must demonstrate sustainable farming practices that protect the ecosystem. Water conservation, energy efficiency and biodiversity preservation are key.
Transparency is non-negotiable. Producers must maintain meticulous records of all inputs, cultivation methods, and processing activities. Certified operations are subject to yearly audits by third-party inspectors who ensure compliance with OCal standards. The certification process doesn’t end once the seal is earned. Producers are expected to adapt and improve practices as new sustainability innovations and regulatory updates arise.
Supporting a Sustainable Future
As the cannabis industry grows, so does its responsibility to operate sustainably. OCal certification represents more than just a label—it’s a commitment to ethical and environmentally friendly practices that benefit the planet, consumers, and the industry itself. By shopping OCal certified products, we can all play a part in cultivating a greener future for California cannabis. That’s why KindPeoples Weed Dispensaries in Santa Cruz is proud to welcome OCal certified brand, Pasta Farm onto our shelves.
Meet Pasta Farm
When it comes to OCal certified cannabis brands, Pasta Farm stands out as a shining example of excellence in sustainable cultivation. Founded in 2019, Pasta Farm is driven by a mission to harness the transformative power of cannabis through an unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Nestled on a 20-acre, high-elevation farm in Northern California, the team at Pasta Farm takes pride in growing premium sun-grown cannabis in native soil, ensuring each plant flourishes naturally under the sun.
Pasta Farm utilizes proprietary farming and preservation techniques, which ensures every bud, year-round is optimized for potency, flavor, and freshness. Vertical integration allows Pasta Farm to maintain complete control over their cultivation process, from seed to sale. Maintaining control of their plants from seed ensures they produce strains that are consistent and always top quality.
Every flower is hand-picked and hand-trimmed, reflecting their artisanal approach to cannabis. According to our KindPeoples Dispensary budtenders from Soquel Avenue and Ocean Street agree, the Lavender Jack strain, Lemon Haze strain, and Grape Gas strain deliver an unmatched cannabis experience.
As an OCAL-certified brand, Pasta Farm exemplifies the gold standard of farming practices, embodying simplicity and excellence while setting a benchmark for sustainability in the cannabis industry. Whether you’re drawn to their innovative preservation techniques or the unmistakable quality of their sun-grown cannabis, Pasta Farm is redefining what it means to grow green.
Explore Pasta Farm at KindPeoples Soquel Avenue and KindPeoples Ocean Street.
FAQs about OCal Certification
OCal certification is a designation for cannabis products grown or produced using comparable-to-organic farming practices. It aligns with the USDA National Organic Program standards but is specific to California’s cannabis industry.
OCal certification assures consumers that products are cultivated using environmentally friendly, sustainable practices without synthetic pesticides or harmful chemicals, ensuring the cleanest, highest-quality product possible.
The USDA Organic label cannot currently be applied to cannabis due to its federally illegal status. OCal certification follows the same rigorous standards but specifically tailored for California cannabis products.
OCal certified farms must use organic soil, avoid synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, implement sustainable water management, and follow strict record-keeping and traceability protocols.
No, cannabis products cannot be labeled as “organic,” as the USDA Organic label does not currently apply to cannabis. The most comparable label a cannabis product can receive in California is the OCal certification.
OCal certified brands promote biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable farming practices, helping to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and protect the planet.
OCal certification applies to raw cannabis flower, manufactured cannabis products, and even items like soil or seeds, provided they meet the program’s standards.
OCal certification emphasizes natural cultivation and freshness, often resulting in higher-quality products with superior flavor, aroma, and potency.
Look for the official OCal logo on product packaging, which signifies that the item meets California’s rigorous organic-like standards for cannabis.